Ford Mansion
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The Ford Mansion is part of the Morristown National Historical Park, and is located on a hilltop in Morristown, New Jersey. The Ford Mansion was the "hard winter" (from December 1779 - May 1780) quarters of George Washington and the Continental Army. That winter remains the coldest on record for New Jersey. Theodosia Ford, the widow of Jacob Ford, and her three children shared their household with Washington, his staff, including Alexander Hamilton, their servants and sometimes, members of their family. Martha Washington traveled to Morristown to spend the winters with her husband. The adjacent museum is being remodeled and should be open again in late 2007 or early 2008.
This massive Georgian style mansion was built between 1772-1774 for Jacob Ford Jr. Mr. Ford was involved in a number of business ventures including an iron mine, iron forges, a grist mill, a hemp-mill, a gun powder mill, and farms. Theodosia Ford and her four young children continued to reside in this house after Mr. Ford's death on January 11, 1777. Through the hospitality of Mrs. Ford, General Washington rented this home for the winter of 1779-1780. Consequently, the Ford Mansion, one of the finest homes in Morristown, became General Washington's military headquarters during the winter of 1779-1780.
The Ford family was crowded into two rooms of their home during General Washington's stay. General Washington brought with him his Aides-de-Camp and a number of servants to assist him in performance of his many roles and duties. Daily meetings and discussions attempted to solve multiple problems facing the army during the winter months including severe shortages of food rations and supplies. The American Revolutionary War began in 1775 and was ended in 1783 by the Treaty of Paris. Urgent financial support of the revolutionary state government and the Continental Congress was imperative for clothing and feeding of the army.
Military strategy in the northern and southern theaters also had to be worked out with the French. Participation and assistance provided by the Native American Lenni-Lenape entailed warriors, guides, and exchange of food and supplies.
The Ford Mansion is open daily and may be seen by Ranger Guided tours only.
