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Historic House

Craig House (Owl Nest)

About This Place

The Craig House, also known as Owl Nest, is a colonial-era farmhouse within Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The house served as a field hospital during the Battle of Monmouth and is one of several surviving structures from the period of the engagement.

Revolutionary Significance

During the Battle of Monmouth, the Craig House and its outbuildings were used to shelter wounded soldiers from both armies. The farmstead sat near the center of the battlefield, and its proximity to the fighting meant that casualties were brought to the house throughout the day. The extreme heat of June 28, 1778 — with temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit — made the need for shelter and water particularly urgent. The Craig House is one of the few surviving structures that witnessed the battle, and its preservation provides visitors with a tangible connection to the events of that day. The house has been restored and is open for guided tours during special events.

Location

Within Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, NJ 07726

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Events at This Location

  1. 1778

  2. 1778

    Valley Forge Training Tested at Monmouth

    Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton

  3. 1778

    British March from Philadelphia to New York

    Sir Henry Clinton, Charles Cornwallis

  4. 1778

  5. 1778

    Continental Army Departs Valley Forge

    Sir Henry Clinton, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

  6. 1778

    War Council at Hopewell

    George Washington, Charles Lee, Anthony Wayne

  7. 1778

    Lee Demands Advance Command

    Charles Lee, Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington

  8. 1778

  9. 1778

    Battle of Monmouth

    George Washington, Charles Lee, Sir Henry Clinton

  10. 1778

    Molly Pitcher at the Cannon

    Mary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher)

  11. 1778

    Washington Confronts Lee on the Battlefield

    George Washington, Charles Lee, Marquis de Lafayette

  12. 1778

    Heat Casualties at Monmouth

    Mary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher)

  13. 1778

    Lee's Retreat at Monmouth

    Marquis de Lafayette, Charles Lee, Anthony Wayne

  14. 1778

    Artillery Duel at Monmouth

    George Washington, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

  15. 1778

    British Grenadier Attacks Repulsed

    Charles Cornwallis, Anthony Wayne, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

  16. 1778

    Hamilton's Horse Shot at Monmouth

    Alexander Hamilton, George Washington

  17. 1778

    Washington Reforms the American Line

    George Washington, Anthony Wayne, Alexander Hamilton

  18. 1778

    British Night Withdrawal After Monmouth

    Sir Henry Clinton, Charles Cornwallis

  19. 1778

    Court-Martial of Charles Lee

    Charles Lee, George Washington, Anthony Wayne

  20. 1779

    Steuben's Blue Book Published

    Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

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