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Morristown National Historical Park
Address: 30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 7960
Phone: 973-539-2016
Fax: 973-539-8361
Overview.0 This 1,700-acre park commemorates George Washington and his Continental forces who camped here during the harsh winter of 1779-80, said to have been the most difficult time for American forces during the Revolutionary War. At Jockey Hollow, five miles south of Morristown, Washington's 10,000 troops camped out in log huts that provided little protection from the exceptionally cold winter of that year. In addition to severe weather, the Americans endured hunger and a lack of supplies, including clothing. During one extremely brutal week in January, soldiers ate tree bark, leather shoes, and even camp dogs. Historical accounts say that it was Washington's leadership skills that kept his troops from giving up.
Washington, along with his wife and staff, rented the Georgian-style Ford Mansion, which also served as army headquarters. To make way for the general, the newly widowed Theodosia Ford and her family made do with only two rooms of the house. While quartered there, Washington faced the daily problems of feeding and clothing the "city" of troops with worthless continental scrip. He also received ambassadors from the allied nations of Spain and France.
What to see and do. 0 At Washington Headquarters in Morristown, you can view the Ford Mansion, which has been restored to its 18th-century appearance. Guided tours are given almost hourly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. starting from the museum behind the mansion. The museum is filled with 18th-century artifacts and interpretive exhibits. A 20-minute film explains more of the site's history; there is a gift shop on site as well. The museum is opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Jockey Hollow features replicas of the log huts where the soldiers lived, and a visitor center where you can watch a 10-minute film, take in historical exhibits, and browse the book store. The Wick farmhouse and herb garden (ca. 1750) is located behind the visitor center. The home of Henry Wick, it served as headquarters for General Arthur St. Clair. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can explore Jockey Hollow's wooded park from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Its 26 miles of trails welcome walkers, hikers, and joggers. There is also a three-mile driving tour loop that goes past the historic sites. Jockey Hollow is especially beautiful in autumn when the colors are turning. Special events and activities, including interpretive talks and living history demonstrations, are scheduled throughout the year. Contact the park for a brochure and current schedule.
While you're visiting the park, be sure to spend some time in historic Morristown, where sheep once grazed on the Green. Behind the Courthouse is the site of Fort Nonsense. Nothing remains of this lookout, but on a clear day you can imagine the soldiers watching for troop movements from New York City.
New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail
PO Box 118
Mauricetown, NJ 8329
Phone: 856-447-0103
Fax: 856-447-0108
Overview. Following 300 miles of New Jersey coastline from Perth Amboy to Cape May along the Atlantic, and from Cape May to the Delaware Memorial Bridge along the shores of Delaware Bay, this newly established "trail" is a cooperative effort of the National Park Service, the State of New Jersey, and a host of public and private organizations. The trail is currently under development as a "vehicular tourism route" covering five different themes relating to life along the New Jersey coast: Maritime History, Historic Settlements, Coastal Habitats, Wildlife Migration, and Relaxation and Inspiration. The Maritime History, Coastal Habitats, Wildlife Migration themes are already in place, with the remaining themes reaching completion over the next several years. Historic sites, such as forts, scenic towns, and lighthouses, share the limelight with features of natural beauty and significance, such as beaches and salt marshes. What to see and do. There are three Welcome Centers along the route. They are located at Fort Mott State Park near the Delaware Memorial Bridge, in Salem County; Ocean View Tourist Information Center, north of Cape May on the Garden State Parkway, milepost 18.3; and Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area, Monmouth County. At each of these sites you can obtain trail information, view an orientation video, and see exhibits outlining and explaining the trail's five themes. Individual destinations also have displays about the trail, along with specific information regarding the sites themselves. Trail destinations include recreation areas that feature swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and bird-watching, as well as access to points of historic and cultural interest. Each trail Welcome Center and individual destination sets its own hours; contact individual sites for specific details. The National Park Service does not administer or maintain any lodging or camping facilities along the trail. These amenities, as well as restaurants and other services, are readily available from private sources and in state parks on or near the route. For more information about the route of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, contact the National Park Service trail headquarters at 856-447-0103, or the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, PO Box 826, Trenton, NJ 08625 (800-537-7397 or 609-292-2470).
Pinelands National Reserve
PO Box 7 The Pinelands Commission
New Lisbon, NJ 8064
Phone: 856-894-9342
Fax: 609-894-0026
Overview. This affiliated area of the National Park Service, owned and managed by public agencies and private landowners, preserves a watery landscape of marshland, bogs, and ponds covering 1.1 million acres of southern New Jersey's Atlantic coastal plain. Through the centuries, sandy soils, acidic water, and frequent fires formed a unique environment. Only plants and animals especially adapted to these conditions were able to live here. People called the area "The Barrens" because these conditions made it hard for them to farm in the usual way. The reserve covers a vast, largely undeveloped area -- the largest open space area on the mid-Atlantic seacoast. It takes up almost a quarter of New Jersey's total land area, and includes portions of 56 communities, seven counties, and a number of state and local parks, forest, and historic sites. What to see and do. Camping, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, bird-watching, and biking are some of the recreational opportunities available within the reserve's state parks and forests. One popular point of interest is Batsto Village, a living-history site featuring craft demonstrations, restored buildings, and the early 19th-century Italianate mansion of Joseph Wharton, who once owned the land and the Batona Trail. The Batona Trail stretches from Ong's Hat in Lebanon State Forest, through Batsto and Wharton State Forest, and onto Bass River State Forest, a total of approximately 50 miles. During the Revolutionary War, munitions, camp kettles, iron fastenings, and fittings for artillery caissons, wagons, and ships were manufactured at the Batsto Iron Works located near the mouth of the Batsto River. The Pinelands Commission can provide information and a guide to both the natural and historic attractions located in the reserve. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks and Forestry at 609-292-2734 can also provide information on the reserve's state-managed sites, while individual localities will be happy to provide information on attractions in or near their towns. Contact the Pinelands Commission for more information or call Batsto Village at 609-561-3262.
Great Egg Harbor National Scenic River
Address: c/o National Park Service 200 Chestnut St, 3rd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19106
Folsom, NJ 8037
Phone: 215-597-9175
Overview. One of the region's largest canoeing rivers, the Great Egg Harbor River runs through or along the famous Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. This Scenic and Recreational River area includes a number of tributaries of the Great Egg Harbor, and is closely allied with Pinelands National Reserve, which preserves the rare and diverse flora and fauna of the region. Access to the Great Egg Harbor River is through private, state, and local properties. Canoeing, rafting, and tubing are the main activities on the river. Campsites are available at various public and private campgrounds along the river's route.
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