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Category: Morristown

  • Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Return To Morristown, NJ

    My family and I made it out to the Morristown Green in New Jersey on July 13th to celebrate the bicentennial of General Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Morristown. In July 1825, Lafayette—the beloved French hero of the American Revolution—visited Morristown as part of his grand farewell tour of the United States. The tour, which came nearly 50 years after the country declared independence, brought Lafayette to towns and cities across the nation where he had once fought or held connections. In 1825, Morristown welcomed him with great fanfare, recalling his crucial role during the harsh winter encampments of the Revolutionary War. Crowds gathered in the town square, and a grand reception was held at Arnold’s Tavern—long a landmark of Morristown and closely tied to George Washington’s wartime presence in the area.

    Lafayette’s visit was not only a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the deep bond between the United States and its French ally. For the citizens of Morristown, many of whom had family ties to the Revolution, his presence brought history to life. The general, then nearly 68 years old, was greeted by veterans and descendants of patriots who had served under him or alongside him decades earlier. His return to Morristown symbolized the enduring gratitude of a young nation and reinforced the town’s reputation as a cornerstone of Revolutionary heritage.

    Lafayette in 1790
    Lafayette in 1823

    The event my family and I attended was organized by the American Friends of Lafayette in collaboration with the town of Morristown. When we arrived, we saw tents set up by local historical groups, including the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, the Morristown National Historical Park, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, and others. The event also featured exhibits, reenactors, and activities for families.

    A welcome ceremony at 12:45 p.m. kicked off the program, with remarks from the mayor of Morristown, a representative of the American Friends of Lafayette, and other local historical organizers.

    After the speeches, a cannon blast signaled the start of a reenactment of the 1825 parade, during which Lafayette was escorted around the Morristown Green. Crowds lined the Green to watch the procession of soldiers and catch a glimpse of the French hero.

    Following the parade, Lafayette was escorted to the stage for proclamations, speeches, toasts, and several hearty rounds of “HUZZAH!”

    One highlight of the day was the world premiere of the Lafayette Suite, a new composition by Maestro Robert W. Butts. Members of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ) performed the piece for the first time.

    It was great to see so many people come out to Morristown for this event. Lafayette was truly a remarkable figure, often referred to as the “Hero of Two Worlds” for his role in both the American and French Revolutions. Lafayette first fought for the United States at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. He endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge, led troops effectively at the Battle of Monmouth, played a crucial role in securing French reinforcements, held a leadership position in Virginia late in the war, and was instrumental at the Siege of Yorktown. George Washington considered Lafayette like a son and his impact on the American Revolution was profound.

    Given all this, it’s easy to see why Lafayette was so widely celebrated during his return to the United States in 1824–1825. Having served in the Revolution at such a young age, it’s remarkable that he was able to return nearly 50 years later to revisit the nation he helped to shape.

    Please stay tuned to my Instagram and Facebook accounts as I will be posting Reels of the event.

    For more information on the American Friends of Lafayette, check out their website [HERE].  You can also check out other upcoming events celebrating Lafayette’s final tour of the United States [HERE]

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  • The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route

    Introduction

    For this blog post, I am highlighting the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.  Many of the events/ trips that I have posted on this blog from New Jersey have been sites along the trail.  It is fitting to post about the trail now because next week my family and I are heading on a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, which is a site along the trail.  We will be visiting the trail’s final destination: Yorktown, Virginia.  I am a member of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route in New Jersey Association which highlights the routes taken by the American and French forces within New Jersey.  Of course, New Jersey was just one of several states that the American and French forces marched through.  Other states include Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  

    The entire trail is highlighted and commemorated by The National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association Inc. (W3R-US).  On their website, W3R-US’s explains that their mission “is educating the public both about the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail, and the Trail’s context within the American Revolution as well as to collaborate with diverse trail communities and partners in stimulating economic development and a fuller, more inclusive realization of America’s founding ideals. W3R-US’s vision is that through a connected and conserved trail, W3R-US strengthens trail communities and expands the relevance of our shared American story today and for future generations.”  

    Overview Of The Trail

    The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route highlights the 680-mile route that the Continental Army, led by George Washington, and the French forces, commanded by Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau, took from Newport, Rhode Island, to Yorktown, Virginia.  This 14-week journey culminated in the defeat of the British Army in The Siege of Yorktown in October 1781, which was the beginning of the end of the war, and the victory that the United States needed to secure their independence. The Washington-Rochambeau Trail is a unit of the National Park Service.

    The march began in June 1781, when French forces departed from Rhode Island and met up with American forces at the Hudson River.  The French and American forces marched south in August, through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.  They arrived in Williamsburg, Virginia, in late September, just a few weeks after the French navy defeated the British in the Battle of the Chesapeake, effectively cutting off an escape route for the British encamped at Yorktown. 

    On September 22nd, 1781, the American and French armies joined forces with the Marquis de Lafayette in Virginia.  After a three-week siege at Yorktown, British General, Lord Cornwallis surrendered his British army on October 19, 1781.  This was the climactic victory of the war which led to peace talks between the United States and Great Britain.  The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Trail features interpretive signs and exhibits that highlight the joint effort of both the American and French forces to secure independence.

    New Jersey

    Being a New Jersey native, my experiences along the trail have been within my state, which has many historical connections to the American Revolution.  Below are two maps; the first is a broader map of the routes within New Jersey, and the second map is zoomed into the region where I live. You’ll notice that there are many other maps that highlight the routes more locally. These extra maps are located HERE. I used the local map to find that the trail runs along a road that I personally drive on almost daily in Fairfield and West Caldwell, and is about 2 mins from my house.  This particular trail is highlighted in orange and was the route taken by General Washington and the Continental Army.  The more western route that the French took (highlighted in Yellow) is only about 10 mins west of my house as it cuts through towns like Montville and Lake Hiawatha. 

    Many New Jersey natives can explore the state map, and realize that this historical trail is quite local to where you live.  When you consider the significance of the Siege of Yorktown, and the lengthy march that American and French soldiers had to take, you gain an appreciation for the sacrifices that these soldiers had to make to secure the freedoms that we take for granted today.  And to think, they were marching right in your backyard!

    Get Involved

    For history lovers out there, I highly recommend visiting the websites of both the W3R-US, and the affiliate that is associated with your state.  For New Jersey residents, you can visit here.  The websites have many interactive features including virtual tours along the trail.  Along the virtual New Jersey trail, you will learn much about houses that still stand along the trail and were witnesses to the soldiers who marched in 1781.  As we get closer to the 250th anniversary of our independence, I recommend checking back into these sites for events, and ways to get involved.  You should also consider becoming a member of the organization.  You will not only enjoy the benefits of membership, but you will show your support for a great organization that is bringing the American Revolution alive for the public!  

    The following blog posts are from experiences and trips that I’ve had along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Trail thus far:

    History On The Green- Somerville, NJ
    Independence Day at Washington’s Headquarters- Morristown, NJ
    A Visit to the Miller-Cory House Museum, Westfield, NJ
    A Visit to Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, NJ
    March To Yorktown Day, Westfield, NJ
    George Washington’s War Tent and The Ford Mansion

    Stay tuned for my future blog posts highlighting my family’s trip to Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, Virginia!

  • Independence Day at Washington’s Headquarters- Morristown, NJ

    My family and I made it out on the Fourth of July to Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, NJ for the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This was our first time attending this yearly event.

    The festivities began at 12pm with demonstrations by reenactors of the 2nd New Jersey regiment. The regiment did a fantastic job showing the crowd how to stand in a line, reload their muskets, and how to use the bayonet. They thoroughly explained the use of muskets in the Revolutionary War, as well as the uniforms and limited supplies of Continental soldiers.

    The 2nd New Jersey regiment’s demonstrations lasted nearly to 1pm. At that point there were a few speakers including Thomas Ross, the Superintendent of Morristown National Historic Park. He described the rehabilitation projects taking place at the park, including to the Ford Mansion, as well as to the museum. These projects are in preparation of the 250th anniversary of the Revolution.

    Another speaker who addressed the crowd was Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill who represents New Jersey District 11. She described New Jersey’s importance to the Revolution and praised the efforts to preserve New Jersey’s history.

    At 1pm, Ranger Tom Winslow read the Declaration of Independence. The audience was encouraged to give shouts of “Huzzah!” when he read words/ phrases favorable to freedom and independence. The audience was encouraged to shout “Down with King George!” Or “Down with Tyranny!” when he read the many grievances listed against the king.

    Finally, the program concluded at about 1:30 and my family went in and visited the museum. Representative Mikie Sherrill met and spoke with visitors, while the reenactors also took photos. My family and I really enjoyed our patriotic Fourth of July in Morristown, and would love to come back again! Check out my social media sites in the coming days for videos of the event, including drills, discussions of the revolutionary soldiers, speakers, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

    Below are links to organzations who helped run the event or were in attendance.

    Morristown National Historic Park

    Washington Association of New Jersey

    Revolution NJ

    Friends of Jockey Hollow

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  • Spring Encampment at Jockey Hollow

    My family made it out to the Spring Encampment at Jockey Hollow which is running April 20th and 21st at the Jockey Hollow encampment site in Morris County. Jockey Hollow served as the winter quarters for the Continental Army during the harsh winter of 1779-1780, as well as later times throughout the war. Henry Wick’s farm was 1400 acres and was used by an army of about 10,000 who proceeded to build a “log house city.” The army cleared out an expanse of forest to build their log huts. George Washington’s headquarters was about 6 miles away at Ford Mansion in Morristown.

    The Spring Encampment is a great way to get immersed in the American Revolution. Throughout the weekend there are re-enactors who set up camp and display what life was like for the soldiers as well as citizens of the 18th century. There were engaging activities including 18th century games, and camp demonstrations of cooking, sewing, and other chores. There were military maneuvers, musket firing and cannon firing. There was also a ‘children’s muster’ in which kids are trained how to stand in line, load and fire a musket. The re-enactors are very knowledgable and will address any and all questions and add their insights on many topics about the Revolution. It was great to see so many families out enjoying the festivities. This was our second year attending and it was a great time! Below are photos of our day at Jockey Hollow. Check my instagram page for videos from the day here—> https://www.instagram.com/beneventos_history_blog/

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  • A Visit to Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, NJ

    This past weekend, I had an opportunity to visit Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown. The site is significant as the location of Ford Mansion, Washington’s headquarters during the winter of 1779- 1780. The museum highlights the events of the American Revolution, with a specific focus on Washington’s role. At the musuem, there are interactive exhibits (which are also great for kids), informative signs, extensive artifacts and pamphlets dating back to the Revolution, as well as a gift shop. Anyone interested in the revolution needs to visit this site. When you get an opportunity, you can also tour Ford Mansion and see where Washington lived during crucial days of the war.

    Link for more info: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/visit-washingtons-headquarters-museum-in-morristown-nj.htm

    Below are photos of my visit:

  • George Washington’s War Tent and The Ford Mansion

    This past weekend I took the family to Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, NJ. Throughout the week they hosted an event entitled “Red, White and You: Celebrating Independence Week at Washington’s Headquarters!” During the weekend they hosted the Museum of the American Revolution’s “First Oval Office Project,” which includes a full-scale replica of George Washington’s sleeping and operational tents that served as his mobile command and sleeping quarters while on campaign during the American Revolution. The tent and day’s programming was sponsored by the Washington Association of New Jersey.

    While I had been to Washington’s Headquarters Museum many times for the galleries and book talks, I had not had an opportunity to tour the Ford Mansion. The mansion was open to the public for the weekend events. Since the family and I arrived to Washington’s Headquarters fairly early, we decided to tour the mansion first, and then visit Washington’s War Tent. The guides stationed throughout the mansion were extremely helpful in answering all of our questions about the mansion and Washington’s stay there.

    Ford Mansion

    The Ford Mansion was the home of Jacob Ford, Jr, an iron manufacturer and his family. Ford served as a colonel in the Morris County Militia during the Revolution. However, Ford died in January 1777 of pneumonia, and his wife Theodosia was left to raise their four children. Theodosia allowed George Washington to use the mansion as his headquarters in the winter of 1779-1780. With the American capital in Philadelphia and the British capital in Manhattan, the location of Morristown allowed Washington to keep a close eye on the British, while sending letters to the Continental Congress. Washington also liked Morristown’s “defensible terrain, important communication routes, and access to critical resources.” He arrived in Dec. 1779 and stayed until June 1780. The winter of ‘79-’80 was exceptionally brutal. While Washington was quartered at the Ford Mansion, the army built a small village of huts at Jockey Hollow about 5 miles away. Along with George came his wife Martha, five aides-de-camp, including Alexander Hamilton, eighteen servants, and a number of visiting dignitaries and guards. Theodosia and the children stayed in rooms on the first floor while Washington and his entourage occupied rooms on the top floor. While staying at the Ford Mansion, the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army was busy running the affairs of the war, including making sure his army was supplied with their necessities, and frequently writing correspondence with his commanders. After Washington’s six month stay, the Ford family continued to live in the house until the 1870s. Today, the house is furnished to reflect how it would have appeared in Washington’s day.

    Washington’s War Tent

    Washington’s War Tent displayed at Morristown this past weekend was a replica of the real one which was preserved after Washington’s life and is now located at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. The tent remained with the descendants of Martha Washington’s family until it was sold to the museum collection’s founder, Reverend W. Herbert Burk in 1909. While you can view the original at the museum, you cannot go inside it. The replica was created in order to allow visitors to see what it was like inside Washington’s quarters while he was out on campaign with his army. Washington and his aides used the tent to conduct business, write correspondence and also for sleeping. Personally, going inside the tent was a reminder of the conditions that Washington and his aides had to deal with (it was exceptionally humid this weekend). It showed that Washington, even with his stature, had to brave the elements much like his soldiers did while he was out on campaign. This setting was much different than the comfort he would have had while staying at the Ford Mansion.

    Rochambeau & Washington

    There were many reenactors (from the Museum of the American Revolution) at the event and they were extremely informative. They were experts on their topic and you could tell that they loved talking about the tent and the Revolution. One demonstrator was an expert on women in the American Revolution and spoke in detail about Deborah Sampson who had dressed up like a man so that she could fight in the war. Another demonstrator discussed how surveyors during Washington’s time would have measured the land using very simple tools such as chains, stakes and a compass. While my family and I had to leave to go eat lunch, there were more speakers and demonstrations happening in the afternoon that we unfortunately missed. The collaboration of the Museum of the American Revolution (https://www.amrevmuseum.org), the Washington Association of New Jersey (https://wanj.org), and the Morristown National Historical Park (https://www.nps.gov/morr/index.htm) all did a fantastic job hosting a fun, informative and engaging experience. The First Oval Office Project has further events coming up in Rhode Island and New York. Check out upcoming events here: https://www.amrevmuseum.org/learn-and-explore/first-oval-office-project/first-oval-office-project-programs-and-events

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