June 28, 1778. The temperature was already climbing toward one hundred degrees when the guns opened fire at Monmouth — the day that would make Mary Hays a legend.

Washington sent an advance force under General Charles Lee to strike the British rear guard, but the attack tangled, the advance fell back in confusion, and Washington himself came galloping up to rally his men. This lesson tells how the biggest day of Mary’s life began — with her already on the field, pitcher in hand.

Lesson 1H of the Molly Pitcher Life Story series from Capite Universe — history brought to life for kids ages 6–14, and for families and classrooms who love learning through story.