Freehold Things to Do

2 more images

On the north side of Route 522 on the historic Monmouth Battlefield, some 7,000 soldiers of the Continental Army Artillery were stationed here on Perrine Hill. Here, on the roadside sits a blue, informative sign and tells an "historical" tale of Molly Pitcher. It reads:
"Molly Pitcher
Americas First Heroine
During the Revolutionary War, on June 28, 1778.
A blistering hot day at the Battle of Monmouth.
A woman who was with her husband, John Casper Hays,
who served in the Pennsylvania Regiment
carried water to the thirst American soldiers
who shouted "MOLLY, "Molly Pitcher" when they needed water.
Through heavy Bombardment Molly carried the water
to the parched soldiers during the artillery dual.
Her husband was wounded and she immediately
helped load and fire the cannon
continuing the barrage against the British.
Legend has it that General George Washington
commended Molly Pitcher after the battle
and commissioned her a sergeant on the battlefield.
This seems to be substantiated by the fact that
she was given an army pension and buried
in her home town with full military honors in 1832.
The home where she drew the water is to your Northeast
Robert N. Ferrell"

Though Mr. Ferrell's information follows the legend of Molly Pitcher, recent historic researchers find slightly different tales. Mary "Molly" Hays McCauley was at the Battle of Monmouth. She did assist her husband's unit in the blistering heat and cannonade. But, in the excitement that ensued after the victorious battle, the tales of Molly's heroic action of helping fire the cannon may have been exagerated and confused with another Revolutionary War heroine named Margaret Corbin ("Captain Molly"). Corbin's husband was killed at the Battle of Fort Washington, New York on November 16, 1776.

Also, the exact place where Molly drew the water is unclear. Mr. Ferrell's sign places it at the house just to the northeast, which would have been yards ahead of the cannonade she was assisting. Another "known spot" is a small well across the street from the area where this sign sits. That would have put Molly running 200 yards towards the British line to draw water. Unlikely. The park has identified the most likely place where Molly got the water...and by the way, she would have been carrying in an artillery bucket, not a pitcher, like legend says.

The Battle of Monmouth was waged in near 100 degree (F) heat, in the open, sunny fields of local farms. Historical accounts show that local wells had been run dry, and the water in the creeks surrounding the battlefield were muddy. The only clean water source readily accessible would have been a spring, which sits to the northeast of the regiment. About 200 yards BEHIND the line. The park has marked historical signs at this more probable site.

A private recorded a story telling how a cannonball flew right between Molly's legs, ripping her petticoat, but how the brave lady continued on her mission.

What many people don't know about NJ is that about 70% of it is undeveloped. Although Freehold is an extremely densley populated city, it is located in a very beautiful and scenic area of NJ. Only about 30 minutes from Freehold is one of the most beatiful places in the country (in my opinion), the Highlands. There are 3 tourist attractions in this area that can be covered in one day:

1. Mt. Mitchell Scenic Overlook- Mt. Mitchell is the highest natural point in Monmouth county, and affords some of the best views of the Raritan Bay and the New York City skyline available.

2. Battery Lewis at Hartshorne Woods- Once a military base, then abandoned and turned into a 14 mile long park along the Navesink Bay and Atlantic Ocean. From atop the battery and mountains you can see breathless views of the ocean, Sea Bright, Sandy Hook, and NYC.

3. Twin Lights- Once a double-lighthouse, this monument is recognized from all over. On top of a mountain overlooking the ocan and bay, you can climb 200 feet to the top of the north lighthouse for the best views anywhere.

Freehold area played a big part in the American Revolution, and its prevelant in parts of town. Allaire Historic Village, Railroad, and State Park is only about 15 minutes outside of Freehold, and is a beautiful place to spend a day.

See a real, working 1700's steel mining and milling town, complete with buildings restored and reenactments, as well as the historic Pine Creek Railroad from the mid-1800's! Ride the Pine Creek Railroad on its mile loop in 1850's era train cars!

$5.00 entry fee weekends.

Anywhere in NJ, you can visit many farms and pick your own fruits and vegetables. Freehold/Monmouth County have several.

http://www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/searches/pyo.htm

If for some reason, this site is not working, just do a search of "New Jersey" and "u-pick" and I am sure you will find something.

There are also a working historic farm in the Monmouth County area: Longstreet Farm in Holmdel (http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/parks/longstreet_revised.asp) at 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel (732) 946-3758. The farm is free, and there is a park next to it for hiking and for the kids to play in. Various activities occur throughout the year that the public can participate in, such as harvest, etc.

generally, the Freehold Center Partnership organizes the outdoor activities in the boro. Last Thursday from May through September is Kruize Night when antique cars are driven into town. On other Thursdays, there are usually bands playing. And most recently, a gazebo has been set up on Main Street for other performers on random nights. The partnership also organizes small downtown festivals. You should look at their website to find the latest. THey are all free.

http://www.freeholdcenter.com/

I've never seen so many bicycles in my life! The Metz Bicylce Museum has one of the world's largest collections of historical bicycles and other historical means of transportation, and is quite interesting.

In the 1700's, our country's forefathers fought for our independence. The Battle of Monmouth occured right here in Freehold.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park commemorates one of the largest battles of the American Revolution. There are miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, as well as a restored farmhouse that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Located in Freehold, NJ.

There are also battle re-enactments during the warmer months.

For all you nature lovers out there, turkey Swamp park is the perfect place. Just a couple of miles outside of downtown Freehold is this nature lover's paradise, complete with 2 large lakes, miles and miles of trails, and camping facilities. Kayak and Canoe rentals available during the summer in the lake.