Morristown, New Jersey

Morristown is a town located in Morris County, New Jersey. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 18,544. Its estimated population in 2004 was 18,842. It is the county seat of Morris County{{GR|6}}. Morristown is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system of municipal government.

History

18th Century

Morristown was settled around 1715 by English Presbyterians from Southold, Long Island and New Haven, Connecticut as the village of New Hanover. The town became the seat of the new Morris County shortly after its separation from Hunterdon County on March 15, 1739. The village and county were named for Lewis Morris, the first and then sitting royal governor of a united colony of New Jersey.

Related Topics:
1715 - Presbyterians - Southold, Long Island - New Haven, Connecticut - Morris County - Hunterdon County - March 15 - 1739 - Lewis Morris - New Jersey

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By the mid-century the 250 people shared the village with two churches, a courthouse, two taverns, two schools, several stores, and numerous mills nearby.

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George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and the continental army was encamped near Morristown from January to May 1777 and from December 1779 to June 1780 at Jockey Hollow. Washington had his headquarters during the first encampment at Arnold's Tavern located on the Morristown Green. During the second encampment Washington's Headquarters was located at the Ford Mansion, a large mansion near the edge of town. Arnold's Tavern was lost to fire in the 19th century, but the Ford Mansion, Jockey Hollow, and Fort Nonsense are all preserved as part of Morristown National Historical Park managed by the National Park Service.

Related Topics:
George Washington - Marquis de Lafayette - January - May - 1777 - December - 1779 - June - 1780 - 19th century - Morristown National Historical Park - National Park Service

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During Washington's stay, Benedict Arnold was court-martialed in Morristown, not for treason, but on minor charges. Alexander Hamilton courted and wed Betsy Schuyler at the residence used by Washington's personal physician. The home is owned and operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution as the Schuyler-Hamilton House.

Related Topics:
Benedict Arnold - Alexander Hamilton - Betsy Schuyler - Daughters of the American Revolution

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19th Century

The Marquis de Lafayette returned to Morristown in July 1825 on his return tour of the United States, where a ball was held in his honor at the 1807 Sansay House on DeHart Street, which still stands.

Related Topics:
Marquis de Lafayette - July - 1825 - 1807

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Antoine le Blanc, a French immigrant laborer murdered the Sayre family and their servant (or possibly slave) Phoebe. He was tried and convicted of murder of the Sayres (but not Phoebe) on August 13, 1833. On September 6, 1833 Le Blanc became the last person hung on the Morristow Green. The house where the murders were committed is today known as Jimmy's Haunt which is purported to be haunted by Phoebe's ghost since her murder never saw justice.

Related Topics:
Antoine le Blanc - August 13 - 1833 - September 6

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Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail built the first telegraph at the Speedwell Iron Works on January 6, 1838. The first telegraph message was "A patient waiter is no loser." The first public demonstration occurred eleven days later as the first step towards the information age we enjoy today.

Related Topics:
Samuel Morse - Alfred Vail - January 6 - 1838

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The largest statue of Thomas Paine is located in Morristown.

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Morristown was the home of Thomas Nast for more than 20 years.

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Morristown & Erie Railway, a local short-line freight railway, has its main office, yard and shop here.

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The Seeing Eye, founded in 1929 by Morris Frank, trains dogs in town and are a common site on the streets.

Related Topics:
Seeing Eye - Morris Frank

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