Imagine standing here on June 26, 1778, as thousands of British and Hessian soldiers pass by on their way to the Battle of Monmouth. British General Henry Clinton chose this house as his headquarters and knocked on the door of Elizabeth Covenhoven, the woman who lived here. He promised her the army would respect her belongings—but soon, soldiers were taking her horses, cattle, and other possessions right from the property.
As you explore the Covenhoven House today, think about what it must have been like to have an army camped right outside your door, and how life could change in an instant during the Revolution.
What's Nearby
Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.
Stories from Covenhoven House
The Battle of Monmouth took place on June 28, 1778, between the Continental Army and British forces, and is now preserved as Monmouth Battlefield State Park.
This tavern marked the turning point of Washington's advance against Henry Clinton's column. It was here that the order was given to Charles Lee to attack the next morning, June 28, 1778, thus commencing the Battle of Monmouth.
New Jersey militia and Continentals assaulted a British column in-and-around these grounds in mid-June of 1778, just days before a continued series of skirmishes reached their zenith at the Battle of Monmouth.