[NO. 3]. SITE OF WASHINGTON’S LIFE GUARD CAMP, 1779-80.
Across Morris Street, slightly northeast of the Ford Mansion ([No. 2]), is the site occupied in 1779-80 by Washington’s Life Guard (officially, the Commander in Chief’s Guard). Erskine’s map of Morristown ([p. 13]) shows the exact position of some 13 or 14 log huts built by this unit for its winter quarters. Except for minor changes introduced at some uncertain date after March 1779, the Guard uniform consisted of a dark blue coat with buff collar and facings, red vest, fitted buckskin breeches, black shoes, white bayonet and body belts, black stock and tie for the hair, and a black cocked hat bound with white tape. The buttons were gilt.
[NO. 4]. PARK SQUARE (MORRISTOWN GREEN).
Surrounded by the main business district of Morristown is a parklike area about 2½ acres in size. Here was the old Morristown Green of eighteenth century times. On the green itself, then crossed by roadways, stood the Morris County Courthouse and Jail, where both civil and military prisoners were confined during the Revolutionary War. About a dozen other buildings faced toward the green, among them the Arnold Tavern ([No. 5]), the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches ([p. 9]), and, in the winter of 1779-80, a large structure where Continental Army supplies were stored. Extending from the southwest side of the green was a broad, open space about 150 feet in depth and 250 feet long. This was often used for drill and parade purposes by both Continental troops and militia.
The Revolution Room in the historical museum, where weapons and military equipment of the Revolutionary War period are displayed.
[NO. 5]. SITE OF ARNOLD TAVERN, WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS, 1777.
Facing the northwest side of Morristown Green, about 100 to 150 feet from the present Washington Street corner, is the site of the Arnold Tavern, which, according to local tradition, served as Washington’s headquarters in the winter of 1777 ([p. 5]). Built some years before the Revolutionary War, this structure was originally quite pretentious and handsomely furnished. During the nineteenth century it was converted into stores, and, in 1886, removed to another part of Morristown. Fire completed destruction of the building some 25 years later.
“Washington’s Inaugural Costume,” a typical exhibit in the historical museum.