Battle of Monmouth Courthouse

This is a description of what happened before, after, and during, the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse.

Battle of Monmouth Courthouse

The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, fought on June 28, 1778, was one of the largest battles of the American Revolutionary War. After the Continental Army's winter at Valley Forge, George Washington's soldiers emerged better trained and more disciplined.

When the British evacuated Philadelphia and marched toward New York, Washington saw an opportunity to attack. The result was a long, exhausting battle fought in extreme summer heat.

Perfect Opportunity

Following the winter and spring at their encampment at Valley Forge, the Continental Army was better trained, more disciplined, and refreshed.

Commander-in-Chief George Washington learned that British forces planned to evacuate Philadelphia and return to New York City. The roughly 100-mile march would take the British largely through New Jersey.

Washington saw the evacuation as a perfect opportunity to attack the retreating British army.

A Deadly Battle on a Blistering Day

On June 28, 1778, Washington ordered an advance force of several thousand men to attack the British rear guard near Monmouth Courthouse, New Jersey, as the British continued their march toward New York.

Patriot General Charles Lee commanded the initial American attack. The assault quickly became confused, and Lee's forces began a disorganized retreat.

An enraged Washington reportedly confronted Lee before taking command of the retreating troops. Washington rallied the Continental soldiers, who regrouped and held the British in check until the main American force could arrive.

The battle continued for hours in extreme heat, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. As evening approached, the fighting finally stopped.

Washington intended to resume the battle the following day, but the British withdrew during the night and continued their march toward New York City.

The legend of Molly Pitcher was born at the Battle of Monmouth.

An Encouraging Draw

Both armies suffered hundreds of casualties during the Battle of Monmouth. The extreme heat was especially dangerous, and many soldiers collapsed or died from heat-related illness as well as combat wounds.

The battle is generally remembered as a tactical draw. The Patriots did not stop the British retreat to New York, but they demonstrated that the improved Continental Army could stand against British regulars in a large open-field battle.

Monmouth was the last major battle fought in the Northern Theater of the Revolutionary War. Afterward, British strategy increasingly shifted toward the southern colonies, where British leaders hoped to find stronger Loyalist support.

Why it mattered: Monmouth showed that the Continental Army had become a more disciplined and effective fighting force after its training at Valley Forge.

Battles and Events of the Revolutionary War

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