Philadelphia is often
considered the nation’s birthplace but had not a number of pivotal events taken
place 85-miles away in New Jersey history would have run a decidedly different
course. Morris County left an indelible mark on revolutionary-era history and
many of these event locations remain virtually intact and offer interpretive
tours year round. www.morristourism.org
Lenni Lenape
Indians occupied the land for more than 5500 years prior to the earliest
European settlement in 1715. In 1739 the county was officially recognized and
named in honor of the first royal governor, Colonel Lewis Morris, of the colony
of New Jersey. The 30-sq. mile county has 11,000-acres of land preserved for
the sole use of recreational and leisure activities including arboretums, golfing,
hiking and horseback riding. www.visitnj.org
Morristown, the county seat, is a great place to begin
your journey along the 35-mile “Patriot’s Path”. The 2.5-acre Morristown Green was the setting
for important events throughout the area’s history, most significantly during
Washington’s encampment during the American Revolution and two sculptures commemorate
activities that occurred here. Patriot’s
Farewell honors the NJ Militia who left their families to join the
Continentals. The Alliance depicts
May 10, 1780 when Lafayette informed Washington and Hamilton that the French
would support the American war effort. www.themorristowngreen.org
On Christmas Day in 1776 Washington daringly moved
his troops across the Delaware River and into NJ by night. The ensuing
victories at Trenton and Princeton gave renewed hope for victory. He
then marched his men 49-miles to Morristown to set up a winter encampment on
January 6, 1777. The location was chosen because it enabled Washington to
monitor the British in New York and protect the roads to and from British-held
Philadelphia. The county became known as “The Military Capital of the American Revolution”.
The annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment is
one of the premiere holiday events in our region. It is held from noon to 3 PM,
with the launch at 1 PM, and it is free. Prior to that, on December 10th,
there will be a rehearsal that is also open to the public.
www.washingtoncrossingpark.org
Washington’s first headquarters in Morristown was
the Jacob Arnold Tavern on the Green from Jan. 6 – May 27, 1777. Colonels and
above were headquartered in buildings because they were considered safer. Enlisted
men set up encampments outdoors. www.townofmorristown.org
Morristown National Historical Park interprets the
winter encampment from December 1779-June 1780, during one of the coldest
winters ever recorded. Twelve to fourteen thousand men withstood extreme
deprivation and 28 snowfalls. Jockey Hollow Visitor Center offers an
introductory video and a completely outfitted, full-scale, soldier hut. Also
within the park is the Wick House and replica soldier huts. www.nps.gov/morr/index
The
Washington Headquarter Museum was designed incorporating elements of Mount
Vernon. Exhibits inside include items that belonged to Washington and a
painting of George by Gilbert Stuart. The 22-minute documentary, Morristown:
Where America Survived, is regularly scheduled.
Located a short walk away is the Ford Mansion,
Washington’s second headquarters, December 1, 1779 – June 23, 1780. Jacob Ford
Jr., owner of the home died in 1777 and his widow Theodosia invited Washington
to occupy the home. She and her 4 children stayed in rooms on the 1st
floor and Washington and more than 20 assistants and secretaries, including his
youngest aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton, set up a War Room and sleeping
quarters. Highlights of the tour include the room in which the Washingtons
stayed when Martha visited the winter of 1779 and a replica of the room where
his aides slept.
Alexander Hamilton was sent to
deliver a communication to Washington’s physician, Dr. John Cochran, staying at
the Schuyler-Hamilton House. His niece, Eliza Schuyler,
was visiting. Hamilton met her there, courted her and married her a year later.
www.njskylands.com/attractions-schuyler-hamilton-house
After the American Revolution the
wealthy leaders of the country began building large country estates in the
county and it became known as an enclave of rich and powerful people. Today it
is home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies.
Gustav Stickley selected the area to start a Utopian
community. He constructed a family home, the Log House, in 1911 to showcase his
furniture and lifestyle. The 1.5-hour tour includes the home and several
outbuildings. Original furniture is labeled. Special note should be taken of
the mottoes on the fireplaces. This international destination is right in our
own backyard. www.stickleymuseum.org
The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) is truly
spectacular. In 1900 philanthropist D. Willis James donated $65,000 for the
building of a public library, a “Cathedral of Learning”. This stunning
structure features 20-ft. ceilings, 8 chandeliers, 3 fireplaces and 56 stained
and painted glass windows. In 1970 the METC was founded to preserve and exhibit
more than 8,800 pre-industrialization tools. www.metc.org
The
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, one of the nation’s largest and most significant,
was founded in 1962. The theater mounts 6 annual professional productions of
Shakespeare and other classics. Their work is profound. www.shakespearenj.org
To
round out your visit take the time to stop at the Long Valley Pub & Brewery.
Housed in a 200-year old barn they offer an eclectic menu, craft beers and
interesting ambience. www.restaurantvillageatlongvalley.com
Westin
Governor Morris is an ideal blend of unique history and modern amenities. There
are 224 accommodations, along with signature Westin Heavenly Bed®,
WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Center and designer linens and bath products. Signature
and specialty treatments are available at the DePasquale The Spa. The hotel is
pet friendly. Affordable packages are offered online. www.westingovernormorris.com
TRAVEL TIP:
Educational & Experiential Harriet Tubman Travel
Package*** offered by Dorchester County Tourism- Explore the
scenic landscapes of where Harriet Tubman and other freedom seekers worked,
lived and escaped slavery. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and local
businesses are teaming up to offer discount rates and exclusive perks only to
Tubman travelers. The offers are available through October 2018. To reserve a
Tubman Travel Package, guests can make a reservation at one of five lodging partners. For more
information go to www.visitdorchester.org/the-tubman-travel-package
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