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Here at Downtown Magazine, we love every aspect of city living. However, every now and then, we need a change of pace. Thus, throughout the summer we will be releasing our top day-trip get away destinations which are fun for the whole family.
Ford Mansion. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
In January 1777, George Washington used the home of Jacob Ford, Jr., as a winter officers’ headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Further down the road, many low ranking army members made camp in the woods of Jockey Hollow. Today, that home and those woods still stand and are part of the Morristown Historical Park in New Jersey.
The Ford Mansion stands in the middle of residential Morristown. Visitors can take a guided tour of this historic monument, which has been restored and features original colonial era furniture, just like the pieces George Washington and his men would have used. The mansion also includes re-creations of the houses’ colonial era kitchen, bedrooms, and Washington’s office.
The Ford Mansion grounds also includes the Washington Headquarter museum building, which includes additional historic artifacts, such as original Revolutionary War muskets, pro-revolution pamphlets, and colonial home items.
A reenactment of colonial life. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
Visitors can then stop by Jockey Hollow, the historic site where regular Revolutionary army members were quartered during the winter. Guests can see the Revolutionary war era winter encampment site, either on their own or as part of a guided ranger program. Ranger programs are on a variety of specific topics relating to colonial life, such as living conditions or making clothing. They also have special re-enactment events. The park includes a number of trails which are open for hiking, biking, bird watching, and even horseback riding.
Admission to the Morristown Historical Park Washington Headquarters Museum and Ford Mansion is $4 for adults and free for children under the age of 15. Jockey Hollow admission is free. The Washington Headquarters Museum, Ford Mansion, and Jockey Hollow are managed under the National Park Service.
There are several travel options to the Morristown Historical Park. It can be reached via car from I-78 in just under an hour and fifteen minutes, the NJ Transit, Long Island Rail Road or by simply renting a Zipcar.