Ford Mansion
The
Ford Mansion is part of
Morristown National Historical Park, and is located on a hilltop in
Morristown,
New Jersey. Ford Mansion was the "hard winter" (December 1779 - May 1780) quarters of
George Washington and the
Continental Army.
Jacob Ford's widow
Theodosia Ford and her three children shared the household with Washington, his staff, including
Alexander Hamilton, and their servants. That winter remains the coldest on record for New Jersey. The adjacent museum is being remodeled and should be open again in 2007.
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. Urgent financial support of 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.
The Ford Mansion is open daily and may be seen by Ranger Guided tours only.
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National Park Service: Morristown National Historical Park
