Freehold in Monmouth County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Columbia Triumphant Park and Statue
Liberty Triumphant
Photographed By R. C.
1. Columbia Triumphant Park Marker
Columbia Triumphant Park
This granite carving of Columbia Triumphant–also known as Liberty Triumphant–was part of the original statue placed atop the monument located on nearby Court Street commemorating the June 28, 1778 Battle of Monmouth, a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Damaged by lightning in 1894, the statue was removed and this bust then served as a model for the 1896 replica which stands in its place today.
Erected 2003 by The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1778.
Location. 40° 15.637′ N, 74° 16.427′ W. Marker is in Freehold, New Jersey, in Monmouth County. Marker is on East Main Street (New Jersey Route 79). Park and statue are located on East Main Street between Court and Sheriff Streets, a short walk from the Hall of Records. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Freehold NJ 07728, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Monmouth Court House Site (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peter’s Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. The History of "Columbia Triumphant"
The cornerstone of the Battle of Monmouth Monument was laid on June 3, 1878, the Centennial of the Battle of Monmouth. The monument was completed on November 13, 1884 when the original statue was set atop the monument. The event was marked by a glorious celebration attended by 15,000-20,000 citizens, honorable dignitaries, and militia troops from around the state.
On August 15, 1894, during a violent storm, the statue was struck by lightning causing damage to the lower half of the statue. The Monmouth Battle Monument Commission decided to remove the statue and have a duplicate made. In 1896, the duplicate was hoisted into place. The remaining bust of the original statue
Photographed By R. C.
2. Columbia Triumphant Park
The small plaque explaining Columbia's "nose job" can be seen at the base of the pedestal
A private citizen found the statue buried in mud in the 1940's alongside the railroad tracks and removed it to his property where it was recently discovered. After nearly sixty years there, the statue was returned to its hometown.
Source: http://www.visitmonmouth.com/historicalcomm/Liberty.htm
— Submitted April 15, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
2. Background on this bust of Columbia Triumphant
The Battle of Monmouth monument with the replica statue is elsewhere on the marker site (see Other nearby markers section above). It is the main monument; the figure atop it is the replica.
There was no intent in 1896 to mount this bust. It was returned to Freehold so it could not be used as a model for a replica for some other customer (although the original Freehold statue was apparently made from a yard model in 1884 that was no longer servicable in 1896 which is why the original was returned to Quincy). Thus, it was abandoned by the railroad
Photographed By R. C.
3. Detail of Columbia and her rhinoplasty by lightning
— Submitted December 5, 2009, by Randall Gabrielan of Middletown, New Jersey.
Photographed By R. C.
4. Alternate view of Columbia
Photographed By R. C.
5. Left profile of Columbia
Photographed By R. C.
6. Rear view of Columbia
Photographed By R. C.
7. Plaque at base of statue explaining why Columbia doesn't get her nose fixed!
The figure's nose was broken at an unknown time in its long, harsh and much-traveled past. in keeping with recognized conservation practive, the nose is not repaired as the break is part of the statue's history.
Photographed By R. C.
8. Acknowledgement Plaque (rear of pedestal)
on this site in 2003 was made possible by
The Monmouth County
Board of Chosen Freeholders,
Harry Larrison, Jr. Director
Thomas J. Powers, Deputy Director
Theodore J. Narozanick
Amy H. Handlin
Edward J. Stominski
The Freehold Center Partnership
The Citizens of Monmouth County
The Monmouth County Historical Commission
Peter & Nicholas Granozio and the Granozio Family
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 3,154 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 13, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
