The winter of 1779-1780 was the coldest on record. As the American Revolutionary War waged on, weather conditions battered the Patriots and the British alike. Despite the brutal elements, General George Washington led the American troops to victory. In this Jersey Through History spotlight, we revisit Washington’s Headquarters during a pivotal time in the war.
Prior to arriving at Ford Mansion in Morristown, the Continental Army spent a year engaged in more than two dozen battles; many of them resulting in British victories. Then, the last battle in the area before winter – The Battle of Paulus Hook – turned their fortunes around. The battle resulted in just two casualties on the Patriots’ side; whereas more than 200 British troops were either killed, wounded, or captured. This battle was the start of the British losing their control over New Jersey.
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Finding Ford Mansion
In November 1779, George Washington and his troops made their way to Morristown. The harsh conditions on the horizon led the general in search of shelter. With British forces 30 miles east in New York City, Morristown was a defensible position. As fate would have it, a suitable location became available just in time. Theodosia Ford, wife of Colonel Jacob Ford Jr, invited Washington to spend the winter of 1779 in Ford Mansion. Colonel Ford had just perished during a battle in Princeton, and his wife wanted to contribute to the war effort.
As a result, Washington brought his troops to Ford Mansion on December 1, 1779. In fact, Washington and his highest ranking men took over most of the building; leaving Theodosia and her four children to share a pair of rooms. Then, on December 31, Martha Washington joined her husband at Ford Mansion, now known as Washington’s Headquarters.
However, Ford Mansion was not large enough to house an army, and so troops got to work securing shelter; chopping down thousands of trees in order to construct one thousand log huts. Each hut fit a dozen men, but the camp also housed wives and children.
The War Effort From Washington’s Headquarters
During the ensuing winter, more than 20 snowstorms barreled through New Jersey. With diminished supply lines and few options, it became nearly impossible for troops to purchase food and clothing. During this time of struggle, Washington’s Headquarters received immense help from neighboring New Jersey communities. In fact, Washington later wrote that New Jersey’s help saved his army from dissolution and starving during that winter.
Ford Mansion remained Washington’s Headquarters well into the spring of 1780. In May, when the Marquis de Lafayette arrived with additional aid from France, the Patriots began their departure. The last of the troops departed the encampment on June 23 to join ongoing battles.
Ford Mansion Today
Today, the area holds several structures memorializing Washington’s encampment in Morristown from December 1779 to June 1780. The large Washington’s Headquarters Museum, in particular, showcases a slice of 18th century domestic life for wealthy families. It also features military tactics and weapons, and rare manuscripts and books from the era. However, Ford Mansion is shown by ranger-led tours only.
The park also offers nearly 27 miles of easy and moderate hiking trails. For example, the marked trails boast a number of points of interests. Visitors are welcome to explore the area, including Fort Nonsense, Jockey Hollow, and replica log huts. Visiting Ford Mansion and the surrounding area is a great way to learn more about Washington’s Headquarters; and is a perfect addition to our Jersey Through History series.
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All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ
