Monmouth County, New Jersey is a place steeped in history. Located in the central part of the state, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Delaware River to the west. The county was established in 1683 and has played a significant role in shaping the history of New Jersey and the United States as a whole.
The Founding of Monmouth County
The land that would become Monmouth County was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe. In 1664, the land was claimed by the English and became part of the Province of New Jersey.In 1683, Monmouth County was officially established as one of four original counties in New Jersey. The county was named after Monmouthshire, Wales, which was the birthplace of Sir George Carteret, one of the two original proprietors of New Jersey. The county seat was originally located in Freehold, but it was moved to Middletown in 1714.
Revolutionary War and Monmouth County
Monmouth County played a crucial role in the American Revolution. In 1778, the Battle of Monmouth took place in Freehold, making it one of the largest battles of the war. The county also served as a strategic location for British troops due to its proximity to New York City. One notable figure from this time period is Molly Pitcher, also known as Mary Hays McCauley.She gained fame for her bravery during the Battle of Monmouth when she took over her husband's cannon after he was wounded. Her actions earned her a place in history as one of the few women to receive a military pension from Congress.
Notable Figures from Monmouth County
Monmouth County has been home to many notable figures throughout its history. One of the most well-known is Bruce Springsteen, who was born in Long Branch and grew up in Freehold. The legendary musician has referenced his hometown in many of his songs, including "Born to Run" and "My Hometown."Another famous resident of Monmouth County is former President Woodrow Wilson.He spent his childhood in the town of Red Bank and attended college at Princeton University, which is located just outside of the county. Monmouth County has also been home to several influential writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, who wrote "The Great Gatsby" while living in West Long Branch. Other notable writers from the county include Dorothy Parker, Stephen Crane, and James Fenimore Cooper.
Monmouth County Today
Today, Monmouth County is a thriving community with a rich history that is still celebrated and preserved. The county is home to many historical sites, including the Monmouth Battlefield State Park, which commemorates the Battle of Monmouth.The park features a visitor center with exhibits and artifacts from the Revolutionary War. The county also has several museums that showcase its history, such as the Monmouth County Historical Association Museum in Freehold and the Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands. The Twin Lights was a crucial location during the Revolutionary War and served as a lighthouse until 1949.
