Monmouth Battle Monument

Freehold, New Jersey, United States

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Listed, not yet checked · Oct 2026

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A granite memorial column of over 90 feet in front of the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, New Jersey, dedicated on 13 November 1884 and ringed at the base by five bronze relief tablets of the 1778 Battle of Monmouth.

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Monmouth Battle Monument

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40.26351° N, 74.27775° W

FIELD GUIDE

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The Monmouth Battle Monument is a granite column of over 90 feet in front of the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, described by Revolutionary NJ as one of the highest monuments in New Jersey. It commemorates the Battle of Monmouth of 28 June 1778.

A history by David Martin, hosted by Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, says former governor Joel Parker first proposed it in 1877, land was acquired in 1878 and the cornerstone was laid on 28 June 1878, the centennial of the battle. It was dedicated on 13 November 1884 and rededicated on 17 November 1984. The American Legion's memorial register lists the funding as coming from the Monmouth Battle Monument Association, county residents, the State of New Jersey and descendants of soldiers who fought in the battle.

Five bronze relief tablets ring the base. The Friends of Monmouth history describes them as one of the earliest and largest works of New York sculptor James E. Kelly. They show Ramsay Defending His Guns, Washington Rallying the Troops, Molly Pitcher, the Council of War at Hopewell and Wayne's Charge. A figure called Liberty Triumphant or Columbia Triumphant tops the column. Revolutionary NJ says the original, supplied by Frederick and Field of Quincy, Massachusetts, was shattered by lightning in August 1894, and that Badger Brothers of Quincy made the replacement, mounted in May 1896.

Sources give different figures for the height: the Friends of Monmouth history says 94 feet, while Revolutionary NJ says over 90. The Friends of Monmouth history says the beardless gunner in the Molly Pitcher panel was modelled by Thomas A. Edison; Revolutionary NJ says legend holds this.

The monument stands outdoors at the corner of Court Street and Monument Street, in front of the courthouse.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

An outdoor granite monument with five bronze relief tablets at its base, standing in front of the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold. It can be seen from the street outside; the courthouse is a working government building.

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Corner of Court Street and Monument Street, Freehold, New Jersey, directly in front of the Monmouth County Courthouse. It is an outdoor monument, always visible from the street.

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