Historical Sites in New Jersey

Historic Morristown National Historic Park Revolutionary War Museum Historic Speedwell Fosterfields Historical Farm

Steeped in Colonial American history, the State of New Jersey is a culturally diverse destination with colorful historical attractions, landmark sites and national parks. From General George Washington’s headquarters and home in Morristown during the Revolutionary War to the Colonial mansions that grace our townships, New Jersey is a richly historical and beautiful area that conjures images of our early American heritage. Morristown and Morris County are filled with centuries of historical treasures worth exploring and is inextricably linked to the American Revolution.

Historic Morristown, NJ. Visit the historical sites and museums in Historic Morristown, including Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown Green, Washington's Headquarters, Jockey Hollow and Fosterfield's Living Historical Farm. Visit the Morristown Historic District, where Acorn Hall, Morris County Courthouse, MacCulloch Hall Museum and Gardens, Schuyler - Hamilton House and Historic Speedwell conjure images of Colonial New Jersey. Local lore and legend includes the tales of the "Morristown Ghost," and Tempe Wick and detailed reports of Masonic meetings during the Revolution and the court martial of Benedict Arnold. Visit http://www.morristourism.org/html/places_to_go/historic_sites.html#w.

Morristown Green. With 2.5 acres of attractive land, Morristown Green has been the stage for many political, military, cultural, and entertainment events. Of historical importance is the Green’s role in the American Revolutionary War period, linking local history to the origin of the nation. General George Washington was headquartered at the Green in Arnold's Tavern during his encampments in Morristown. As a result, the Green was a center for military and political activities related to the period, and visited by many national military leaders. In addition, the Green was the site of the Morris County Courthouse and jail for 75 years (until 1827) and was the stage for the incarceration of Tories and Hessian soldiers during the Revolutionary period. Visit www.morristown.org.   [Top]

Morristown National Historic Park. The first national historical park in the country, Morristown National Historical Park commemorates Morristown's key role in American History. During two winters of the Revolutionary War, 1777 and 1779–80, the countryside of Morristown, New Jersey, sheltered the main encampments of the American Continental Army and served as headquarters of General George Washington. Morristown National Historical Park preserves sites in Morristown occupied by the Continental Army and interprets the history and commemoration of these encampments and the extraordinary men under Washington’s leadership. With his headquarters at Ford Mansion and 13,000 men stationed at nearby Jockey Hollow, Morristown became the military capital of the American Revolution. The national park consists of: Washington’s Headquarters with the Ford Mansion and Headquarters Museum, the Fort Nonsense Unit, Jockey Hollow Unit, and the New Jersey Brigade Area. Visit http://www.nps.gov/morr/.

• Ford Mansion. The beautifully preserved Ford Mansion is well known to lovers of early American history as Washington’s headquarters in Morristown, and is an important feature of the park. George Washington and his military family lived at Ford Mansion from December, 1779 to June, 1780, as guests of Theodesia Ford, widow of the gallant Colonel Jacob Ford, Jr. During that period, a greater number of famous characters in the history of the Revolution stopped under its roof than in any other dwelling in America. The Fords were among the wealthiest and most prominent families of early Morristown, and their home, erected in 1774, was one of the finest in the country. Ford Mansion and the museum include exhibits, multi-media presentations, and a gift shop.Visit http://www.getnj.com/historichouses/fordmansionmorristown.shtml
• Jockey Hollow. Jockey Hollow was a campground for General Washington's army. The Jockey Hollow Unit includes the Wick House, five reconstructed soldier huts and 27 miles of scenic walking trails. See replica wooden huts of the soldiers who camped in Jockey Hollow for their winter encampment of 1779-1780, the worst winter in over 100 years, The Wick farm, which included a roomy, well constructed house around 1400 acres of timber land and fields, was home to 13,000 soldiers. The Wick farmhouse became winter headquarters for General Arthur St. Clair, and was used by the Continental Army for 24 months during the American Revolution.
• Washington's Headquarter. Washington's Headquarters features a guided tour of Ford Mansion. A permanent display, "War Comes to Morristown: The Impact of the Revolutionary War Upon a Small Village, 1775-1783" shows how the American Revolution affected civilian life when George Washington brought thousands of soldiers to Morristown.  [Top]

Revolutionary War Museum. The Museum of The American Revolution and Colonial America displays the objects that played a part in the development of the United States during the Colonial and Revolutionary periods. Through its fascinating collections, artifacts, books and exhibits, the Museum highlights and documents the years of pre-revolutionary America to its colonial independence. Visit http://www.revolutionarywarmuseum.com.

Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge National Historic Park. Visit the original house that became the nerve center of the encampment of General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. General Washington rented the Isaac Potts house to serve as military headquarters at Valley Forge. From here, Washington and his staff issued orders, prepared letters to Congress and other officials, and worked hard to address the challenges in administering the Continental Army. Visit http://www.nps.gov/vafo/historyculture/washingtonhq.htm.  [Top]

Historic Speedwell and Vail House. Experience life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution and dawn of a new era in communications. A 7.5-acre National Historic Landmark, Historic Speedwell preserves the restored estate of Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Iron Works from the early to mid-1800s, and is considered the birthplace of the telegraph. See the mid-19th century through guided tours, events, programs and exhibits. The most significant building at Historic Speedwell is the Factory where Stephen Vail's son, Alfred, worked with Samuel F.B. Morse to perfect the telegraph. The Vail House offers a peek into the lives of the Vails during the 1844 - 64 period. Fully renovated in 1844, the home boasts original furnishings, period antiques, and portraits painted by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1837. Visit http://www.parks.morris.nj.us/speedwell/home.html.

Acorn Hall. Acorn Hall, named for one of the largest and oldest red oak trees in New Jersey, symbolizes the ornate and decorative architecture of the Victorian Era in Morris County. This Italianate Victorian mansion built in 1853 remains the most intact and authentic Victorian House in Morristown. Surrounded by Victorian gardens, the mansion contains original furnishings including a Rococo Revival parlor set, costumes, and many other examples of Victoriana. A collection of oriental porcelains calls attention to the opening of Japan to western trade in 1854 by Commodore Matthew Perry. Tours by appointment. Find Best Western Morristown lodging nearby. Call (973) 267-3465 or visit www.co.morris.nj.us/MCHC/directory-museums.html#schuyler.  [Top]

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm traces its agrarian roots to the American Revolution. According to tradition, the Joseph Ogden home - built in 1774 - served as headquarters for General Henry Knox, Commander of the Artillery during the encampment of Colonial troops in Morristown from 1779-1780. The property was sold to Joseph Warren Revere, a grandson of Paul Revere, who in 1854 built a Gothic Revival home, The Willows, which reflected his romantic spirit. The unique two-story veranda, steeped pitched roofs, and decorative pillars were striking features. Consistent with the Gothic style, the interior boasted tromp l'oeil murals, intricate woodcarvings, and bedchambers with vaulted ceilings. Designated as the first living historical farm in New Jersey, Fosterfields is a working, 188-acre 20th century farm with many original buildings intact. Demonstrations include seasonal plantings, cultivating, harvesting, and milking. Special programs feature sheep shearing, carriage driving and period cooking. In the spring, young animals are a major attraction. The farm hosts the New Jersey Sheep Dog Trials and an annual Civil War encampment every fall.

Schuyler-Hamilton House. The American Revolution brought well-known patriots to Morristown who occupied private dwellings in the area. The Schuyler-Hamilton House was the colonial home of Revolutionary War doctor Jabez Campfield. In 1779-1780, George Washington's personal physician, Dr. John Cochran, stayed at the house, along with his wife, Gertrude. General Washington's Aide de Camp, Colonel Alexander Hamilton, also visited often. Saved from demolition in 1923 by the Morristown Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the house and museum contains furniture and artifacts from the Colonial and Federal periods (1720-1820). Visit http://www.co.morris.nj.us/MCHC/directory-museums.html#schuyler.

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison, New Jersey, emphasizes the contributions and accomplishments of working people responsible for building America. The Land Collection, the basis for the Museum, comprises pre-1860 tools and implements of everyday life used by the artisans and workers who built and sustained our nation's roads, farms, shops, and industries. A former library constructed in 1900, the museum is an outstanding example of Richardsonian Romanesque Revival architecture - the cornerstone of Madison's historic area. The Museum's exhibits offer a hands-on view of the past, tracing the legacy of 18th and 19th century artisans, as well as workshops, demonstrations, discovery days, and treasure hunts. Visit www.rosenet.org/metc/.  [Top]