First Encampment at Morristown

THE FIRST ENCAMPMENT at MORRISTOWN: A STORY OF SURVIVAL

“The severity of the season has made our troops, especially the militia, extremely impatient, and has reduced the number very considerably. Every day more or less leave us. Their complaints, and the great fatigue they have undergone, induced me to come to this place, as the best calculated, of any in this quarter, to accommodate and refresh them.” --General George Washington to the President of Congress, Morristown, January 7, 1777

On January 6, 1777, the Continental Army arrived here at Morristown to establish a winter encampment in the aftermath of the actions of the Ten Crucial Days.

From December 24, 1776, to January 3, 1777—known today as the Ten Crucial Days—General George Washington led his troops in a daring winter campaign resulting in morale-boosting victories at Trenton and Princeton. Washington was well aware of his men’s fatigue and sacrifice. He knew the beleaguered Continental Army needed to rest and regroup for the uncertainties ahead.

From January 6 to May 28, 1777, this modest town hosted thousands of Washington’s Continental troops. Notice the topography around you—the Watchung Mountains acted like giant earthworks—a natural barrier protecting the Continentals from the British encamped 30 miles east in New York City. Today this area is a National Park, but in 1777, the little town gave the army a place to resupply and recharge and, importantly, keep a close eye on British General William Howe’s activities.

Explore these tour stops to learn how Morristown’s private homes, public buildings, and open spaces witnessed the drama of deserting troops, revelry, sickness and, ultimately, survival.