NJ, USA
Continental Army Arrives in Morristown
January 6, 1777
After victories at Trenton and Princeton, Washington led the Continental Army into Morristown for its first winter encampment. The town was chosen for its defensible position in the Watchung Mountains, its access to supply routes, and its distance from British-held New York. Approximately 3,000 troops established camp in and around the town, marking the beginning of Morristown's role as a military capital of the Revolution.
People Involved
Virginia planter and Continental Army commander-in-chief who owned and managed Mount Vernon's enslaved workforce. Absent from his estate for most of the war, he directed Lund Washington's management by correspondence and returned to find the plantation's human community shaped by eight years of wartime disruption.
Continental Army major general (1742-1786) who served as quartermaster general during the Morristown winter encampments and later commanded the Southern Department.
Morristown militia colonel and ironmaster (1738-1777) whose mansion served as Washington's headquarters during the first winter encampment and whose family hosted the general's household.
Joined Washington at Morristown during both winter encampments, managing the headquarters household, organizing sewing circles to produce clothing for soldiers, and hosting events to maintain officer morale.