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.