A Tour of Historic Freehold, Wemrock Style

The name Wemrock brings us back to another time. Wemrock Orchards and its farms have been staples in Freehold since I can remember. Whenever I travel the road, I visualize the past mixed with the future. Did you know there was a cider mill once, on Wemrock Road? Hard cider was a popular form of alcoholic beverage in the 19^th century. Today, it is said that parts of the mill can still be found in the underbrush if anyone bothered to look. In the spring, a great project for a beautiful day might be to visit some of the places that represent historic Freehold.

I take Wemrock west to travel the boundaries of Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The Rhea Farm, dating back to the 18^th century allows me to enter a world I have only studied in books. The dwelling is said to have been standing during the Battle of Monmouth. This knowledge is a testament to the pristine record keeping during this historical time. The Carr family occupied the farm first. The Rheas, who were the next owners, lived there for generations. This simple home has received a grant to fund restoration. The exterior of the farmhouse has been restored.

Located on the east side of Wemrock Rd. close to the Freehold/Englishtown border is the Belle Terre Farm, which was originally a part of the Rhea property. It was incorporated into Battlefield State Park, as it was the place where British Artillery Troops fired on the revolutionaries. There was over a two-hour exchange recorded on June 28, 1778.  Excavations of the site have unearthed artifacts including musket balls and grapeshot.

Then of course there is Craig House, located at the end of Schibanoff Ln. near Route 9. The past mixes with the present as you can see the commuter lot across the way. Archibald Craig built the house in 1700s, before the Revolutionary War began. As history tells it, Craig’s grandson John served in the local militia, leaving his wife and family. When the British began taking over the area, John’s wife hid all their valuables by wrapping them and placing the package at the bottom of the well then fled to safety. The story continues that British soldiers drank from the well on a hot June day until it was almost dry. The soldiers discovered and confiscated the valuables.

Crossing over the Molly Pitcher Bridge off Wemrock, you can recall another historic event. Molly’s name is very familiar to Freehold residents because of her courageous actions during the Revolutionary War. Her husband was shooting at the enemy with a cannon. When he was killed, legend has it Molly took over to continue the fight.

After the tour, stop by the American Hotel for a snack. It was actually built in 1824, however with its new face-lift, it does not look its age. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln stayed there on his way to Gettysburg? 

One spring day, visit the historic landmarks that represent the rich history of Freehold. Bring the family.