Morristown National Historical Park - Washington's Headquarters

After we left Hopewell Furnace we headed north.  We weren't completely sure of the route we were going to take, all we knew for sure was that we didn't want to drive through New York City due to the traffic.  The question was which bridge over the Hudson we would take.  We were heading north along Interstate 287 when we saw a sign for Morristown National Historical Park.  We'd been hoping that we'd make it to Connecticut in enough time to visit Weir Farm National Historic Site, the only national park in the state, but we'd come to realize that we'd never make it in time.  Therefore we decided to take the next exit off of the interstate and circle back around to Washington's Headquarters Museum.  We didn't plan this stop, but it turned out to be a fun one, and a welcome break during a rainy afternoon.  We didn't get to tour the headquarters, but we did visit the museum building.  The building was first completed in 1937 and was inspired by the design of Mount Vernon.  It has been expanded twice since it originally opened and "includes an auditorium, museum store, research library, curatorial storage and administrative offices."

Of course the first thing we discovered was that there was plenty more to see at Morristown and I was said we wouldn't have time to see it this trip.

The gift shop had a rather large Hamilton section, which I believe is directly attributable to the recent popularity of the Hamilton musical and the fact that Hamilton spent time at Morristown during the Revolution.

Morristown's connections to the American Revolution and George Washington were recognized and commemorated years after the war.  The Washington Association of New Jersey donated the Ford Mansion and the extensive collection of muskets, cannons, swords, paintings, maps, books, and documents on display here to Morristown National Historical Park.  Through these artifacts and manuscripts, you can hear the voices of the people of the American Revolution and appreciate the sacrifices made by people in New Jersey and other colonies in the cause liberty.
--from exhibit signage

Of course the exhibits started off with a cannon, because what would a Revolutionary War site be without a cannon?  ;-)

The first of the two Georges, King George III of Great Britain.

We had seen something of George Washington's earlier exploits during our first stop of the trip at Fort Necessity, though it was a much more mature and experienced Washington on display here.

The battlefields in New Jersey were very important to the Revolution.  As the colony was located between the major cities of Philadelphia and New York City controlling the area was vital to both sides in the conflict.  According to the signs "[t]he role of the artillery in these battles, and those to come, can not be underestimated.  Revolutionary field guns, especially those that were captured, gave the Continental Army both tactical and psychological advantages over their opponents."

Later on in the trip we stopped by Saratoga National Historic Site.

After a while we headed downstairs and discovered the Discovery History Center.  This area was highly interactive

This display encouraged people to learn more about the pillars that supported Washington's efforts during the war.

First you see the various titles.

Then you can learn about the people that fulfilled these roles.

At this display you could open the red doors in the upper portion and see more about the tasks involved in organizing the military.  Then if you opened a corresponding drawer below you could see one or more related artifacts.

This replicated hut showed what winter life would have been like for many in the army.

This display featured a game and a neat way to keep the game pieces (two dice) contained so that they were accessible for all visitors.

How would you like to camp through a winter that saw twenty-seven snowstorms?

Even more interactive elements were visible here, ranging from answers that were hidden under lids to clothes that could be tried on to a display explaining the different activities performed by soldiers throughout their day.

This display graphically explained the diminishing value of a continental dollar as the war went on.  In 1775 it could purchase 100 bushels of corn, but by 1780 was worth only 2.5 bushels!

Back upstairs we visited the last gallery and saw an exhibit about American Style.
In early America, wealthy households imported most of their clothing, fine china, glassware, furniture, and other household goods from England.  The American Revolution changed the economy as well as the government and ushered in uniquely American forms of gentility that provided opportunities for upward mobility and higher standards of living.
--from exhibit signage

Our time at this site served to whet our appetites for a future visit where we can explore more of the park.  All of the photos above and a few more can be found in this album.  After leaving the park we headed north around New York City and to our hotel in Connecticut.

~Matt