Revolutionary History in Rumson, Sandy Hook

This year’s Independence Day may have come and gone, but local residents can still feel the colonists’ spirit just by exploring Shrewsbury and Monmouth County, which has more Revolutionary War sites than most New Jersey counties.

Here is a list of places to check out this summer:

Rumson

Joshua Huddy's Leap Monument, at West Park, Rumson Road and Ward Avenue. Before being executed by the British, war prisoner Joshua Huddy briefly escaped here.

Battle of Black Point marker, at East River and Black Point roads. Another skirmish took place here just as the British were leaving for Sandy Hook.

Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook Lighthouse, at Hartshorne Drive. This lighthouse was taken over by the British and remained under their control for most of the war.

Halyburton Monument, Hartshorne Drive. On this site there were more Revolutionary graves, although they were moved in the early 1900s.

British Embarkation Marker, at Hartshorne Drive. British troops passed through this point to complete their withdrawal from the Battle of Monmouth.

Highlands

Joshua Huddy Hanging Site, Huddy Park, Bay and Waterwitch avenues. Captain Joshua Huddy was hanged here by the British.

Shrewsbury

Christ Church and Cemetery, Sycamore Avenue and Broad Street. This was used as a barracks for patriot soldiers.

Sycamore Monument, Sycamore Avenue and Broad Street. This marks a trail used by George Washington’s troops.

Allen House, 400 Sycamore Avenue. It was here that a Loyalist patrol attacked Continental Army soldiers that were stationed there.

Colts Neck

Colts Neck Memorial Park, Heyers Mill Road. This location features the Private Michael Field Gravestite and Joshua Huddy Memorial.

Colts Neck Inn, 6 County Road Route 537 West. The Joshua Huddy Homestead Site is directly adjacent from the historic inn.

Englishtown

Village Inn, Main and Water streets. It was here that General Washington ordered the arrest of General Charles Lee, who had disobeyed orders in the Battle of Monmouth.

Freehold

Covenhoven House, 150 West Main St. A British general occupied this house.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 33 Throckmorton St. Legend has it that this church was used as a hospital during the war.

Monmouth Court House, Main and Court streets. This building was also used as a hospital.

Monmouth County Historical Association, 70 Court St. The historical association has a number of artifacts from colonial days and the Battle of Monmouth.

Monmouth Battle Monument, Court and Monument streets.

Holmdel

Holmes-Hendrickson House, 62 Longstreet Rd. A major skirmish occurred here after the house was attacked by a group of Loyalists.

Manalapan

Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 347 Rte. 33. One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place here.

Marlboro

Old Brick Ref. Church Cemetery, Rte. 520 and Dunn Drive. At least two Revolutionary War soldiers are buried here.

Matawan

Philip Freneau Grave Site, 112 Poet Dr. Revolutionary poet and friend of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson is buried here.

Burrowes Mansion, 94 Main St. This house was a rallying point for colonial troops.

Middletown

Murray Farmhouse, 345 Oak Hill Rd. This was the home of Joseph Murray, a member of the colonists’ local militia.

Marlpit Hall, 137 Kings Hwy. This house was the home of a prominent Loyalist.

Washington Reconnoitering Expedition Sign, Route 35 and Kings Hwy (in front of the police building). This sign states that George Washington and his men rode through here on a reconnoitering expedition

British Retreat Route Markers (Showing the British army’s movement after the Battle of Monmouth).
• Kings Highway near Normandy Rd.
• Kings Highway and Brandywine Way 
• Church Street and Kings Highway.

Throckmorton-Lippit-Taylor Burying Ground, 137 Kings Hwy. More deceased Revolutionary figures are here.

British Campsite, Kings Highway at Monmouth and Navesink avenues. This was an old campsite used by British soldiers while they waited for transport to Sandy Hook.

Tennent

Old Tennent Church & Cemetery, 448 Tennent Rd. Many soldiers are buried here, including Joshua Huddy.

Upper Freehold

Historic Walnford, 62 Walnford Rd. The owner of this house was arrested in 1777 for refusing to affirm his allegiance to the government.

West Long Branch

Old Free Church Cemetery, Monmouth Avenue near W. Palmer Avenue. Several Revolutionary soldiers are buried here.

More information about historic sites in Monmouth County can be found at the Monmouth County Historical Association website, or at visitmonmouth.com.