FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 13, 2008
George Washington, Molly Pitcher assist
in county’s 325th birthday celebration
FREEHOLD – Monmouth County kicked off its 325th birthday celebration today with two very special guests appearances: George Washington and Molly Pitcher.
The county’s actual birthday was March 7, 1683 when an Act of the Provincial General Assembly divided the Province of East Jersey into four counties: Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth. While this event happened long before the Revolutionary War, Washington and Molly Pitcher are regarded as two of the most prominent figures to have ever visited Monmouth County.
Gen. Washington led the fight against a caravan of some 10,000 British soldiers on June 28, 1778 right here in Monmouth County. The Battle of Monmouth served as a turning point in the war because it proved to the Americans that they can stand up to the British soldiers and prevail. Molly Pitcher, whose real name was Mary Hays McCauly, supplied soldiers with water from a nearby spring, and is said to have taken her husband’s place at a cannon when he was wounded in the battle.
“Monmouth County has a rich and proud history, before during and after the birth of this great nation,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “But the most thrilling time had to be during the Revolutionary War when so many skirmishes happened on our soil. Since then, Monmouth County’s sons and daughters have continued the never-ending fight to preserve freedom.”
To commemorate the county’s 325th anniversary, a number of events have been planned throughout the year, including a historic driving tour of Monmouth County. Maps are being created and will be posted on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
During her performances, Molly Pitcher, played by Kim Hanley of the American Historical Theatre, Philadelphia, recounted that June 28, 1778 was a very hot day and she was bringing water from a well to the soldiers. On one of her return trips she saw that her husband lay wounded and was unable to man the cannon.
“If you’ve seen a cannon loaded once you’ve seen it loaded a hundred times, so rather than leave a hole in the line I took my husband’s spot at the cannon,” she said. “And we not only held the line that day – we pushed the British right off the field.”
“Almost off the field, as it was getting dark, but we did win the day,” added George Washington, played by John Lopes, also of the American Historical Theatre.
Washington said he had sent Gen. Charles Lee ahead with 6,000 troops to attack the British as they made their way to New York. Soon after the battle was engaged, Lee had apparently ordered his men to retreat, a sight that surprised Washington when he arrived with reinforcements.
Washington relieved Lee of his command and regrouped the Continental Army with the help of Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne and Maj. Gen. Marquis de Lafayette. By the end of the day the Americans, having been trained the previous winter at Valley Forge by Prussian army officer Friedrich Wilhelm Steuben, pushed the British soldiers nearly off the field. Under the cover of darkness, the British fled.
“I was very unfamiliar with the terrain,” Washington said. “Had it not been for the good people of Monmouth, things could have turned out very differently that day.”
Yesterday’s celebration took place during a scheduled workshop meeting of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The meeting was called to order by James Gray, Clerk to the Board, who was dressed in Colonial garb.
“It is amazing when you stop to think about all of the history that is literally all around us,” Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton said. “Monmouth County has a proud tradition in the fight for freedom and we continue that tradition still to this day.”
“The Battle of Monmouth was fought just up the road,” Freeholder William C. Barham said. “I encourage everyone to make a point of visiting the site because it really takes your breath away to stand on ground where American militia fought and died so that we can live free from tyranny.”
“That is why historic preservation is so important,” Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. “Monmouth County not only has a rich history, it has a has a rich tradition of preserving that history – from Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold to the Covenhoven House right here on Main Street. It is truly remarkable when you think of all the history Monmouth County has to offer.”
Freeholder John D’Amico Jr. noted that many of Monmouth County’s historic structures have boosted tourism, bringing visitors from all over the country to visit Monmouth County.
“People may not realize it but, for example, in Shrewsbury there is the Allen House and Christ’s Church,” D’Amico said. “During the mid-1750s, the Allen House operated as the Blue Ball Tavern and, during the Revolution, patriot soldiers used Christ Church as barracks. Since the church was a symbol of the British Crown, they shot at the pulpit and at the crown on top of the steeple.”
A complete listing of events to help commemorate Monmouth County’s 325th anniversary can be found at www.visitmonmouth.com
Monmouth County Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry (left) with George Washington and Molly Pitcher. (John Lopes and Kim Hanley of the American Historical Theatre, Philadelphia)
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