Take Your Own Presidential Tour Through Freehold

In honor of George Washington’s birthday (which is actually Feb. 22), and . But let’s not forget our presidential history, especially since we live in such a historic town. The Battle of Monmouth took place right in our backyards, so let's honor President Washington with a trip to the historic spots in town. Most of these sites will be closed Monday in honor of President’s Day, or are only open seasonally, but be sure to pay a visit to them in the near future.

1. The Covenhoven House is Georgian house on West Main Street built in 1752-53 by William and Elizabeth Covenhoven. The house served as the headquarters for British General Sir Henry Clinton just before the Battle of Monmouth. The Monmouth County Historical Association maintains the home, which is open May through September on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

2. While several incarnations of the Hall of Records building were destroyed by fires in 1727, 1855, 1873 and 1930, the site carries historical weight. The Declaration of Independence was read in the courthouse in the Hall of Records after it was signed in Philadelphia. During the Battle of Monmouth, the building housed wounded British and American soldiers. According to Monmouth County’s account of the Hall of Records’ history, Clinton left 45 soldiers behind at the site when the British Army withdrew from the area.

3. The Rhea-Applegate House was built in 1745 and is located in Monmouth Battlefield State Park. According to Barbara Pepe, author of Freehold: A Hometown History, Washington used the house a landmark to position American troops.

4. The Craig House, built in the early 1700s, is also located in Monmouth Battlefield State Park, near the west side of the Route 9 Schibanoff Commuter Lot. The building housed served as a hospital for both armies during the battle. According to Freehold Township’s account of the building’s history, the Craig family hid their silver in the water well on the property; British soldiers drank the well dry during the hot weather and discovered and stole the silver.

5. And of course, a tour of presidential history in Freehold (and Manalapan) wouldn’t be complete without a walk through Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The park is open in the winter from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.