Sunday, June 19, 2011
Two hundred thirty-three years ago on June 28, the Battle of Monmouth was fought. On June 19, 2011, this battle during the Revolutionary War was re-enacted in part.
I spent part of the morning and the afternoon at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, NJ. Though the battle didn't begin until 1:30 P.M., there were plenty of people to learn from and things to look at from a few centuries ago. Supposedly, people came to the park Friday night to camp out until Sunday. But they restricted themselves as much as possible to the times of the 18th century- with a few exceptions of course. In the "kitchen" area, which consisted of multiple fire pits, there was a coffee pot, which apparently didn't surface until the nineteenth century."Some people just can't go without their coffee" one man told a group. There was a cannon demonstration at noon, where the speaker discussed each step required before firing the cannon.
The re-enactment was interesting to watch. Though nothing was actually being fired in the air, I could see how each side acted and reacted to the other. I found it entertaining that a person drummed along as the Continental Army marched into the battlefield. What was most entertaining, however, was hearing the "Hazzah!"s after the battle was won.
I found out from a woman that there are several re-enactments throughout New Jersey, I just need to google them to find out times and locations. Good to know, because I'd like to repeat this visit elsewhere. It's a live history lesson!
Pictures are 73-189: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150286084805260.378367.753450259&l=60e13f931a
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