[PDF] Morristown Muster The January Blizzard of 1780 - Free Download PDF (2024)

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Park News

www.nps.gov/morr

Morristown Muster

The Official Newsletter of Morristown National Historical Park Winter 2012-2013: Dec., Jan., Feb.

The January Blizzard of 1780 New Year’s Day 1780 was clear and cold. Not surprising for what had already started out as a bad winter. There was snow on the ground as early as November, and it accumulated to over a foot deep when the soldiers arrived in Jockey Hollow in early December. But, what would be called the ‘Hard Winter’ was just beginning and the worst storm of that winter would start the next day. On Sunday, January 2, 1780 General Washington noted in his dairy that: “about noon it began to snow & continued without intermission through the day & night.” This was the beginning of a huge blizzard that blanketed the northeastern United States. Temperatures hovered in the low 20’s for days, but extremely high winds made it seem even colder.

A Re-enactor trying to stay warm in a Soldier’s Hut during The Army Returns! Weekend in December. The next Army Returns! Weekend will be December 1st and 2nd. Check the Ranger led activities for details.

The storm got worse the following day. Doctor James Thatcher, of Stark’s Brigade, recalled: “On the 3d instant, we experienced one of the most tremendous snow-storms ever remembered; no man could endure its violence many minutes without danger of his life. Several marquees were torn asunder and blown down over officers’ heads in the night, and some of the soldiers were actually covered while in their tents, and buried like sheep under snow. My comrades and myself were roused from sleep by the calls of some officers for assistance; their marquee had blown down, and they were almost smothered in the storm, before they could reach our marquee”

Meat or Bread; and have been for two or three days past. Poor Fellows! They exhibit a picture truly distressing. More than half naked, and above two thirds starved. A Country, once overflowing with plenty, are now suffering an Army employed for the defense of every thing that is dear and valuable, to perish for want of food.” One of the ‘poor fellows’, Private Joseph Plumb Martin stated: “We were absolutely, literally starved. I do solemnly declare that I did not put a single morsel of victuals into my mouth for four days and as many nights, except a little black birch bark which I gnawed off a stick of wood, if that can be called victuals. I saw several of the men roast their old shoes and eat them, and I was afterwards informed by one of the officers’ waiters, that some of the officers killed and ate a favorite little dog that belonged to one of them.”

Drifting snow made the roads impassable and as a result no food made it into camp to feed 10,000 hungry men. On January 4, 1780, Quartermaster General Nathaniel Greene wrote, “Our Army is without

In desperation, soldiers began to steal food from farms surrounding the camp. The farmers complained and Washington promised punishments but also pointed out that the soldiers were starving. On

• Winter 2012-2013

January 8, 1780, Washington wrote: “We are reduced to this alternative either to let the Army disband or to call upon the several Counties of this State to furnish a proportion of Cattle and Grain for the immediate supply of our wants. If the Magistrates refuse their aid we shall be obliged to have recourse to a military impress.” The counties of New Jersey did their part and food made its way into Jockey Hollow. By January 25th the local newspaper cheerfully reported “our army is now exuberantly supplied with provision and every other necessary to make a soldier’s life comfortable. The late scarcity they experienced was occasioned by the inclemency of the weather, and large quantities of snow that fell in quick succession upon the back of each other, which made the roads impassible.” Despite the newspaper’s positive spin, the bad weather would continue through April. The food from the counties of New Jersey ran out by early March and once again the soldiers suffered from lack of food and other supplies.

Letter from Superintendent 2012: A Year in Review As we transition into winter and cooler weather, it is time to reflect upon our success for the year. There have been significant accomplishments and progress on projects that are not always obvious as you walk through the different areas of the park. Our Cultural Resources and Education team partnered with Newark City Schools and conducted a workshop focusing on teacher preparation for student exploration of the Morristown story. Our Education program saw over 1,600 school children attend education programs in the park, the most in many years. Our Facilities team accomplished many projects to include re-pointing brick work at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, office renovations, and continued exceptional grounds maintenance in all four areas of the park. Rangers, in cooperation with the New York/ New Jersey Trails Conference and the Student Conservation Association, cleared trails and re-engineered the intersection of the blue and yellow trails in New York Brigade area. Our Resource Management staff worked tirelessly on data collection in preparation of a Vegetation and Deer Management Plan. One of the largest planning projects the park has undertaken in ten years. And behind the scenes, our Administration team has been working tirelessly to transition our administration and budget computer systems to a new, more streamlined system. These are just a few examples of the work the Morristown National Historical Park team has accomplished this year. We continue to work on your behalf to protect, preserve, and make accessible, this great historical treasure. Enjoy your National Park. Jill A. Hawk 2  Morristown Muster

Behind Closed Doors As we experience yet another presidential inauguration one may stop and think back to a time when these events were new to not only a young country but an entire world. The auspicious day was April 30th, 1789. The guest of honor was General George Washington soon to be the First President of these United States. General Washington requested from his old Friend, General Henry Knox “…with the Commission of purchasing enough [superfine American Broad Cloths] to make me a Suite of cloaths.” The color of the cloth was left up to General Knox. The cloth came from a manufacturer in Hartford Connecticut and had exceeded Washington’s expectations. He commented in a letter written to Daniel Hinsdale, an agent for the Woolen Manufacture of Hartford Connecticut, that he was “…extremely pleased to find that the useful manufactures are so much attended to in our Country, and with such a prospect of success.” The quality and cost of the cloth exceeded anything he would have expected from such a young nation that had so long depended on British manufacturing. He went on to write that he “…shall always take a peculiar pleasure in giving every proper encouragement in my power to the manufactures of my Country.” Unlike Rulers of Europe he chose simple clothes setting his own stage on how he wanted to be seen by the public. Since 1889 a suit of clothes matching the color description of Washington’s Inaugural suit have resided in Morristown, New Jersey. That suit of clothes came through the Washington Family and was presented to Lawrence Augustine Washington, nephew of George Washington. It is said by the descendants that Washington himself presented the suit and several other related items to his nephew as a gift. These items passed down through the family unseen until the Centennial Celebration of Washington’s

Inauguration. They were placed on exhibit at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City in April of 1889. The suit was accompanied by a dress sword believed to have been worn at the time by Washington and is currently on display in the Washington’s Headquarters Museum. The suit also came with one knee buckle and two shoe buckles. The Suit would remain on display until the creation of the Morristown National Historical Park in 1933. A few years later they would re-appear in the New Museum built behind the Ford Mansion where they would be on display until the late 1960s. In the 1970s the suit was on loan to Federal Hall in lower Manhattan. Through the years the suit of clothes which consist of a coat, waistcoat (vest) and knee breeches have undergone extensive conservation. Unfortunately due to the clothes fragile nature they are unable to be displayed to the public at this time.

George Washington’s brown suit during the most recent conservation efforts.

African-American Patriots Other African American’s also sided with the patriot cause throughout the colonies including New Jersey’s own Oliver Cromwell who was born near Burlington in 1752. Raised a farmer, he served in several companies of the Second New Jersey Regiment between 1776 and 1783. After seeing action at the battles of Trenton and Princeton in 1776 and 1777, Brandywine in 1777, Monmouth in 1778 and Yorktown in 1781, he left the military at war’s end. George Washington personally signed Cromwell’s discharge papers, and also designed a medal which was awarded to Cromwell.

While the Patriots were ultimately victorious in the American Revolution, choosing sides and deciding whether to fight in the war was far from an easy choice for American colonists. For African Americans, what mattered most was freedom. As the Revolutionary War spread through every region, those in bondage sided with whichever army promised them personal liberty. Many African Americans like Agrippa Hull and New Jersey’s own Oliver Cromwell, did side with the Patriot cause. 5,000 black men served in the Continental Army, and hundreds more served on the sea. When Washington took command of the Continental Army in 1775, he barred the further recruitment of black soldiers, despite the fact that they had fought side by side with their white counterparts at the battles of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill. By the winter of 1777-78, the Continental Army had dwindled to 18,000 from

Stay in Touch wherever you go

Would you like to receive the Morristown Muster Newsletter and information about other events going on in the park throughout the year and save some trees at the same time? If so, join our e-mail list. To sign up go to www.nps.gov/morr and click the Connect To Your Park link in the features section. Enter your e-mail address and your done. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Also follow us on twitter: @MorristownNPS

Water color painting done by a French Officer at Yorktown. The Soldier on the left is from the famed 1st Rhode Island Regiment.

disease and desertion. This, together with the active recruitment of enslaved blacks by the British, finally convinced Washington to approve plans for Rhode Island to raise a regiment of free blacks and slaves.

If you want to learn more about African Americans during the American Revolution join one of the following Ranger Programs: Bound to Serve on January 19th, African American Patriots on January 20th, Story-Telling on January 21st and African Americans in the American Revolution on February 10th.

Volunteer Spotlight: Heartfelt Thanks As the cold winds blow and the snow piles up, join us as we spend this time thanking our many volunteers who helped our visitors to enjoy the trails of Jockey Hollow, the history of the Ford Mansion, Wick House and encampment grounds, along with the beautiful gardens of the Cross Estate and Wick farm. If you would like to Support Your Park by joining this faithful team of volunteers in the spring, please check out our volunteer opportunities on our website www.nps.gov/morr.

For further information or volunteer opportunities contact: Phone: 973-539-2016 ext 230 E-mail: [emailprotected]

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Washington Association of New Jersey Dear Friends, The Washington Association of New Jersey (WANJ) is proud to announce it is evolving with the times -- now you can find one of the state’s oldest historical preservation organizations on Facebook. People who are passionate about historical research, American history, military history, preservation, and the life of George Washington should be particularly interested in learning about our activities, which can be accessed on our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/WANJ1874 or on our Web site at www.wanj.org. WANJ was founded to acquire and preserve the Ford Mansion and surrounding areas for future generations, due to its significance as Washington’s Headquarters during one of the harshest winters this area of the country has ever

Morristown National Historical Park, Junior Ranger

Planning a trip to Morristown National Historical Park? Explore our revolutionary past and discover fascinating facts about the events, people, places, and things in historic Morristown by asking for a Junior Ranger Handbook. You can get a copy of the handbook at Jockey Hollow or at Washington’s Headquarters. Complete and present the handbook to a park ranger at Jockey Hollow or Washington’s Headquarters and receive your Junior Ranger badge for a job well done. Go to www.nps.gov/morr/forkids to download a copy of the Junior Ranger booklet and get started today!

War and George Washington. Former speakers have included William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, John Cunningham, and former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean. Last year’s address focused on the Constitution and Washington’s role in shaping it.

experienced in historical memory. This house and the surrounding areas were deeded to the National Park Service in 1933 to form the basis of the country’s first National Historical Park. Since then WANJ, as the congressionallylegislated advisory body to Morristown National Historical Park, has focused its activities on maintaining and communicating Washington’s achievements both in New Jersey and throughout his career. One of our longest traditions, going on 140 years, is the Annual Luncheon that takes place every year on Washington’s Birthday, and includes a keynote address, covering different aspects of the Revolutionary

Most exciting is our fund-raising effort for the Discover History Center, a new and exciting interactive museum space, which gives the visitor a virtual experience and history of the years Washington and his troops spent in Morristown. If you would like to join WANJ, learn more about or help with the Discover History Center, please visit our Web site www.wanj.org/fundraising or contact me at 973-292-1874. We look forward to serving you as we work together to preserve the legacy of the first president and commanderin-chief of our country, George Washington. Harry Carpenter, President

Fee Free Days at your National Park

Saturday, January 19th to Monday, January 21st: Martin Luther King Day Weekend - Join the staff of Morristown NHP on Martin Luther King Day Weekend for free tours of the Ford Mansion and special programs all weekend at the museum and Jockey Hollow. Call 973-539-2016 ext. 210 or www.nps.gov/morr for schedule of events. Saturday, January 19th: In the Footsteps of Presidents - 10:00am at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Saturday, January 19th: Bound to Serve - 10:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House. Sunday, January 20th: Kid’s Tour of the Ford Mansion - 10:30am and 2:30pm at the Ford Mansion. Sunday, January 20th: African American Patriots - 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House. Monday, January 21st: Storytelling - 11:00am and 1:30pm at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center.

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Crossroads of the American Revolution N.H.A. “ Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we are here ” - Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees New Jersey during the American Revolution was a microcosm of the national experience. For the state’s culturally diverse population, the fight for American Independence meant nearly eight years of civil war. Ad hoc militias waged unconventional warfare. Bitter divisions developed and neighbor turned against neighbor as allegiances shifted with the fortunes of war. Through endurance and survival, a nation was born. New Jersey’s Revolutionary story is not one of easy triumph and glory. It is an experience that is represented by significant victories and personal tragedies – of heroism on the battlefield and conflict in communities. Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area fosters the conservation, preservation and interpretation of New Jersey’s Revolutionary-era sites and landscapes. The NHA encompasses 2,155 square miles including 214 municipalities in 14 counties, and more than 200 historic sites. The National Park Service’s

American Battlefield Protection Program lists 296 significant military engagements within the state, and hundreds more skirmishes, from 1775 through 1782 . Story Telling is one of the most critical activities of the heritage area and enables us to encompass the diversity of this large area through three themes A Revolutionary Landscape conveys how the 18th century landscape plays a vital role in understanding the war and encourages exploration of how the state’s critical location, topography, natural and man made resources influenced the actions of both armies and the outcome of the American Revolution. Rendezvous for Rebellion focuses on the campaigns and engagements and

how they influenced the outcome of the war. Many smaller raids, engagements, and skirmishes were conducted over the course of the war were characteristic of the bitter and tragic nature of the conflict. Divided Loyalties highlights how our cultural diversity and economic circ*mstances created different opinions about the Revolution. Strong divisions led to civil war within communities and even families. These divisions erupted along religious, ethnic, and economic lines, and resulted in tragic violence, uprooted residents, and community disruption. Uncover Your Revolutionary Spirit and Discover Revolutionary New Jersey at www.revolutionarynj.org .

North Jersey American Revolution Roundtable Long before New Jersey was the Garden State, the colony of New Jersey was known as the ‘co*ckpit of the Revolution’ and the ‘Crossroads of the Revolution’. New Jersey witnessed many events; both high points and low points that were critical to the cause of American independence. Join us as we discuss the ideas, men and events which led to the founding of the American republic, the oldest constitutional democracy in the world. Meetings begin at 7:15pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum: January 10, 2012 February 14, 2012 For more information and a list of speakers call 973-539-2016 ext. 210 or go to www.njhistoryroundtables.org/NJARRT

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Winter Ranger Led Activities 2012-2013

DECEMBER Saturday, December 1st: The Army Returns! - Revolutionary War reenactors from various regiments will once again descend upon Jockey Hollow. Discover how the huts were built and what life was like during the winter. Call 973-542-4030 for further information . 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Soldiers Huts. Saturday, December 1st: Why Morristown? - Why did George Washington choose Morristown for the winter encampment of 1779-80? Who organized the search for the best area? Learn about the people involved and the reasons for this area being chosen for the winter camp. 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum Sunday, December 2nd: The Army Returns! - Revolutionary War reenactors from various regiments will once again descend upon Jockey Hollow. Discover how the huts were built and what life was like during the winter. Call 973-542-4030 for further information . 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Soldiers Huts.

Sunday, December 2nd: What Did You Do Last Summer? - Meet one of Washington’s aides-de-camp during a Ford Mansion tour and find out what the army did during the summer of 1779 and why Morristown was chosen as the site of the winter encampment of 1779-1780. 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm at the Ford Mansion. Sunday, December 9th: Humbug! Imagine a December without Christmas trees, presents or even Santa! That’s what life was like in 18th century New Jersey. Find out why, as you encounter one of Washington’s aides on a Ford Mansion tour. Learn what type of celebration did occur at the Ford Mansion on December 25th and what most people felt about the holiday season. 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm at the Ford Mansion. Saturday, December 15th: Blind Exploration - Come to the Wick House to explore with your senses through items of the 18th century. 10:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House Sunday, December 16th: Paying for War - Wars cost a lot, especially when it’s a new country. Learn how the United States used silver, paper money, IOU’s, lotteries and loans to pay for the cost of the American Revolution during a guided tour of the Ford Mansion. 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm at the Ford Mansion.

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Saturday, December 22nd: Feeding the Army - All set for that Christmas Day dinner with your family? Come see the sumptuous meal that Washington’s soldiers would share in December 1779. A feast not fit for a king - or soldier! 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wick House. Wednesday, December 26th: Continental Marines - Marines have been around even longer than the Declaration of Independence itself. Join a Park Ranger at the Wick House to discover the role these soldiers played in Morristown and throughout the war. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House. Thursday, December 27th: Henry Knox’s Artillery - Ever wonder what artillerists mean when they talk about 4 lbs., 12 lbs. or 32 lbs. cannons? Join a Park Ranger at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum as you discover the many different aspects of artillery used in the American Revolution during this 20 minute gallery talk. 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum.

Winter Ranger Led Activities 2012-2013

DECEMBER

Friday, December 28th: Washington’s Lifeguard - During the winter of 1779 to 1780 Washington had 250 men at his disposal for security as well as protection of his personal papers. Join a Park Ranger at the Washington Headquarters Museum for a short walk to discover the role these men played in Morristown and beyond. 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum Saturday,December 29th: Civilian Conservation Corps. Hike - During the Great Depression of the 1930’s a group of young men changed Jockey Hollow forever. Join a Park Ranger on a 2.25 mile round trip hike of the Yellow Trail to discover how these men transformed Jockey Hollow into what we love today while only earning $30 a month! 10:00am at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Saturday,December 29th: Flint and Steel - Visit the Wick House to see a demonstration of using flint and steel to start a fire. Learn how these two materials played an important role in the Revolutionary War. 10:00am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm at the Wick House. Sunday, December 30th: The Thing’s They Carried - Have you always wondered what types of things soldiers carried throughout the war? Join a Park Ranger at the Wick House to discover what would have been inside a soldier’s knapsack. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House.

JANUARY Sunday, January 6th: Weapons of War Learn how a chain saved West Point and a rifle almost killed George Washington and see the actual weapons on a gallery tour that explains the various types of weapons used during the Revolutionary War. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum.

Saturday, January 12th: Hamilton Slept Here Too! - George Washington wasn’t the only founding father to sleep in the Ford Mansion. Join a Park Ranger on a tour of the Ford Mansion and discover the role Alexander Hamilton played during the ‘Hard Winter’ and beyond. 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm at the Ford Mansion.

Saturday, January 19th: Bound to Serve - Come sit by a hearth fire and ponder as to what you would have done if joining either the British or American army may have led you back into slavery. Learn about the role Black soldiers played on both sides of the Revolutionary War. 10:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House.

Saturday, January 12th: Would You Mutiny? - If you were a member of the Pennsylvania Line in January 1781, would you mutiny? Come to the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and decide if you would join the mutineers or not. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center.

Sunday, January 20th: Kid’s Tour of the Ford Mansion - Here’s a historic house tour geared for kids in grades four and up (including adults). It will feature activities such as role playing, a scavenger hunt and learning about “gross stuff,” like 18th century bathrooms. The tour begins in the Washington Headquarters Museum. 10:30am and 2:30pm at the Ford Mansion.

Sunday, January 13th: Documents of Revolution - Discover the true importance of some small pieces of paper displayed in the Lloyd Smith Gallery. Join a Park Ranger for a gallery tour and trace the history of the American Revolution as you hear about how stamps, broadsides and books helped start and end the Revolutionary War. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Saturday, January 19th: In the Footsteps of Presidents - When you hike around Jockey Hollow do you see the work of Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover or even Richard Nixon? Join a Park Ranger on this 2 mile round trip hike on the Yellow Trail to discover the role these Presidents and others have played in shaping Jockey Hollow. 10:00am at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center.

Sunday, January 20th: African American Patriots - Did you know that 5,000 African Americans served in the Continental Army? Join a Park Ranger at the Wick House to learn about the roles these patriots played while fighting for our independence. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House. Monday, January 21st: Storytelling Telling stories was a popular form of entertainment in the 18th century. Listen and laugh as the storyteller recalls riddles, jokes, and stories that your ancestors might have enjoyed. 11:00am and 1:30pm at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Sunday, January 27th: Getting Warm Imagine trying to stay warm during the ‘Hard Winter’ of 1780. It was a world without storm windows, central heat or even electric space heaters. Feel the chill in the Wick House, as you learn how people got warm in the 18th century. 2:00pm to 3:00pm at the Wick House.

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National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Park News

www.nps.gov/morr

Winter Ranger Led Activities 2012-2013 FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 9th: Surviving Morristown - Morristown was the hardest winter ever recorded. Speak with a soldier at the Soldier Hut Exhibit and learn about his cause and the hardships he endured that winter. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Sunday, February 10th: African Americans in the American Revolution During the Revolutionary War AfricanAmericans acted as soldiers, servants and spies. Meet one of Washington’s aides during a Ford Mansion tour and learn about the role of African-Americans in the various armies of the Revolution. 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm at the Ford Mansion. Saturday, February 16th: Living in Colonial Times - Kids bring your parents to the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center to hear a reading of ‘If You Lived in Colonial Times’ written by Ann McGovern. Following the story we will do an activity to help us relate to the story. 10:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Saturday, February 16th: The Thing’s They Carried - Have you always wondered what types of things soldiers carried throughout the war? Join a Park Ranger at the Wick House to discover what would have been inside a soldier’s knapsack. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Wick House.

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Sunday, February 17th: The Making of An American Icon - We remember George Washington as the father of our country and arguably the greatest American to ever live. Join a Park Ranger to discover the early years of Washington’s life and see how he became the man Americans love and idealize. 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Monday, February 18th: Images of George Washington - George Washington was the ‘poster boy’ of the late 18th century. Everyone wanted a copy of his image. Learn about Washington while viewing busts and paintings of Washington on a gallery tour of the museum. 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Saturday, February 23rd: Morristown’s Other Army - During the Great Depression of the 1930’s another army camped in Morristown. Join a Ranger at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center for a 45 minute PowerPoint slideshow to discover the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps and how these ‘Soil Soldiers’ transformed Morristown N.H.P and other public lands. 10:00am, Noon and 2:00pm at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Saturday, February 23rd: What is it Henry? - The Wick Family owned some curious tools, with some odd names. Could you use a beetle or a stylyard around your house? Come discover these and other items Mr. Wick used everyday. 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wick House.

Sunday, February 24th: MythInformed: Debunking Myths of 18th Century Life - Over time guides at historic sites have told all sorts interesting stories that turn out to be false. Unfortunately those are the stories visitors love. Stories such as: People were shorter in the 18th century, H & L shaped hinges help ward off witches and Washington having wooden teeth. Join a park ranger for a guided tour of the Ford Mansion and discover the truth behind many popular old-house myths. 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm at the Ford Mansion.

Washington’s Headquarters Museum: The museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The museum features three exhibit galleries and a 30 minute park movie about Morristown during the Revolutionary War. The museum also includes an Eastern National bookstore. The fee for the museum is $4.00 for adults (age 16 and Up) and also includes a tour of the Ford Mansion. Call 973539-2016 ext 210 for information. Ford Mansion: Tours are offered daily and begin at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Call 973-539-2016 ext 210 for availability. Jockey Hollow Visitor Center: Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm and admission is free. Trail Guides to 27 miles of hiking trails are available for free. Call 973543-4030 for information. Wick House: Open daily and admission is free. Step back in time while exploring the 18th Century farmhouse of the Wick Family. Call 973-5434030 for information.