Muster Up For Revolutionary War History In Morristown This Weekend

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Historical re-enactors will bring the Revolutionary War period to life this weekend in Morristown, where General George Washington and the Continental Army once survived a brutal winter.

All are welcome to Jockey Hollow at the Morristown National Historical Park on April 20 and 21 for the Spring Encampment, a free event with activities and learning experiences for all ages.

The annual Encampment, featuring re-enactors from across the northeast, focuses on the lives of soldiers and civilians during the Revolutionary War and is the park's largest special event of the year.

The event opens at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with camp concluding at 4 p.m. on Saturday and at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. The GPS address for Jockey Hollow is 586 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ 07960.

The park commemorates where more than 10,000 soldiers in General Washington's Continental Army stayed through snowstorms and bitter cold during their second winter encampment in Morristown from 1779-80.

At the encampment, there will be demonstrations in camp of cooking, sewing, and other chores; re-enactments of Revolutionary War military maneuvers and musket firing; and a special "children's muster" where kids can learn to drill and march like Continental soldiers.

The Friends of Jockey Hollow is also sponsoring additional re-enactor demonstrations during the weekend, organizers said. Carpenter Scott Lance will be be demonstrating 18th-century woodworking and construction techniques, and geographer Nelson Abrams will also demonstrate surveying techniques used by the Continental Army.

The Park Service said both man are members of Helms’ Company, a group of volunteers dedicated to portraying the men and women of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment during the War for American Independence.

Click here for more information on the event and to see the schedule. The Wick House and Jockey Hollow Visitor Center will also be open. All activities are free and take place at Jockey Hollow.

Below are some photos from the 2023 Spring Encampment, provided to Patch by the National Parks Service: