Hagerstown City Park | Hagerstown

Morristown National Historical Park is a protected area in Morristown, New Jersey, preserving sites associated with the Continental Army's encampments during the American Revolutionary War.

Visual Characteristics

The park comprises several distinct areas. The Jockey Hollow area features rolling hills, woodlands, and reconstructed winter huts. The Fort Nonsense site is a hilltop fortification with earthworks. The Ford Mansion is a two-and-a-half-story Georgian-style house constructed of stone and wood, painted white with dark shutters.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is located approximately 30 miles west of New York City. Access to Jockey Hollow is via James Street and then South Street, leading to the main visitor center. Fort Nonsense is accessible from Morristown center via Morris Street. Parking is available at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and designated areas at Fort Nonsense. Public transport options are limited; the nearest train station is in Morristown, requiring a taxi or ride-share service to reach park sites.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Morristown served as the Continental Army's winter encampment for two critical periods during the Revolutionary War: 1777-1778 and 1779-1780. The Ford Mansion was the winter headquarters for General George Washington. Fort Nonsense was a defensive earthwork constructed by the Continental Army. The landscape is primarily deciduous forest and open fields, shaped by glacial activity and subsequent human land use.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the reconstructed soldiers' huts at Jockey Hollow. The Ford Mansion offers guided tours detailing life during the encampment. Hiking trails are available throughout Jockey Hollow, providing access to historical sites and natural scenery. The Fort Nonsense site allows exploration of the earthworks and offers panoramic views.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and the Ford Mansion. Shaded areas are present along hiking trails and within wooded sections. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in most park areas, though it may be intermittent in denser woodlands. Food vendors are not present within the park; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or dine in nearby Morristown.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the landscape and structures. The best months for visiting are April through October, offering mild weather for outdoor exploration. Hiking conditions are best from spring through fall; winter visits are possible but may involve snow and ice on trails.

Facts & Legends

During the harsh winter of 1779-1780, soldiers at Jockey Hollow faced extreme shortages of food, clothing, and shelter, leading to significant hardship and discontent. A unique tip for visitors is to look for the subtle depressions in the ground at Jockey Hollow, which are remnants of the original soldiers' huts.

Nearby Landmarks

• Washington's Headquarters Museum (0.5km North)
• Morris Museum (1.2km Northeast)
• Frelinghuysen Arboretum (2.1km East)
• MacArthur Park (2.5km Northwest)
• Historic Speedwell Village (4.8km Southwest)