Monmouth County Gets An Early Start On Nation's 250th Birthday

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County seat of Freehold, which has its own rich Revolutionary-era history, will be at the heart of area events to celebrate America's upcoming 250th birthday in 2026.

Monmouth County officials will launch “America 250 Monmouth NJ” to underscore Monmouth County's significance to the American Revolution, while marking the country's 250th anniversary.

In what may be first event in honor of the country's milestone birthday - its "semiquincentennial," there will be a gathering of officials, live music and more on Wednesday, June 28, at 1 p.m. in front of the Hall of Records at 1 E. Main St., county officials announced.

America 250 Monmouth NJ Committee co-chairs are Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone and Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon.

They will explain their plans for the multi-year celebration on Wednesday.

“We would like to invite everyone to join us for the ‘America 250 Monmouth NJ’ kick-off on June 28, which also happens to be the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, a crucial and pivotal event to the American Revolution,” said Arnone.

The Declaration of Independence was signed July 4, 1776. In the ensuing Revolutionary War, the Battle of Monmouth, also known as the Battle of Monmouth Court House, was fought near Freehold on June 28, 1778. The battle is re-enacted every year, this year on June 17 and 18.

But the 250th anniversary should be a time of celebration and education, and Hanlon said it's never too early to prepare.

She said 2026 "may seem like a long way off, but we are excited to embark on the journey toward this momentous event,” she said.

“Join us as we look back on the people, places and events that have carved Monmouth’s history over the past 250 years,” she hinted, speaking of future events and programs.

So stay tuned, to use more modern vernacular, for the debut of the America 250 Monmouth NJ website and social media handles.

Those platforms will be used to promote events and programs such as parades, re-enactments and historical tours, the county said.

The event Wednesday will feature live vocalist performances and “Lady,” a rescued New York City carriage horse now housed at Foreluck Farm in Atlantic Highlands.

Lady will make a "special delivery down Main Street," was all the county would disclose about the launch Wednesday.

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners established the America 250 Monmouth NJ Committee to plan and provide guidance for the county’s official once-in-a-lifetime observances and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For news and alerts from Monmouth County, visit www.visitmonmouth.com or follow @MonmouthGovNJ on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“We are excited to highlight our rich history and celebrate the beginnings of the greatest country on Earth,” Arnone said.