Jockey Hollow

Headquarters in the Hollow

Jockey Hollow, located within Morristown National Historical Park, was the site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780. This harsh winter proved to be one of the coldest in American history, yet it was here that General George Washington’s troops endured the brutal conditions, emerging as a more unified and disciplined force. The soldiers needed timber to build shelter and wood for heating and cooking, and the dense forests of the area provided these vital resources.

Among the landowners in the area was Henry Wick, who built a Cape Cod-style house around 1750 on his 1,400-acre farm. His property, covered largely by forest, became essential to the army’s survival during the encampment. Over 600 acres of trees on Wick's land were felled to meet the army's needs, with additional timber taken from neighboring properties. During the winter of 1779-80, Major General Arthur St. Clair, commander of 2,000 Pennsylvania soldiers, made the Wick House his headquarters.

Today, the Wick House stands as a key historical site, furnished to reflect its use as a general's quarters. It offers visitors a unique window into the struggles and strategies of Washington’s army, highlighting the role this house played in the broader story of the Revolution.