Morristown
National Historical Park

Created in 1933, Morristown National Historical Park preserves sites in the Morristown, New Jersey area occupied by General George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War from 1779-1780. General Washington chose this area for its logistical, geographical and topographical military advantages, in addition to its proximity to New York City, which was occupied by the British in 1779. Located in northern New Jersey, Morristown National Historical Park is less than one hour west of New York City by automobile.

Morristown NHP encompasses just under 1700 acres of land in four non-contiguous sections. Historical sites within the park include the historic Jacob Ford Mansion (General Washington's military headquarters during the winter of 1779-1780); the Upper Redoubt site (built in 1777 following the battles of Princeton and Trenton) in the Fort Nonsense Unit of the park; the historic Wick House & Farm (headquarters of General Arthur St. Clair); the 18th century Guerin house (home of local farmer, Joshua Guerin). Historic official documentation shows that Joshua Guerin applied for compensation from the Continental Army for theft of sheep and rations from his property by soldiers. Restored in the 1930's the Guerin house is used as a private residence and is not open to the public. Also, Morristown National Historical Park offers over 27 miles of hiking trails which cross through the New York Brigade area and the New Jersey Brigade areas, located in the Jockey Hollow Unit of the park.

VISITATION:

Park visitation is highest from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitation is lowest in the months of January and February. Park annual visitation ranges from 550,000 to 600,000 visitors.

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LOCATION:

Morris County, New Jersey (Morris County).

ADDRESS:

Morristown National Historical Park Washington Place,
Morristown, New Jersey 07960

TELEPHONE:

(973) 539-2085

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, Year-round: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p. m. Park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

CLIMATE:

Summers are generally hot and humid. Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation. Layers of clothing and good walking shoes are recommended, especially in the spring and fall.

DIRECTIONS:

Morristown is located along interstate 287 in northern New Jersey. The park is approximately 30 miles west of New York City. Call park number for specific directions.

TRANSPORTATION:

TO PARK: Morristown is located along interstate 287 in New Jersey.
IN PARK: Bicycles are permitted in the park on paved roads only. The Jockey Hollow Unit has an automobile tour (loop) road.

FEES, COSTS RATES:

Park admission fee is four (4.00) dollars per adults. Children under age seventeen are admitted free. Admissions are valid for seven days. Beginning Summer, 1997, Morristown National Historical Park will offer an Annual Park Pass for $15.00 annually. Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle passes are honored.

FACILITIES: (Visitor Center/Exhibits):

Washington's Headquarters Museum, Jockey Hollow Visitor Center & Soldier Hut exhibit, historic Ford Mansion, historic Wick House & Farm; five reproduction field Soldier Huts in Jockey Hollow; the Upper Redoubt in the Fort Nonsense Unit of the park; New York city view shed from Fort Nonsense and the historic Guerin House.

TRAILS, ROADWAYS:

There are over 27 miles of foot and horse trails in the Jockey Hollow area of the park. Color coded trail maps are available in the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails. The Jockey Hollow Unit of the park offers an automobile tour (2-mile loop) road.

PROGRAM, ACTIVITIES:

LODGING & CAMPING FACILITIES:

No camping facilities available in park. Although many hotels are available in the area, they are often full. Lodging reservations should be made well in advance.

FOOD, SUPPLIES:

Many restaurants available in local area.

OTHER CONCESSIONS, NPS MANAGED VISITOR FACILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES:

Book stores are located in the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and in the Washington Headquarters Museum of the park (bookstores operated by Eastern National Parks & Monuments Association in cooperation with National Park Service).

ACCESSIBILITY:

Most exhibits, Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, Wick House and the Washington Headquarters Museum are accessible.

SPECIAL NEEDS:

Handicapped parking available at visitor center, Headquarters Museum and Wick House.

RECOMMENDED PARK ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Enjoy Ranger guided tour of historic Ford Mansion. Visit historic Wick Farm. Observe 18th century craft demonstrations and living history programs at historic Wick Farm House. Enjoy twenty five-minute feature film about 18th century soldier life and self-guided tour of Washington's Headquarters Museum. Study Washington's Headquarters Museum exhibits or field Wayside exhibits in Jockey Hollow. Enjoy 10 minute feature film at Jockey hollow Visitor Center on solder life in Jockey Hollow during 1779. Engage in historical research of Revolutionary War, General George Washington, Continental Army, 18th century civilian and soldier life and explore soldier huts in Jockey Hollow.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for on sight and off site educational programs (school groups) are mandatory. Secondary Schools program reservations should be made between Labor Day and Columbus Day. Special Use permits are also required for special park public uses such as weddings, commercial filming, et. al. For additional information, please call (973) 539-2085.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

A minimum of two hours is suggested to visit the Washington Headquarters Museum and the historic Ford Mansion. One to two days are recommended to visit all the park areas and to hike trails.

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:

VISITOR IMPACT:

Motorists are cautioned of high density deer population in Jockey Hollow area of park. Ticks may also be encountered on trails and tall grasses. Hikers are encouraged to wear appropriate foot wear. Trails grades range from average to moderate. Call (973) 539-2085 for information on park closing due to storms or emergencies.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Nearby attractions include the New Jersey Great Swamp, Fosterfields, the Morris Museum, Acorn Hall, Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Macculloch Hall, Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, the Schuyler-Hamilton House and the Seeing Eye Institute.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Morristown National Historical Park, Washington Place, Morristown, NJ 07960. Call (973) 539-2085. E-mail contact: Joseph_S_Green@nps.gov

Last Updated:Friday, 16-Jan-98 11:58:12
http://www.nps.gov/morr/
Author: NPS, Morristown NHP