Fort Nonsense

Morristown's Lookout

Following their victories at Trenton and Princeton, General George Washington and the Continental Army sought a secure winter encampment, arriving in Morristown on January 6, 1777. Washington established his headquarters at Arnold's Tavern, while troops were quartered throughout the area. To bolster the town's defenses, Washington ordered the construction of a fortification on a hill overlooking Morristown, known as "the Hill" or "Kinney’s Hill." This fort, later dubbed Fort Nonsense, featured trenches, breastworks, and a guardhouse, serving as an observation and alarm post, as well as a potential retreat for guards stationed in the town. Although Morristown was never attacked, the fortification underscored the strategic importance of the area during the Revolutionary War.​

Today, visitors to Morristown National Historical Park can explore Fort Nonsense, where the original earthworks have been reconstructed. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, providing insight into the strategic considerations of the Continental Army. Nearby, the Ford Mansion, which served as Washington's headquarters during the harsh winter of 1779-1780, stands as a testament to the resilience of the Continental forces. These sites, along with Jockey Hollow, where the army encamped, offer a comprehensive understanding of Morristown's pivotal role in the American Revolution.