Built in the early 1770s, the Ford Mansion is a grand Georgian-style home originally constructed for Jacob Ford, Jr., a prosperous iron manufacturer, and his family. Ford, a prominent figure in the local community, also served as a colonel in the Morris County Militia during the Revolutionary War. Tragically, Ford passed away in January 1777 while the house briefly hosted 35 soldiers from Delaware, who were quartered there.
In December 1779, following her husband's death, Theodosia Ford, Jacob’s widow, opened her home to General George Washington, who was in need of a headquarters for the harsh winter of 1779-1780. With four children to care for, Mrs. Ford moved her family into two rooms of the mansion, while Washington, his wife Martha, five aides-de-camp, eighteen servants, and numerous visiting dignitaries and guards took over the rest of the house. The mansion became a hub of activity during the difficult winter months, as Washington’s forces dealt with the strain of the ongoing war.
After General Washington's six-month stay, the Ford family continued to reside in the mansion, but in the 1870s, the house was sold at auction. In a bid to preserve this significant piece of American history, four prominent New Jersey men purchased the property and formed the Washington Association of New Jersey. Their mission was to restore and protect the house, allowing it to be displayed to the public as a historical landmark. Today, the Ford Mansion stands not only as a testament to the Ford family's legacy but also as a reminder of Washington’s leadership during one of the most challenging periods of the Revolutionary War.
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Stories from Ford Mansion
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.
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.
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.