MorristownOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From New Hanover to the "Military Capital"

Morristown's story begins around 1715, when English Presbyterians from New York and Connecticut settled the area, initially calling it New Hanover. By March 15, 1739, the village became the seat of the newly formed Morris County and was renamed Morris Town, honoring Lewis Morris, the first royal governor of a united New Jersey colony.

The town's location and road networks proved important during the American Revolution. George Washington first visited in May 1773, two years before the war, and returned in January 1777 with the Continental Army after victories at Trenton and Princeton. Morristown served as his winter headquarters from January to May 1777, with Washington staying at Jacob Arnold's Tavern on the Morristown Green. He returned for a second winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780. 13,000 soldiers endured the coldest winter on record at Jockey Hollow, while Washington resided in the Ford Mansion.

Industrial Growth and Gilded Age Estates

Following the Revolution, Morristown developed. The 19th century saw industrial growth, particularly in iron manufacturing. The Morris Canal and the Morris and Essex Railroad further established Morristown's role as an economic and transportation hub in northern New Jersey. In 1838, Samuel F.B. Morse and Alfred Vail refined Morse's telegraph equipment and developed an early version of Morse Code at the Speedwell Ironworks, marking a moment in communication history.

Morristown was officially incorporated as a town on April 6, 1865, separating from Morris Township. The late 19th century, between 1880 and 1929, saw wealthy New Yorkers building estates in Morristown and Morris Township, transforming thoroughfares like Madison Avenue into what was known as "the street of the 100 millionaires."

• —Morristown Green — This 2.6-acre historical park has been a central gathering place since 1715. It served as a military base and training ground during the Revolutionary War. Today, it contains several monuments, including the "Patriots' Farewell" Fountain and "The Alliance," commemorating a meeting between Washington, Hamilton, and Lafayette.
• —First Presbyterian Church — The congregation began worshiping here in 1733, and the church received a royal charter in 1756 from King George II. The original church building served as a hospital during a smallpox epidemic in 1777. The current Romanesque Revival stone building, completed in 1894, features works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
• —Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion (Washington's Headquarters) — Built in 1774, this Georgian-style mansion was George Washington's headquarters during the winter of 1779-1780. It shows the conditions faced by Washington and his officers.
• —Morristown National Historical Park Museum — The museum's exterior resembles Washington's Mount Vernon home. The park preserves the sites of the Continental Army's winter encampments, including the Ford Mansion and Jockey Hollow. The museum houses collections related to the encampments and George Washington.
• —Jockey Hollow — This area was the winter encampment for 10,000 to 12,000 Continental Army troops from December 1779 to June 1780, during one of the coldest winters on record. Visitors can see reconstructed soldier huts, illustrating the challenging conditions endured by the soldiers.
• —Wick House — Located within Jockey Hollow, this Cape Cod-style house, built around 1750, served as the headquarters for Major General Arthur St. Clair during the winter of 1779-1780. It is furnished to reflect its use during that period.

The best time to visit Morristown for warm-weather activities is from May through September. During these months, temperatures are typically warm, with July being the hottest month with an average high of 84°F (29°C). September offers the clearest skies and is generally the most comfortable month.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting from November through February, though the weather will be cooler, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 22°F (-6°C). Morristown experiences rainfall in September, while February typically has the least. The period from mid-June to late September is suitable for outdoor activities.

Morristown is accessible by train, with New Jersey Transit offering connections from New York and Hoboken. The Morristown train station, originally built in 1838 and enlarged in 1876, is a major hub. The town's downtown area is walkable, allowing visitors to explore shops, restaurants, and historical sites around the Morristown Green on foot. For those arriving by car, parking is available. Morristown is about 18 miles (29 km) west of Newark.

For navigating beyond the immediate downtown, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are available, and a car is generally recommended for exploring the wider Morris County area. The town hosts a farmers market.