A Tour of Middletown: Hidden Gems the Average Person Misses
You are a resident of Middletown, formed in 1693 and incorporated in 1798. Maybe this was your place of birth. Maybe you moved here as a child. Maybe you even moved here for your children. Either way, there is one thing everyone in Middletown has in common. We all travel through the many roads of Middletown, whether it be via public transportation, with a parent or guardian, or all alone - everyone eventually leaves their house to go to work or school. I’m sure I know what you’re thinking. “Middletown is just a plain old town like any other town. There is nothing special or unique about it.” Boy, are you wrong!
Middletown rich in history, held a significant residential role in the American Revolution. There are plenty of special and unique things about Middletown, some of broad and unmissable such as the Taylor-Butler House, or the Seabrook-Wilson House (aka the Spy House). Others are often missed by the average person, many of which are tiny reminders of the significant revolutionary history our town has. In the town of Middletown, the most commonly missed feature of history are signs. Throughout the town, there are several signs revealing the area surrounding was part of a British Campsite, or a British retreat route. Unfortunately, all of these signs are located on very busy roads, so it is difficult for most to notice. All these signs connect to the British campsites and retreat routes that were in place after the Battle of Monmouth.
The Battle of Monmouth,took place in what is now Freehold, and ended on June 28, 1778. The Battle of Monmouth ended in a draw between the British and American, with around five-hundred deaths, wounds and captures. Following this battle, British armies began to retreat and make way towards Sandy Hook, in order to end up back in New York City (occupied by British). The British army was led by Sir Henry Clinton, a British politician and army leader best known for his role in the American Revolution. In Middletown, these signs mark areas that were significant to the British army. They each give a brief explanation on the British motives for retreat and destinations.
The signs are located throughout Middletown in various locations. The Campsite signs are located mainly on Chapel Hill Road, Kings Highway, Navesink Avenue, and Monmouth Avenue. The retreat route signs are located on Church Street, and Kings Highway- near Normandy Road and Brandywine Way. For those of you who are not very familiar with road names, as I myself am not, signs can be found near the Middletown Arts Center, Deepcut Gardens, and Christ Church.
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