Morristown National Historical Park preserves the site of the Continental Army’s second winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, a grueling winter that ranks among the coldest in North American history. This harsh winter, marked by extreme cold and scarce supplies, tested the endurance and resolve of General George Washington’s troops. It was during this encampment that Washington and his army braved not only the physical challenges of the season but also the threat of British forces. The site also holds special significance as it was here that Washington once again demonstrated his leadership, keeping the Continental Army together despite the many hardships they faced.
Morristown had already been chosen as a winter camp during the previous year, in 1776-1777, following the pivotal victories at Trenton and Princeton. Washington’s strategic decision to set up camp in Morristown had been vital to the army’s continued survival and morale after the chaos of the earlier part of the war. The camp in 1779-1780, however, would be even more critical, as it served as a crucial point in the ongoing fight for independence.
Today, visitors to Morristown National Historical Park can explore several key sites that played an essential role during the encampment. These include Jockey Hollow, where the majority of the Continental Army was stationed, the Ford Mansion, which served as General Washington's headquarters during the winter, Fort Nonsense, a defensive fortification designed to protect the area, and the New Jersey Brigade Encampment site, which offers insight into the conditions faced by specific regiments. In addition to these historic sites, the park also houses a museum and library collection that displays artifacts related to the encampment and George Washington’s time there, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and achievements of the Continental Army.
Morristown National Historical Park holds the distinction of being the first National Historical Park in the United States. Established in March 1933, during the final days of Herbert Hoover's presidency, the park was created to preserve and honor the legacy of Washington's leadership and the sacrifices made by the soldiers during the winter encampments. Today, it stands not only as a historical landmark but as a reminder of the resilience and determination that ultimately led to the success of the American Revolution.
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Stories from Morristown
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.
The mansion once housed George Washington, who utilized it as his headquarters in the freezing winter of 1779.
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.