NJ, USA
The Hedgerow
Battlefield
The Hedgerow was a fence line and tree row within the Monmouth battlefield that served as a critical defensive position for the Continental Army during the afternoon engagement on June 28, 1778. Anthony Wayne's brigade and other units used this terrain feature to anchor their defense against repeated British counterattacks.
What Happened Here
After Washington reformed the American line following Lee's retreat, the Hedgerow became one of the anchoring positions of the new defensive line. Wayne's troops, along with other Continental units, used the cover provided by the fence line and vegetation to deliver disciplined volleys into advancing British formations. The British launched several determined assaults against this position, including attacks by grenadier battalions and the Brigade of Guards — elite formations that had rarely been stopped by American troops in earlier engagements. The Hedgerow's defense was one of the most significant tactical achievements of the battle, demonstrating the effectiveness of Steuben's training program. Today, interpretive markers along the park's trail system identify the Hedgerow position and explain its role in the battle.
Visiting Today
Address
Within Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Hours
Dawn to dusk daily
Admission
Free
Connected Events
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Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette, Anthony Wayne
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