Washington's Headquarters at Morristown photographed in the winter
National Park | Historic House

Ford Mansion

The mansion once housed George Washington, who utilized it as his headquarters in the freezing winter of 1779.

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The Ford Mansion, a Georgian-style home built in 1774 by Colonel Jacob Ford Jr., a prominent iron manufacturer and militia leader, stands as a testament to the resilience and strategic importance of Morristown during the American Revolution. Following Colonel Ford's untimely death in 1777, his widow, Theodosia Ford, opened their home to General George Washington during the harsh winter of 1779-1780. Washington, along with his wife Martha, five aides-de-camp, eighteen servants, and numerous visiting dignitaries and guards, utilized the mansion as his military headquarters, while Mrs. Ford and her four children occupied two rooms. ​

Today, the Ford Mansion is preserved as part of the Morristown National Historical Park. Visitors can explore the mansion through guided tours offered by the National Park Service, gaining insight into the daily lives of both the Ford family and Washington's military staff during a pivotal moment in American history. The mansion's well-preserved rooms and authentic artifacts provide a tangible connection to the past, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced during the Revolutionary War

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

Washington's Headquarters at Morristown photographed in the winter

Morristown, NJ 07960

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View from a gun position at Fort Nonsense, Morristown NPS

Morristown, NJ 07960

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The Wick House at Jockey Hollow in Morristown

Morristown, NJ 07960

5.888168745995
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12.536290822667
20.568303093547
20.692601932297
21.892918836341
Dey Mansion with overcast sky

Wayne, NJ 07470

23.998234750583
Abraham Staats House, located in South Bound Brook, NJ

South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

27.638939383439
28.447981809695
Exterior of the Wallace House

Somerville, NJ 08876

28.487152071308
28.530170663528
31.479557265117
31.608141521927

Stories from Ford Mansion

Trail Site

Morristown National Historical Park marks the site of the Continental Army’s 1779-80 encampment under George Washington. It symbolizes America’s fight for independence and Washington’s leadership in uniting the army, remaining a lasting symbol of resilience and patriotism.

Trail Site

Fort Nonsense if one of four sites that compose Morristown National Historical Park. Atop a hill, it functioned as a defensive observation post for those encamped at Morristown.

Trail Site

Jockey Hollow, the site of General Washington’s winter encampment in 1779-1780, played a key role in forging the Continental Army's strength and unity. The nearby Wick House, once home to Major General Arthur St. Clair, now stands as a historic landmark, offering a glimpse into the hardships and strategies of that fateful winter.