The Battle of Monmouth Historic Scout Trail

The Battle of Monmouth, fought on the plains of western Monmouth County where General George Washington rallied his troops in sweltering weather on June 28, 1778, taught the British that the American colonists were determined to fight for their land and their ideas, and that no longer would they run. The Battle of Monmouth was the last major engagement in the north, and, in numbers of troops engaged, one of the largest in the war. The dramatic highlight of the battle was immortalized by the German artist Emanuel Leutze in his painting “Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth,” which hangs today in the Monmouth County Historical Association Museum in Freehold. June 28th 2003 marked the 225th Anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth. BSA Units are encouraged to help celebrate this historic occasion by hiking the trail.

The Trail starts at Quail Hill Scout Reservation, Lawrence Training Center and finds its way to such historical places as Moses Laird Home and Village Inn in Englishtown. Other sites are: Old Tennent Church, Sutfin House, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Molly Pitcher’s Well, and Craig House. The Trail ends in Freehold where St. Peter’s Church, Old Monmouth Court House, and Battle of Monmouth Monument in the Battle of Monmouth Park may be seen. The Trail is about 11 miles long. This is not a loop trail and as such arrangements must be made for return transportation from the end of the trail.

Qualifications: The Trail is designed specifically for the Boy Scout program, however, it may be hiked by members of similar community groups. Groups wishing to make this a one day event will find this trail especially good. Minimum requirement for hiking the Trail is that the Scout must be a Webelos. Other hikers not in Scouting must be 9 years old.

Scout Requirements: All Scouts must conform to all normal requirements set by the Boy Scouts of America governing hiking activities. Wearing a uniform is required. Pencils are necessary in order to fill out the questionnaire. A bag lunch and water canteens are necessary.

Trail Requirements: For the Trail award, there is a questionnaire with 18 informative fill-in questions. These are to be turned in to the group leader at the end of the Trail in order to receive the medal. Starting time for the trail is Saturday mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Units may select their own starting time, but must report to the pre-hike briefing area thirty minutes prior to this time. Tour leaders from out of Monmouth Council are requested to have a copy of Tour Permit (#4426) with them. All vehicles required for return trip should be moved to the end of the trail at the rear parking lot for the courthouse in the center of Freehold Boro, well in advance of the unit’s arrival at Lawrence lodge for the pre-hike briefing.

Time Needed: The Trail may be hiked from the Saturday after Labor Day to the Saturday before Memorial Day. The Trail will be closed on holiday weekends and in cases of inclement weather or at other times where safety might be an issue. This trail is great for a one day event for units in the Monmouth Council area. Camping in the area is strongly recommended at the Quail Hill Scout Reservation facilities.

Registration: An application for your unit to hike the Trail must be received by Monmouth Council at least two weeks prior to the date you wish.

Trail Medals And Patches: Trail Medals, patches and coffee mugs are available to all individuals hiking the Battle of Monmouth Trail at a cost of $6.00 per medal, and $5.00 per patch or mug. Medals may only be earned by registered Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts or Explorers who complete the questionnaire and hike the full trail. Patches and mugs may be purchased by Webelos or anyone hiking the trail. All sales are made only to the Unit Leader at the time of pre-hike briefing and in advance of the Units hiking the trail. All checks should be made payable to Monmouth Council BSA.

Overnight Camping: Facilities for overnight camping are available at Quail Hill Scout Reservation. Information regarding fees and reservations may be obtained from Monmouth Council, 705 Ginesi Dr., Morganville, New Jersey 07751. Telephone: (732) 536-2347.

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your interest in the Battle of Monmouth Scout Trail.

Below is an application for your unit to hike the Battle of Monmouth Scout Trail which must be received at least 2 weeks prior to your hike date. A beautiful Trail Medal is available for $6.00 and a Trail Patch or mug for $5.00, payable at the beginning of the Trail.

Starting times are staggered at 15 minute intervals between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, Saturdays ONLY beginning the weekend after Labor Day until the weekend before Memorial Day. Units are to be at Quail Hill for check-in prior to this time. Check in is at the Lawrence Training Center. A pre-hike presentation will be presented before you hike, but units are encouraged to review the history of the Battle of Monmouth beforehand. Tour leaders outside Monmouth Council are requested to have a copy of Tour Permit (#4426) with them. This is not a loop trail and as such arrangements must be made for return transportation from the end of the trail. All vehicles for return trip should be moved to the end of the trail prior to the unit’s arriving at Lawrence lodge for the pre-hike briefing.

If you wish to camp in the area we strongly recommend that you use the Quail Hill Scout Reservation facilities. Please check below if you wish to camp. Units will need to provide their own camping gear and provisions. Wood, propane or charcoal may be used for cooking.

Historic Trail Committee

P.S. If you need additional information, call (732) 536-2347.

PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION

Unit # _______ of ________________________________________________ of

________________________________________________ Council, would like to hike

the Battle of Monmouth Scout Trail on Saturday, ________________________, 200__.

Two alternate dates are: ________________________ and ________________________.

We will have approximately ________ Scouts and ______ Adults hiking the Trail.