Washington’s Crossing and Monmouth June 7, 2008
June 8, 2008
Today was a scorcher! The heat index was 104F. We first visited Washington’s Crossing and took a short tour of the buildings there. I would have liked to have visited this place in the winter to see what it looked like. I learned that there were actually three groups that were crossing the river that night to attck the Hessians the next day. One group, below the falls, was unable to cross at all. Another group was able to cross, but since they could not get their artillery across they rowed back across to the Pennsylavania shore the same night. Only Washington’s group was able to cross successfully with their horses and artillery because of the ferry that was located there. Since Washington’s was the only group involved in the attack, about 600 Hessian soldiers were able to escape. I bought a copy of Fisher’s book and I can’t wait to read it. I was glad that I was able to get a picture of the type of boats used in the crossing to show my students. I think that I can give them a much better picture of the days events after our visit.
We then traveled to Monmouth for a guided bus tour. This was a battle between the British army, commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, and the Continenatal army commanded by Lee and Washington. It was very hot that day, very similar we were told, to the weather today. Those poor fellows also had to wear the the heavy wool, or possibly linen, uniforms and we were wearing shorts. It was worth dealing with the heat to get an idea of what these men had to deal with. It was so hot that day that some of the men were chewing on musket balls to help quench their thirst.
Interestingly enough, I noticed another placard, as well as hearing it stated in the video, that this was the turning point of the Revolution. I believe I also heard this at Princeton, or Valley Forge. I can’t remember which. I thought that Saratoga was considered the turning point of the Revolution. Apparently any victory by the Continentals is a turning point in the war, depending on whether or not you live there.
Yes, David, I noticed that “turning point of the revolution” several times myself. We find the same thing happening with Civil War battlefields. All the locals are sure their battle was the single event to cahnge the fortunes of war.
David, I was noticing the same thing! I suspect every town wants to be the turning point of the war, and probably they each were in their own way.
Dave good discription of the day and the uniforms. Nice pic.
Yo, Dave! Thanks for clearing up the logistics of the battle for me – I didn’t understand it while we were there. What the heck were you thinking taking that walking tour. You’re nuts, man.