Molly Pitcher earned her historical fame during the Battle of Monmouth, which took place in “Monmouth Courthouse” in New Jersey. It has been known as Freehold since the early 1800s, and the battlefield site is about 3 miles from where I grew up. For those who may visit, near the battlefield are several apple orchards with lots of local produce, great pies and the best apple cider donuts on the planet.
bttt
For 20 years I was a member of Friends of Monmouth Battlefield and used to go to the re-enactments, which should have been last weekend (June 28) or the week before.
Actually the entire battle, really the largest of the war, included Freehold. It’s just that the only reserved part is just west of it, mostly where the rebel artillery was located. Gen. Lee started the attack at Freehold but retreated w/o telling not only Washington, but Gen. Morgan who suddenly found himself alone while beginning to get an advantage.
As for Molly Pitcher, it was apparently a common nickname applied to ladies who would help cool the guns.