Part 4

Across Morris Street, slightly northeast of the Ford Mansion (No. 2), is the site occupied in 1779-80 by Washington’s Life Guard (officially, the Commander in Chief’s Guard). Erskine’s map of Morristown (p. 13) shows the exact position of some 13 or 14 log huts built by this unit for its winter quarters. Except for minor changes introduced at some uncertain date after March 1779, the Guard uniform consisted of a dark blue coat with buff collar and facings, red vest, fitted buckskin breeches, black shoes, white bayonet and body belts, black stock and tie for the hair, and a black cocked hat bound with white tape. The buttons were gilt.

NO. 4. PARK SQUARE (MORRISTOWN GREEN).

Surrounded by the main business district of Morristown is a parklike area about 2½ acres in size. Here was the old Morristown Green of eighteenth century times. On the green itself, then crossed by roadways, stood the Morris County Courthouse and Jail, where both civil and military prisoners were confined during the Revolutionary War. About a dozen other buildings faced toward the green, among them the Arnold Tavern (No. 5), the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches (p. 9), and, in the winter of 1779-80, a large structure where Continental Army supplies were stored. Extending from the southwest side of the green was a broad, open space about 150 feet in depth and 250 feet long. This was often used for drill and parade purposes by both Continental troops and militia.

NO. 5. SITE OF ARNOLD TAVERN, WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS, 1777.

Facing the northwest side of Morristown Green, about 100 to 150 feet from the present Washington Street corner, is the site of the Arnold Tavern, which, according to local tradition, served as Washington’s headquarters in the winter of 1777 (p. 5). Built some years before the Revolutionary War, this structure was originally quite pretentious and handsomely furnished. During the nineteenth century it was converted into stores, and, in 1886, removed to another part of Morristown. Fire completed destruction of the building some 25 years later.

NO. 6. FORT NONSENSE, 1777 (NOW RECONSTRUCTED).

Continuing from the south end of Court Street is a road leading upward into the Fort Nonsense Area of the park. There, at the top of a steep hill (the northern terminus of Mount Kemble), visitors may see a restored earthwork originally built at Washington’s order in 1777.

How the name “Fort Nonsense” came into being is unknown. It does not appear in any available written record before 1833, nor has anyone yet authenticated the oft-repeated story that the Commander in Chief’s reason for constructing this work was merely to keep the American troops occupied and out of mischief. Washington’s real intention is disclosed by an order of May 28, 1777, issued as the Continental Army moved to Middlebrook (p. 11). In this he directed Lt. Col. Jeremiah Olney to remain behind at Morristown, and with his detachment “and the Militia now here ... Guard the Stores of different kinds ... Strengthen the Works already begun upon the Hill near this place, and erect such others as are necessary for the better defending of it, that it may become a safe retreat in case of Necessity.” Other orders confirm the conclusion that Fort Nonsense was actually built to serve a very practical purpose.

As years passed, the original lines of this earthwork gradually crumbled away. Their present appearance is the result of research and physical restoration work completed by the National Park Service in 1937.

NO. 7. GUERIN HOUSE (PARK SUPERINTENDENT’S RESIDENCE).

At the southwest corner of the Jockey Hollow and Sugar Loaf Roads stands the Guerin House, in which is incorporated some of the original dwelling owned and occupied in Revolutionary War days by Joshua Guerin, a farmer and blacksmith of French Huguenot descent. Largely remodeled, the building now serves as a residence for the park superintendent. It is not open to visitors.

NO. 8. RANGER STATION (INFORMATION POINT).

About one-quarter of a mile southwest of the Guerin House (No. 7), on the same side of the Jockey Hollow Road, is the ranger station. Here are located the office and quarters of the park ranger. Visitors may obtain free literature and other park information at this point.

NO. 9. NEW YORK BRIGADE CAMP, 1779-80.

About opposite the ranger station (No. 8), parallel to the east side of the Jockey Hollow Road, is the campsite occupied in 1779-80 by the New York Brigade under Brig. Gen. James Clinton. In this brigade were the 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th New York Regiments, with a combined total enlistment, in December 1779, of 1,267 men. The official uniform of these troops was blue, faced with buff; the buttons and linings, white.

MORRISTOWN NATIONAL·HISTORICAL·PARK FOOT TRAILS HORSE TRAILS MOTOR ROADS PARKING AREAS SUGAR LOAF ROAD ONE WAY OFFICERS’ HUT RANGER STATION (INFORMATION) JOCKEY HOLLOW ROAD PICNIC AREA HOSPITAL & BURYING GROUND WILD FLOWER TRAIL GLEN TRAIL PRIVATE BETTIN OAK WICK HOUSE-CEMETERY ROAD ONE WAY WICK HOUSE SOLDIERS’ HUT TEMPE WICK ROAD JERSEY CAMP TRAILS

NO. 10. PICNIC AREA AND REST ROOMS.

Three-eighths of a mile southwest of the New York Brigade campsite (No. 9), on the west side of the Jockey Hollow Road, area picnic area and rest rooms. Parking facilities are provided close to the road. From that point a winding foot trail (pp. 20, 35) leads to open places among the trees where tables and benches are placed for the convenience of visitors who wish to bring basket lunches. No fires are permitted, either here or elsewhere in the park.

NO. 11. NATURE TRAIL.

More than 100 species of birds, some 20 species of mammals, and over 300 species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers have been observed in Jockey Hollow at various times of the year. A walk over the Nature Trail (pp. 20, 35), which begins and ends at the Picnic Area (No. 10), affords opportunity to enjoy seeing many such elements of the park landscape. The area is a wildlife sanctuary, however, and visitors are reminded that disturbance of its natural features is prohibited by law (pp. 43 -44).

NO. 12. OLD CAMP ROAD, 1779-80.

Almost opposite the Picnic Area (No. 10), intersecting with the east side of the Jockey Hollow Road, is what has long been known as the Old Camp Road (p. 20). This leads across Mount Kemble to the old Basking Ridge Road, now Mount Kemble Avenue (U. S. Route 202), and to the site of Jacob Larzeleer’s Tavern, where Brig. Gen. John Stark made his quarters in 1779-80. Part of the road may have been built as the result of orders issued to Stark’s and the New York Brigades, on April 25, 1780, to “open a Road between the two encampments.”

NO. 13. FIRST MARYLAND BRIGADE CAMP, 1779-80.

About one-sixth of a mile southwest of the Picnic Area (No. 10), on the same side of the Jockey Hollow Road and parallel to it, is the campsite occupied in 1779-80 by the 1st Maryland Brigade under Brig. Gen. William Smallwood. In this brigade were the 1st, 3d, 5th, and 7th Maryland Regiments, with a combined total enlistment, in December 1779, of 1,416 men. The official uniform of these troops was blue, faced with red; the buttons and linings, white. About the middle of May 1780, following the departure of the 1st Maryland Brigade on April 17 preceding, soldiers of the Connecticut Line moved into the log huts erected on this site (p. 41).

NO. 14. SECOND MARYLAND BRIGADE CAMP, 1779-80.

About three-tenths of a mile southwest of the Picnic Area (No. 10), paralleling the opposite side of the Jockey Hollow Road, is the campsite occupied in 1779-80 by the 2d Maryland Brigade under Brig. Gen. Mordecai Gist. In this brigade were the 2d, 4th, and 6th Maryland Regiments, and Hall’s Delaware Regiment, with a combined total enlistment, in December 1779, of 1,497 men. The official uniform of these troops was the same as that of the 1st Maryland Brigade. About the middle of May 1780, following the departure of the 2d Maryland Brigade on April 17 preceding, soldiers of the Connecticut Line moved into the log huts erected on this site (p. 41).

NO. 15. BETTIN OAK AND FORT HILL.

Immediately southwest of the campsite occupied by the 2d Maryland Brigade in 1779-80 (No. 14), on the same side of the Jockey Hollow Road, stands the Bettin Oak. Near the base of this old tree is the traditional grave of Capt. Adam Bettin, who was killed on New Year’s Night 1781, during the mutiny of the Pennsylvania Line, then encamped nearby under command of Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne (pp. 27-28). Defensive works for the protection of Wayne’s camp were erected on Fort Hill, which rises to the eastward of this point. Nothing is left of these fortifications today.

NO. 16. NEW JERSEY BRIGADE CAMP, 1781-82.

About 1,200 feet southwest of the point where the Tempe Wick and Jockey Hollow Roads meet is the traditional campsite occupied in 1781-82 by the New Jersey Brigade under Brig. Gen. Elias Dayton (p. 29). In this brigade at that time were the 1st and 2d New Jersey Regiments, with a combined total enlistment, in April 1782, of around 700 men. The official uniform of these troops was blue, faced with buff; the buttons and linings, white.

NO. 17. WICK HOUSE, ST. CLAIR’S QUARTERS, 1779-80.

On the north side of the Tempe Wick Road, about 325 feet west of its intersection with the Jockey Hollow Road, is the Wick House, which served in 1779-80 as quarters for Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair, then commander of the Pennsylvania Line encamped in Jockey Hollow (Nos. 20-21). The building was erected about 1750 by Henry Wick, a fairly prosperous farmer who had come to Morris County from Long Island a few years before. Tempe Wick, his youngest daughter, is said to have concealed her riding horse in a bedroom of the house, in January 1781, in order to prevent its seizure by the Pennsylvania mutineers (pp. 27-28). The interior of the building was furnished with period pieces following its restoration by the National Park Service in 1935. Efforts have also been made to recreate, as far as possible, the colonial atmosphere of the farm itself, as reflected in the nearby garden, barnyard, orchard, and open fields.

NO. 18. ARMY BURYING GROUND, 1779-80.

On the south side of the Cemetery-Wick House Road, at the point where it joins the Grand Parade Road, is the traditional site of the Continental Army Burying Ground in Jockey Hollow. Here are said to lie the remains of between 100 and 150 American soldiers who failed to survive the terrible winter of 1779-80.

NO. 19. RECONSTRUCTED ARMY HOSPITAL HUT, 1779-80.

Immediately adjacent to the Army Burying Ground (No. 18), visitors may see a log structure of the type used for hospital purposes while the Continental Army lay encamped in Jockey Hollow. This building was reconstructed by the National Park Service from a description and plans prepared by Dr. James Tilton, Hospital Physician in 1779-80, and later Physician and Surgeon General, United States Army.

NOS. 20-21. FIRST AND SECOND PENNSYLVANIA BRIGADE CAMPS, 1779-80, AND RECONSTRUCTED OFFICERS’ HUT.

About 400 feet east of the reconstructed Army Hospital Hut (No. 19), on the west slope of Sugar Loaf Hill, and cutting diagonally across the Grand Parade Road, are the campsites occupied in 1779-80 by the Pennsylvania Division commanded that winter by Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair. In this division were the 1st and 2d Pennsylvania Brigades. The former, under Brig. Gen. William Irvine, was composed of the 1st, 2d, 7th, and 10th Pennsylvania Regiments, with a combined total enlistment, in December 1779, of 1,253 men. In the latter, under Col. Francis Johnston, were the 3d, 5th, 6th, and 9th Pennsylvania Regiments, with a corresponding enlistment, at the same period, of 1,050 men. The official uniform of all these troops was blue, faced with red; the buttons and linings, white.

On the First Pennsylvania Brigade campsite may be seen a reconstruction, by the National Park Service, of the type of log hut used as quarters by officers of the Continental Army in 1779-80 (p. 16).

NO. 22. GRAND PARADE, 1779-80.

North of the Grand Parade Road, below the east slope of Sugar Loaf Hill, is the level ground “between the Pensylvania & the York encampment” which served as the Grand Parade used by the Continental Army in 1779-80. Here the camp guards and detachments assigned to outpost duty usually reported for inspection, and the troops were sometimes paraded to witness military executions. The ground was also used for drill purposes. Near the Grand Parade was the “New Orderly Room” where courts martial were frequently held, and where Washington’s orders were communicated to the army.

NO. 23. HAND’S BRIGADE CAMP, 1779-80, AND RECONSTRUCTED SOLDIERS’ HUT.

Parallel to the north side of the Tempe Wick Road, about 300 feet southeast of where it joins the Jockey Hollow Road, is the campsite occupied in 1779-80 by Hand’s Brigade, named for its commanding officer, Brig. Gen. Edward Hand. In this brigade were the 1st and 2d Canadian and the 4th and New 11th Pennsylvania Regiments, with a combined total enlistment, in December 1779, of 1,033 men. The official uniform of the Pennsylvania regiments was blue, faced with red; the buttons and linings, white. How all the Canadians were clothed is unknown, but some of them probably wore brown coats, faced with red, and white waistcoats and breeches.

This identical campsite was occupied by part of the Pennsylvania Line early in the winter of 1780-81, and from about February 7 to July 8, 1781, by the New Jersey Brigade of the Continental Army. Here occurred the great mutiny of the Pennsylvanians on New Year’s Night 1781 (pp. 27-28).

On the Hand’s Brigade campsite may be seen a reconstruction, by the National Park Service, of the type of log hut used by private soldiers of the Continental Army in 1779-80 (p. 16).

NOS. 24-25. FIRST AND SECOND CONNECTICUT BRIGADE CAMPS, 1779-80.

About 600 feet northeast of the Tempe Wick Road, along the south and east slopes of Fort Hill (No. 15), are the campsites occupied early in 1779-80 by the 1st and 2d Connecticut Brigades. The former, under Brig. Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons, was composed of the 3d, 4th, 6th, and 8th Connecticut Regiments, with a combined total enlistment, in December 1779, of 1,680 men. In the latter, under Brig. Gen. Jedediah Huntington, were the 1st, 2d, 5th, and 7th Connecticut Regiments, with a corresponding enlistment, at the same period, of 1,367 men. The official uniform of all these troops was blue, faced with white; the buttons and linings, white.

Both brigades left camp for detached duty “on the Lines” at Springfield and Westfield early in February 1780. On returning to camp, about the middle of May, they occupied the log huts vacated by the Maryland troops on April 17 preceding (Nos. 13-14). It was there that the 4th and 8th Connecticut Regiments rose in mutiny soon afterward (p. 18).

Some of the log huts built by the 1st Connecticut Brigade were occupied by Pennsylvania troops early in the following winter, previous to the mutiny which broke out on New Year’s Day 1781 (pp. 27-28).

NO. 26. SITE OF KEMBLE HOUSE, WAYNE’S QUARTERS, 1780-81.

At the northwest corner of Mount Kemble Avenue (U. S. Route 202) and the Tempe Wick Road is the site of Kemble Manor, built about 1765 as a residence for the Honorable Peter Kemble, one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the late colonial period of New Jersey history. Here were the quarters of Brig. Gen. William Smallwood, of the Maryland Line, in 1779-80; and of Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, of the Pennsylvania Line, in 1780-81. From “Mount Kemble,” early on the morning of January 2, 1781, Wayne wrote a hurried letter to Washington describing the Pennsylvania Mutiny, which had taken place but a few hours before (pp. 27-28). In the nineteenth century the Kemble House was moved some distance north of its original location. It no longer bears much resemblance to the structure of Revolutionary War times.

NO. 27. STARK’S BRIGADE CAMP, 1779-80.

Along the east slope of Mount Kemble, on the west side of Mount Kemble Avenue (U. S. Route 202), about five-sixths of a mile northwest of its intersection with the Tempe Wick Road, is the campsite occupied in 1779-80 by Stark’s Brigade, named for its commanding officer, Brig. Gen. John Stark. In this brigade were Webb’s and Sherburne’s Connecticut Regiments, Jackson’s Massachusetts Regiment, and the 2d Rhode Island Regiment, with a combined total enlistment, in December 1779, of 1,210 men. This site is privately owned and not accessible to park visitors. The official uniform of both the Connecticut and Rhode Island troops was blue, faced with white; the buttons and linings, white.

NO. 28. KNOX ARTILLERY CAMP, 1779-80.

One mile west of Morristown, along the main road to Mendham (New Jersey Route 24), and at the base of a hill opposite the further end of Burnham Park, is the site occupied in 1779-80 by the Light Artillery Park and the Artillery Brigade of the Continental Army under Brig. Gen. Henry Knox. In this brigade were the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th Artillery Regiments. Knox’s quarters were nearby on what is now Kahdena Road, at a place called “Duchman’s.” The official artillery uniform was “Blue faced with Scarlet, Scarlet Lining, Yellow buttons, Yellow bound hats, Coats edged with narrow lace or tape and button holes bound with the same.”

_How To Reach the Park_

Only about 30 miles west of New York City, the park may be reached by automobile from the east via New Jersey Route 24, from the south and north via New Jersey Route 32 (U. S. Route 202), and from the west via New Jersey Routes 6, 10, 5N, and 32. Regional bus lines serve Morristown from main points in the metropolitan area. The town is also located on the D. L. & W. Railroad, whose local trains stop at Morris Street, about 5 minutes’ walk from the Ford Mansion and the historical museum.

_Establishment and Administration_

The first step toward the establishment of Morristown National Historical Park was taken in 1873, when the Washington Association of New Jersey was formed to preserve the Ford Mansion “through future generations as a memorial of George Washington.” Among the first of its kind in America, this organization continues active today.

As time passed, the need for saving other historic remains connected with the Revolutionary War history of this locality became more apparent. In the late 1920’s, under the energetic leadership of former Mayor of Morristown Clyde Potts, a strong movement developed with that end in view. This was finally crowned with success when the Federal Government, under an act of Congress approved March 2, 1933, accepted from the Washington Association, from the Town of Morristown, and from Mr. Lloyd W. Smith, well-known collector of Washingtonia, munificent and patriotic gifts of those invaluable properties which together now constitute Morristown National Historical Park. The area was dedicated on July 4 following, as a unit in the National Park System administered by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, for the benefit and inspiration of the people.

About 958 acres in extent, the reservation has at present three separate geographical units: Headquarters Area (Ford Mansion and historical museum), Fort Nonsense Area, and Jockey Hollow Area. All communications concerning the park should be addressed to the Superintendent, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, N. J.

_Visitor Facilities_

The park is open to visitors every day but Monday, including Sunday and all holidays except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Entrance to nearly all historic sites and buildings in the area is free, subject only to the application of park rules and regulations. Wherever a nominal admission charge is made, complete information on the amount involved is clearly posted on a nearby sign, or may be obtained easily upon request from any park employee.

Members of the park staff are on duty to receive and assist visitors at the Ford Mansion, the historical museum, and the Wick House. Descriptive folders and other information may be obtained at all three of these points without charge; sales publications may be purchased at the historical museum only. Personal guide service is not normally available, but educational and other organized groups are given special attention when arrangements are made in advance with the superintendent, and as staff limitations permit.

There are no camping, lodging, or restaurant facilities at the park itself. Limited space is available in Jockey Hollow for visitors who wish to bring basket lunches, but no fires are permitted anywhere in the area. It is also unlawful to hunt, trap, or disturb wildlife; to injure or take away trees, flowers, or other vegetative growth; or to deface or remove other Government property. Visitors must leave the park by 6 p. m. during the winter months, and by 8 p. m. at other times of the year.

_Related Areas_

Included in the National Park System are many other important areas connected with various periods in American history. In addition to Morristown National Historical Park, those commemorating phases of the Revolutionary War are: Saratoga National Historical Park, N. Y.; Colonial National Historical Park, Va.; Kings Mountain National Military Park, S. C.; Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, N. C.; Cowpens National Battlefield Site, S. C.; George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Va.; Moores Creek National Military Park, N. C.; Washington Monument, Washington, D. C.; Statue of Liberty National Monument, N. Y.; and Independence National Historical Park (project), Philadelphia, Pa.

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1950 O-F—888640

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Historical Handbook Series

No. 1 Custer Battlefield No. 2 Jamestown, Virginia No. 3 The Lincoln Museum and the House Where Lincoln Died No. 4 Saratoga No. 5 Fort McHenry No. 6 Lee Mansion No. 7 Morristown, a Military Capital of the Revolution No. 8 Hopewell Village No. 9 Gettysburg

Transcriber’s Notes

—Silently corrected a few typos.

—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.

—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_.