By the end of 1779, the patriots were far from winning the American Revolution, despite French aid and intercession. To make matters worse, the winter of 1779-1780 proved to be one of the harshest on record (far colder than the more famous encampment at Valley Forge). During that time, the Continental Army settled into its winter encampment near the village of Morristown at a place known as Jockey Hollow (Washington and many of the officers quartered in town), which remained the army’s location from December 1, 1779 until June 8, 1780. Today, there are numerous historic sites that remain, which tell the story of the plight and privation that Washington’s army suffered during those frigid months.
History
Throughout 1779, the war in America largely shifted to the southern colonies, as the British leadership sought to capitalize on what they believed to be a majority loyalist population in that region. For General George Washington and his army, that meant remaining in defensive positions around the British bastion of New York City. Other than the patriot victory in the Battle of Stony Point on July 16, 1779, the Continental Army saw very little action that year. Additionally, the French joined the war in the spring of 1778, but had not yet an opportunity to join forces with the Americans for an overwhelming and successful assault on British forces (save the failed joint-operations during the Battle of Rhode Island and the siege of Savannah).
When the leaves began to fall from the trees and the winter chill set in, the Continental Army marched into northern New Jersey, to Morristown and a nearby area known as Jockey Hollow, which would serve as the winter encampment for the Continental Army. In fact, Morristown previously served as the army’s winter encampment in early 1777, following the patriot victory at Princeton (General Washington used Jacob Arnold’s Tavern as his headquarters). The reason the region was twice chosen is because it made great strategic and logistical sense. The Watchung Mountains provided geographic security from a potential attack from the British Army located about 30 miles away in New York City, while the land offered an abundance of wood and food. Of course, the burden of supporting the army fell upon local farmers, such as Henry Wick, who offered his 1,400 farm for the soldier’s use. When the army arrived on December 1, 1779, the quiet farming community around Morristown was transformed into a bustling city of over 10,000 soldiers!
From previous winter encampments, the Continental Army learned the importance of camp routine, location, and proper huts. At Jockey Hollow, the soldiers constructed over 1,000 log huts, built to the specifications of 14 feet wide by 16 feet long and 6.5 feet high to the eaves of the roof. These small huts were meant to house 12 soldiers each and it was where they slept, cooked, ate, and lived when they weren’t on guard duty or carrying out other camp duties. Each state’s troops generally quartered together, to include the Pennsylvania Line, Connecticut Line, Maryland Line, New York Brigade, and the New Jersey Brigade (they camped south of the main army at Jockey Hollow).
Meanwhile, General George Washington, five aide-de-camps, and 18 servants were quartered in Morristown at the home of the widow Theodosia Ford. Even though the general and his officers took over most of the house, Theodosia and her four children stayed and occupied only two small rooms. The Ford Mansion served as a comfortable headquarters for General Washington and Martha, who joined him on New Year’s Eve 1779. This location also placed him a mere six miles from the army’s main encampment at Jockey Hollow.
As the army settled in for the long winter, nobody could have known the hardships that were ahead. The winter of 1779-1780 was incredibly cold and cruel- over 20 powerful snow storms slammed the region, which consistently cut off the supply lines to the camp. Food shortages and deadly conditions became commonplace, made worse by remarkable inflation and the Continental Congress’ inability to pay the troops. During the six-month encampment, over 1,000 soldiers deserted, 96 died, and countless others suffered. It was truly a horrendous winter for the army, despite great efforts by local New Jersey communities who provided what little food and supplies they could to the beleaguered men.
During the army’s stay in Morristown, General Benedict Arnold’s court-martial was carried out at Dickerson Tavern (also known as Norris Tavern- no longer standing). From December 23, 1779 until January 26, 1780, General Arnold defended his actions as military commandant of Philadelphia. Ultimately, Arnold was found guilt on two of the four charges leveled against him and was only sentenced to receive a reprimand from General Washington. Despite this light sentence, Arnold fumed at the treatment he received from Congress (particularly Joseph Reed). It is likely that this court-martial contributed greatly to his later treason.
Amidst the deadly cold and starvation emerged one of America’s earliest love stories: that of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. One of General Washington’s aide-de-camps was a dashing young Hamilton, who also stayed at the Ford Mansion. Nearby was the home of Doctor Jabez Campfield, who served as a surgeon in the Continental Army. During the winter encampment, Doctor John Cochran (Surgeon General of the Continental Army) quartered at the Campfield House. Doctor Cochran was actually the uncle of Elizabeth “Betsey” Schuyler and by January 1780, young Elizabeth traveled from New York to stay with her aunt and uncle at the Campfield House. Although Alexander and Elizabeth had briefly met two years prior when he dined with the Schuyler family, it was at the Campfield House that their love story blossomed. Alexander courted Elizabeth here and in a short time, they were engaged. The rest, as they say, is history.
As spring arrived and the earth began to thaw, some good news arrived in Morristown for the army. On May 10, 1780, the Marquis de Lafayette (recently returned from France) arrived at the Ford Mansion to visit General Washington. He brought news that France had committed additional aid and troops towards the American war effort, which provided a much-needed spark the Washington and his men. In fact, six French ships-of-the-line and 6,000 troops were headed for America.
On June 8, 1780, the Continental Army finally left their winter encampment at Morristown and Jockey Hollow, marking the end to the worst winter the army would suffer during the war.
5 Historic Sites – Morristown, New Jersey
Morristown National Historical Park New Jersey preserves the remarkable Revolutionary War history that the region possesses and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the sites that hearken back to the winter of 1779-1780. While there are dozens of historic sites in and around Morristown, we focus on five main sites. To begin your trip, we recommend first going to the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center (Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ 07960) to grab a park map, check out the gift shop, and ask the park rangers any questions you may have. From there, it is easy to explore the Jockey Hollow Encampment (the park grounds are open daily from 8AM until sunset). After exploring Jockey Hollow, we recommend heading towards Morristown to see some of the other historic sites associated with the winter encampment of 1777 and 1779-1780.
1 – Jockey Hollow Encampment
If you begin your journey at the Visitor Center, you can walk around the area and then drive the auto loop to see some of the major sites, or explore the nearly 27 miles of hiking trails throughout Jockey Hollow Encampment (for example, you can only hike to see the New Jersey Brigade Area). The auto loop takes only about 15-20 minutes, largely depending on how long you take at each stop.
The first stop on the driving tour is the Wick House and farm. Henry Wick was one of the most prominent farmers in the area, whose 1,400 acre farm was commandeered by thousands of troops. Other than offering up his land, crops, livestock, and trees to the army’s use, Wick’s House was occupied by Major General Arthur St. Clair, who lived there during the winter encampment. Remarkably, the house that stands today is original!
The next stop on the driving tour is the Pennsylvania Line encampment site, which has three replica soldier’s huts and one replica officer’s hut on display. From the parking lot, it is a few minute walk up the hill to the huts, which were built to exact specifications and on the site of an archeological excavation. An important lesson learned from past camps was to build the huts on dry/higher ground to avoid flooding, which is why they were built on this rise. Further up the hill is a fourth hut, which is a replica of officer’s living quarters. Interestingly, the officer’s huts were ordered to be constructed last, after the enlisted soldiers had proper quarters (additionally, they were not required to be built to any particular specifications).
As you walk back down the hill towards the parking lot, be sure to check out the large rock in the field ahead of you (just across the road). On the other side of it is actually a plaque that was dedicated on May 30, 1932. This marker commemorates Jockey Hollow Cemetery (the field in which the stone is placed) and reads:
More than one hundred Continental soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for American liberty are buried in this cemetery. Their comrades were housed in huts along the Jockey Hollow Road.
The people of Morristown reverently erect this monument as a tribute to them and to the valor of the Continental Army whose occupancy of Jockey Hollow has hallowed this ground”
The last main stop on the auto loop is the Grand Parade, which was the open field where the troops at Jockey Hollow were inspected, carried out formal military reviews, and where they received General Orders and other important news from Washington’s headquarters. The original Grand Parade was 400 yds by 100 yds in size and actually located to the north of this site; however, this field shows what the parade would have looked like.
2 – Fort Nonsense
Fort Nonsense is located on a hill that overlooks Morristown and was the site of a fortification built by the Continental Army in 1777. After General Washington and his troops arrived to the area on January 6, 1777 (following their victory in the Battle of Princeton), they settled in for winter quarters by taking over houses, barns, and other buildings in town. As spring set-in, the army prepared to break camp and begin the new campaign season. Prior to leaving Morristown, General Washington ordered the construction of a fortification atop Kinney’s Hill, which has a commanding view of the town and surrounding area. The intent was to use it as a defensive position to protect the town, which was to be used as a supply depot for the Continental Army. Although the exact source of the name “Fort Nonsense” is unknown (the oft-repeated story that Washington ordered soldiers to construct it to keep them busy has largely been dispelled), it was referred to as such as early as the 1790s.
Due to its great height, the site of Fort Nonsense was also used to place a signal beacon. In fact, there was a long chain of signal beacons placed throughout New Jersey and the Hudson Highlands of New York, which were intended to provide a quick way to signal and assemble militia and alert of enemy troop movements. The signal beacon here atop Kinney’s Hill was constructed in 1779 and “…made of Logs intermixed with Brush square at Bottom about sixteen feet & to Diminish as they rise like a pyramid & should be 18 or 20 feet high.” In case of alarm, this wooden pyramid would be set aflame and could easily be seen for many miles.
3 – Site of Arnold Tavern (Morristown Green)
Although it no longer stands, Jacob Arnold’s Tavern in Morristown was used by General George Washington as his headquarters during the army’s winter encampment in 1777. It was located in the center of town on the Green and is where Washington lodged and held meetings with his staff from January 6 – May 28, 1777. The Tavern’s owner, Jacob Arnold, served as an officer in the Morris County militia.
As the remaining troops of the Continental Army settled into its winter quarters for the year, many commandeered nearly any building in sight, to include barns and churches. Most of the troops camped out in a nearby area known as Lowantica Valley. Because this was only the second winter encampment of the Continental Army (the first being outside of Cambridge, MA in 1775-1776), there was not yet an organized plan or routine for setting up camp. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Morristown Green and the monuments/statues there!
4 – Schuyler-Hamilton House Museum (5 Olyphant Place, Morristown, NJ)
The Schuyler-Hamilton House Museum preserves and displays the historic Jabez Campfield House, where Alexander Hamilton courted Elizabeth “Betsey” Schuyler. The museum is open every Sunday from 1-4PM and costs $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 12 & under- although they do close down during the winter months (their season usually begins in April).
At first, we were surprised by its location, tucked away behind a Shell gas station; however, it is great that the home has been preserved and open to the public! The New Jersey DAR purchased the home in 1923 and ever since, have managed the property. While they provide excellent tours that explore what life was like in the 18th-century, they also discuss the famous love story between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, which blossomed within this house.
5 – Ford Mansion (General Washington Headquarters)
The Ford Mansion (30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ 07960) served as the headquarters for General George Washington from December 1779 – June 1780. Today, Washington’s Headquarters Museum offers remarkable displays and manages tours of historic Ford Mansion. Guided-tours of Ford Mansion are offered free of charge and run on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday from 10AM – 4PM. For more information and updated hours, please check out the NPS website here.
I recommend beginning your time at the museum, which has a gift shop, restrooms, and an incredible museum (all free of charge!). In fact, the museum displays one of a kind artifacts, such as a link from the Hudson River chain, original muskets and cannon, and my favorite, the actual sword George Washington wore to his first Presidential inauguration!
When you are done exploring the museum and Ford Mansion, be sure to head across the street to check out the beautiful George Washington equestrian statue (if you decide to walk, just be careful of the traffic!). This statue is made of bronze and was cast in Italy (the sculptor created many other statues that are on display in New York’s Central Park). This small park was dedicated on October 19, 1928, and remains a peaceful area for one to sit, reflect, and admire Ford Mansion.
Legacy
The Continental Army’s winter encampment at Morristown was truly one of the cruelest winters experienced during the war. Although it is not as well-known as the winter encampment at Valley Forge, the army’s time at Morristown and Jockey Hollow proved to be just as important and transformative. Lessons learned from past encampments were implemented here in 1779-1780, which made camp life slightly more bearable; however, the starvation, lack of pay, and harsh weather the men suffered through demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the patriot cause. Accordingly, the Morristown winter encampment deserves to be studied and understood on the same level as Valley Forge and the National Park Service provides an outstanding opportunity to do just that!
Great content! Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much!!