About This Place
Molly Pitcher Spring is a natural spring within Monmouth Battlefield State Park traditionally associated with the water source used by Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley — the historical Molly Pitcher — to carry water to soldiers and artillery crews during the battle. An interpretive marker identifies the site.
Revolutionary Significance
The spring is located near the area where American artillery was positioned during the engagement. According to tradition, Mary Hays carried water from this spring to the troops and cannon crews suffering in the extreme heat of June 28, 1778. While the specific identification of this spring as the one Molly Pitcher used cannot be definitively confirmed, natural springs in the battlefield area were certainly essential water sources during the battle, when heat exhaustion was a significant cause of casualties on both sides. The spring serves as a focal point for interpreting the role of women in the Continental Army and the Molly Pitcher legend. A monument near the spring commemorates the contributions of women during the battle.
Location
Within Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, NJ 07726
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Events at This Location
1778
Franco-American Alliance AnnouncedMarquis de Lafayette
1778
Valley Forge Training Tested at MonmouthFriedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton
1778
British March from Philadelphia to New YorkSir Henry Clinton, Charles Cornwallis
1778
New Jersey Militia Harasses British MarchSir Henry Clinton
1778
Continental Army Departs Valley ForgeSir Henry Clinton, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
1778
War Council at HopewellGeorge Washington, Charles Lee, Anthony Wayne
1778
Lee Demands Advance CommandCharles Lee, Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington
1778
1778
Battle of MonmouthGeorge Washington, Charles Lee, Sir Henry Clinton
1778
Molly Pitcher at the CannonMary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher)
1778
Washington Confronts Lee on the BattlefieldGeorge Washington, Charles Lee, Marquis de Lafayette
1778
Heat Casualties at MonmouthMary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher)
1778
Lee's Retreat at MonmouthMarquis de Lafayette, Charles Lee, Anthony Wayne
1778
Artillery Duel at MonmouthGeorge Washington, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
1778
British Grenadier Attacks RepulsedCharles Cornwallis, Anthony Wayne, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
1778
Hamilton's Horse Shot at MonmouthAlexander Hamilton, George Washington
1778
Washington Reforms the American LineGeorge Washington, Anthony Wayne, Alexander Hamilton
1778
British Night Withdrawal After MonmouthSir Henry Clinton, Charles Cornwallis
1778
Court-Martial of Charles LeeCharles Lee, George Washington, Anthony Wayne
1779
Steuben's Blue Book PublishedFriedrich Wilhelm von Steuben