So, I took Ginger early this morning to do some more fact finding about the American Revolution, the Battle of Monmouth, and Molly Pitcher.  Today, we went to Monmouth Battlefield State Park. 

When we got to the visitor center, we went into the little museum.  We were greeted by one of the nicest park rangers I have ever met.  He talked to us for at least an hour about the battle, and about Mary Hays.  He gave us our own little private tour of their museum.  Wonderful!  I wish I would have thought to get his name.

Then, we went outside and looked around.  Here is Ginger with the monument that greets you as you come into the visitor center. 

It is General Friedrich von Steuben.  He was one of the two "miracles" which changed the direction of the war.  (The other "miracle" was France's decision to join us in our fight against England.)  General von Steuben trained and drilled the Continental Army during the winter in Valley Forge.  Before his service, the new troops were not trained in maneuvers or tactical drills.  They just joined the fight.  The Continental Army was fighting a "professional" army, so they were losing miserably.  They needed von Steuben to teach them the "art" of war.  

Here is another memorial we found behind the visitor center.

It reads,

In honor of

the Battle of Monmouth heroine,

Molly Pitcher, June 28, 1778

Gift of the Historical Societies of

Monmouth County N.J.D.A.R

Monmouth County Heritage Committee

And Friends

Dedicated October 28, 1978

After we saw this memorial, I wanted to go to Perrine Hill, the actual site where Mary Hays helped her husband load the cannons.  But, it was overgrown with grass and CORN, and Ginger had a  recurring fear from that snake the other day.  So, we ended up not taking the trail. 

Instead, we went to Battleview Orchards.  We were going to go peach picking for a little while.  Instead, I had to wait for this.

I discovered a puddle of fuel under my car and all over my engine.  I'm pretty sure it was the fuel line.  Since we had to drive about an hour home, I figured it was best to call the tow truck and not risk a car fire on the side of the road.  With my mechanic husband being in WV right now, this is definitely not what I needed. 

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Posted by 4sweetums

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love your history field trip. What a great way to learn history. I hope the car is ok.
Blessings,
Dawn

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