The Wick House at Jockey Hollow in Morristown
National Park | Historic Site

Jockey Hollow

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.

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Jockey Hollow, located within Morristown National Historical Park, was the site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780. This harsh winter proved to be one of the coldest in American history, yet it was here that General George Washington’s troops endured the brutal conditions, emerging as a more unified and disciplined force. The soldiers needed timber to build shelter and wood for heating and cooking, and the dense forests of the area provided these vital resources.

Among the landowners in the area was Henry Wick, who built a Cape Cod-style house around 1750 on his 1,400-acre farm. His property, covered largely by forest, became essential to the army’s survival during the encampment. Over 600 acres of trees on Wick's land were felled to meet the army's needs, with additional timber taken from neighboring properties. During the winter of 1779-80, Major General Arthur St. Clair, commander of 2,000 Pennsylvania soldiers, made the Wick House his headquarters.

Today, the Wick House stands as a key historical site, furnished to reflect its use as a general's quarters. It offers visitors a unique window into the struggles and strategies of Washington’s army, highlighting the role this house played in the broader story of the Revolution.

What's Nearby

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

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The Wick House at Jockey Hollow in Morristown

Morristown, NJ 07960

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View from a gun position at Fort Nonsense, Morristown NPS

Morristown, NJ 07960

4.2750467854056
Washington's Headquarters at Morristown photographed in the winter

Morristown, NJ 07960

5.888168745995
8.6298654292642
15.235519820016
16.345174846254
19.442511813652
23.872216736737
Exterior of the Wallace House

Somerville, NJ 08876

23.923173823768
24.43276373591
Abraham Staats House, located in South Bound Brook, NJ

South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

24.554902802236
29.093302414996
29.441316002324
Dey Mansion with overcast sky

Wayne, NJ 07470

29.853397958565

Stories from Jockey Hollow

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

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

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