Morristown National Historical Park is significant in that it commemorates a vital phase of our Revolutionary War, for during two critical winters, 1777 and 1779-80, the rolling countryside in and around Morristown, New Jersey, sheltered the main encampments of the American Continental Army and served as the headquarters of its courageous and resourceful Commander-in-Chief, George Washington. Patriot troops were also quartered in this vicinity on many other occasions. Here Washington reorganized his weary and depleted forces almost within the sight of strong British lines at New York. Here came Lafayette with welcome news of the second French expedition sent to aid the Americans. And here was developed, in the face of bitter cold, hunger, hardship, and disease, the Nation's will to independence and freedom. Thus, for a time, this small New Jersey village became the military capital of the United States.
The geography of the Morristown area had a profound influence on the selection of this site for a winter encampment. Located in the Watchung Mountains high above the Hudson River, Morristown provided an excellent observation post from which Washington could observe every move which the British made. The heavily wooded area of Morristown not only shielded the Continental Army from the enemy, but it also contained the necessary hardwood trees to build shelters and provide fuel.
The historical resources within Morristown National Historical Park include the Ford Mansion (ca. 1774), the Wick House (ca. 1750) and the remains of the winter encampment sites in the Jockey Hollow area (1779-80; 1781; 1781-82) and in the New Jersey Brigade site (1779-80) south of it.
In January 1777, the Delaware Light Infantry was quartered in the Ford Mansion, built between 1772 and 1774 by Colonel Jacob Ford Jr., a prominent iron and gunpowder manufacturer who was also a leader of the Morris County Militia. When Washington returned to Morristown late in 1779, Ford's widow offered her home to the General and his official family. It remained his headquarters from December 1, 1789 until June 23, 1780, while his men were camped about five miles south in the Jockey Hollow area. To the Ford Mansion came the American military leaders as well as the Marquis de Lafayette, the Chevalier de la Luzerrue and Don Juan Miralles. Washington used the majority of the rooms not only for the headquarters of the American Army but also for social and living purposes. Remaining in the house is Ford family furniture said to have been there during the revolution.
Situated about 100 yards east of the Ford Mansion during the 1779-80 winter was the hut encampment of the Commander-in-Chief's Guard, commonly called the "Lifeguard."
Genius Value
To be able to stand where George Washington spent such a critical time is a very powerful experience. This was literally a winter where we could have ended up still being a British colony to this day, if it wasn't for the sacrifices made by these people. While the museum and associated locations themselves are less than awesome, the sense of place and time is palpable.
Arrival
The park is minutes off of Rt 287. We arrived from the south, so upon exiting, we were on a one-way street that passes immediately in front of the Ford Mansion. There is no entrance on that side, though, so we had to drive a bit further down the road, then basically go around the block. There are several signs pointing the way, but the actual entrance to the park is on the left and in a curve, so you have to be on the lookout for it.
Parking
There is a lower and upper parking lot, that are more than ample. We parked in the lower parking lot. If you try for the closer upper parking lot and it happens to be full, you'll have to go round and round again to get back to the lower lot, but I don't think it fills very often. It's a short walk even from the lower parking lot, though. Parking is free.
Ticketing
Upon entering the museum, there is a little ticket window. Entrance pays for the museum and the nearby Ford Mansion. Upon paying (or not, because we had a fourth grader with us!), we received tickets for the next guided tour of the Ford Mansion, which happen on the hour. I believe the tours are limited to 20 people, so they could fill up. Reservations are available for group tours.
The Museum
We started our tour by seeing the introductory video. There is a little viewing room right as you enter with a VCR. The movie was actually very good and was probably the highlight of the museum. It gave a really good sense of the time and an orientation to what happened in the area.
The museum basically consists of three galleries. Upon entering and going to the right, there is a gallery of military items. It includes some muskets, cannons and swords. In particular, the sword George Washington wore during his inauguration was on display. It's a small gallery with the items you would expect to find. Nothing particularly unique.
At the other end of the building is a "lifestyle" gallery. This gallery contains items of everyday use for people of the time. It displayed games people played, some crafts, personal hygiene items and a nice harpsichord. As you would expect from a National Park, each item was well documented with a card explaining the item. Overall, it was a nice gallery, but nothing especially noteworthy.
In addition to the two main galleries, the museum has a restroom and fairly large auditorium. Off of the auditorium was another small gallery, which contained a research library. There is a lower level gallery, but it was currently closed for renovations. The museum also had a typical National Park gift shop, where we concluded our visit, after touring the Ford Mansion.
Conclusion
This is a small, well-run museum at a highly significant location. The collection itself is not extraordinary, but it is interesting enough to spend the time while waiting for the tour of the Ford Mansion to begin.
Near Here
Morristown is a very vibrant town, with a rich history and many opportunities. There are numerous places to eat in the area as well as indoor and outdoor recreation areas.
- Lewis Morris County Park
- Patriot's Path
- Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
- Frelinghuysen Arboretum
- Historic Speedwell
- Acorn Hall, Morris County Historical Society
- Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
Related / Alternative Activities
- Ford Mansion
- Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park
- Washington Crossing State Park
- Fort Lee Historic Park
- Old Barracks Museum
