General George Washington chose to encamp for the winter at Morristown, New Jersey, because of the site’s protected location behind the Watchung Mountains and the Great Swamp.

He didn’t count on the weather. The winters of 1777 and 1779-1780 were especially harsh, and the inexperienced soldiers didn’t know how to set up proper shelter and sanitation.

General Washington was safely housed inside the Ford Mansion, but outside, huddled in drafty wooden huts, as many as 3,000 Continental soldiers died from exposure and disease.

Morristown National Historical Park preserves this important site in American history. At Jockey Hollow, you’ll see a replica of the “log house city” that housed the Continental Army.

Tour the George Washington’s headquarters at the Ford Mansion. The mansion is furnished with items that date to Washington’s residence.

The Morristown National Historical Park library contains an extensive archive of documents related to George Washington, the Founding Fathers, and the American Revolution. Exhibits display diaries, military documents, letters, and personal accounts of America’s fight for independence and the seeds of democracy.

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