One of the coolest things about New Jersey is that George Washington spent time in the then newly formed state, fighting the British during the Revolutionary War. He spent much of his time in NJ in Morristown, and if you want to take kids on an adventure back to those times, a visit to Morristown National Historical Park is a must. Kids can explore where George Washington and his troops lived during the Revolutionary War—step inside Washington’s Headquarters at the Ford Mansion, check out the reconstructed soldiers’ huts at Jockey Hollow, hike scenic wooded trails, and discover how the Continental Army survived one of the War’s harshest winters. Read on for more about where to go in Morristown National Historical Park and how to experience this living piece of history. (featured photo credit: istock/Paul Jacks)
Morristown National Historical Park
Learn about the legend of Tempe Wick and soldiers during the War
Morristown National Historical Park is large and spread out, so plan your route for a full-day trip. Start with Jockey Hollow and the Wick House, in Harding Township, about 5 miles southwest of Morristown. According to legend, Tempe Wick hid her beloved horse upstairs at the Wick House when soldiers came to take it during the harsh winter of 1779-1780. Today, you can see the original Wick House and grounds by touring the first floor, where you can see period furnishings, listen to park rangers retell Tempe Wick’s story, and see where her horse stayed. Beyond the house, George Washington’s army used the property as a winter encampment site, and officers’ log huts are recreated on a small hill in the park. Kids can step into the huts and see what the soldiers endured. The park also has a Visitor Center at the entrance, where you can watch a film about the Continental Army winter encampment, explore interactive museum displays, and see a full-scale model of a log soldier’s hut.
Explore the New Jersey Brigade Area, where soldiers camped out
Follow signs from Jockey Hollow to the New Jersey Brigade Area in Bernards Township, where the Continental Army camped during the Revolutionary War. To recreate the soldiers’ path, take a 1-mile hike on the hiking trail, accessed from the New Jersey Brigade parking area at the Cross Estate. Interpretive signs along the way help you understand this part of history. Afterward, take a look at the Cross Estate (built in 1905) and grounds. On the grounds, a five-story stone water tower and a large silver maple tree planted in 1906 stand out. The garden is worth a peek, and volunteers have cared for it since 1977; the house and grounds were recently declared eligible for National Historic Landmark status.
See stunning views at the Fort
Afterward, drive to the town of Morristown and up the hill to Fort Nonsense, which served as a supply base, an observation and alarm post, and a retreat for guards stationed in town. Because the British never attacked the area, many soldiers called it ‘Fort Nonsense’ because it kept them busy building, but it wasn’t used. Today, there’s no fort, but you can take in stunning views of the Watchung Mountains and even spot New York City skyscrapers in the distance. Kids will love seeing the replica Revolutionary War cannon and the marked area where the fort once stood.
Explore the mansion where George Washington slept
End your history trip at the Georgian-style Ford Mansion a mile out of town. The white Federal-style house was built in the early 1770s for Jacob Ford, Jr., and George Washington lived there, using it as his headquarters for six months (locals tend to call it “Washington’s Headquarters”). It has served as a museum since 1933 and is one of the earliest house museums in the United States. The furnishings and details accurately represent what it might have looked like during Washington’s stay, and guided tours are available. Next to the mansion, the Washington Headquarters Museum was built in the 1930s and designed by the same architect as the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The museum features exhibits of furniture, weapons, documents, and other 18th-century objects, including the sword George Washington wore during his first Presidential inauguration. NJ Mom Tip: Pick up a Junior Ranger Handbook and complete the activities. Show it to a park ranger at Jockey Hollow or Washington’s Headquarters, and your kids will receive a Junior Ranger badge.
Morristown National Historic Park is full of history. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
FAQS About Morristown National Historical Park
How much does it cost to visit the Morristown National Historical Park?
It is free to visit Morristown National Historical Park year-round, and no timed entry is required. Park ranger-led tours of the Wick House and Ford Mansion are also free.
When can I visit the park?
The park grounds are open year-round with some seasonal hours. The park is closed only on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and New Year’s Day. The grounds open at 8 AM and close at different times throughout the year. Washington’s Headquarters and Jockey Hollow Visitor’s Center are open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday through Monday.
Is it easy to walk around the park?
The park has hilly terrain and scenic views, with 27 miles of hiking trails. The Brigade area has more typical hiking, marked trails and some uneven terrain. For families, Jockey Hollow has easy trails and paved paths around the visitor centers, which are more stroller-friendly.
Can you bring dogs to Morristown National Historical Park?
Leashed dogs are welcome on the park grounds and hiking trails, but the leash must be no longer than 6 feet. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the historic buildings or visitor centers.
Can you take a tour of the Ford Mansion?
Yes—there are free guided tours of the historic Ford Mansion. Tours are offered on select days, and free passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Check at the Museum when you first arrive to find out about the tour schedule and availability.
Where can you learn more about the park?
The park has two stores: one at the Washington Headquarters Museum and another at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. The stores offer a wide variety of books related to George Washington, the American Revolution, and 18th-century life, as well as shirts, postcards, multimedia, and theme-related merchandise.
To learn more about Morristown National Historical Park, visit its website and Instagram pages.
Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
586 Tempe Wick Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
Washington’s Headquarters Museum
30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 07960
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