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