Borough of Freehold History
The term “Freehold:” is derived from an English legal term describing fee-simple property ownership. Freehold Borough was incorporated as a town on March 25, 1879, and reincorporated on April 15, 1919, as a separate municipality from Freehold Township. The Lenni Lenape Native Americans were among the earliest settlers in the area. Scottish immigrants also settled here to avoid religious persecution in Scotland.
The Borough of Freehold was designated as the County Seat, and a Count Courthouse was opened in 1715.
During the Revolutionary War, Freehold was known as a center of patriot activity. In 1778 the British Army evacuated the city of Philadelphia and were marching toward New York City. However, they were intercepted by the Continental Army in Freehold, and that Battle of Monmouth became one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War.
The Borough has a land area of 1.9 square miles, and a current population of 12,047 people.
The Borough is rich in many historical attractions dating back to the Revolutionary War era. Lovely Victorian style homes sit on shady tree-lined streets. In 1824, the American Hotel opened on West Main St., where it still stands today, as does the Freehold Racetrack which opened in 1853. Downtown Freehold has experienced a renaissance in recent years with the addition of brick sidewalks. Downtown Freehold features many fine restaurants and shops, and is frequently the site for outdoor concerts, parades, athletic events, a summertime farmers’ market, and many other events.
PUZZLE
N 40 15.A B C
W074 15.D E F
A = 4th digit on the sign in front of Freehold Borough Library
B = 14th digit on the plaque on the Columbia Triumphant Park monument
C = 4th digit on the plaque of the Monmouth County Court House
D = 4th digit by the Theodore Narozanick plaque
E = 9th digit on the plaque on the Columbia Triumphant Park monument
F = 4th digit in the date American Hotel in Freehold opened
Directions:
Posted coordinates will place you at site of Monmouth County Court House, in shrubbery you will find the plaque with needed information for digit C. Headed east on the same side of the street you will come upon the Columbia Triumphant Park with a statue that is missing its nose. Here you will find the answers for missing digits B and E.
Across form the Courthouse you will see white gazebo dedicated to Theodore "Ted" Narozanick, here you will find missing digit D. Walking east you will pass both American Hotel and the Freehold Borough Library where you can obtain the final two digit for the final. Please be careful crossing the street.
