Guide to the Area
The following information, supplementing that contained in the narrative section of this handbook, is furnished as a convenient guide to points of special interest in and around Morristown National Historical Park. Numbers and titles in the text correspond to those shown on the Guide Map (pp. [20]-21). Another map ([p. 35]) shows the bridle paths and foot trails in the jockey Hollow Area.
[NO. 1]. HISTORICAL MUSEUM.
Located in the rear of the Ford Mansion ([No. 2]), at 230 Morris Street, Morristown, is the historical museum, a fireproof structure erected by the National Park Service in 1935. In the attractive entrance hall and four exhibition rooms of this building may be seen military arms and equipment, important relics of George and Martha Washington, and a large collection of other objects associated with the story of Morristown in Revolutionary War times. Here also are located the park administrative offices, including those of the superintendent, chief clerk, historian, and museum staff.
The historical museum, focal point in telling the Morristown story.
[NO. 2]. FORD MANSION, WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS, 1779-80.
Facing Morris Street where it joins Washington Avenue, is the Ford Mansion. This structure, a splendid example of late American colonial architecture, was built about 1772-74 by Col. Jacob Ford, Jr., an influential citizen, iron manufacturer, powder mill owner, and patriot soldier of Morristown. Colonel Ford died on January 10, 1777, from illness contracted during the “Mud Rounds” campaign of late 1776, in which he rendered valuable service to the American cause as commander of the Eastern Battalion, Morris County Militia. He was buried with military honors in the graveyard of the Presbyterian Church at Morristown.
The mansion itself served for a brief period in 1777 as quarters for the Delaware Light Infantry Regiment commanded by Capt. Thomas Rodney. During the Continental Army encampment of 1779-80, all but two rooms in the house were occupied by Washington’s official family, which, besides the Commander in Chief, included his devoted wife, Martha, his aides-de-camp, and some servants ([p. 23]). Mrs. Ford’s family consisted of herself and her four children: Timothy (aged 17), Gabriel (aged 15), Elizabeth (aged 13), and Jacob, III (aged 8).
Restoration of the Ford Mansion was begun by the National Park Service in 1939. Much of the beautiful old furniture now displayed in the building was there when Washington occupied it. The remaining furnishings are mostly pieces dating from the Revolutionary War period or earlier, such as Mrs. Ford and her distinguished guests might have used.