Establishment and Administration
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The first step toward the establishment of Morristown National Historical Park was taken in 1873, when the Washington Association of 43 New Jersey was formed to preserve the Ford Mansion “through future generations as a memorial of George Washington.” Among the first of its kind in America, this organization continues active today.
As time passed, the need for saving other historic remains connected with the Revolutionary War history of this locality became more apparent. In the late 1920’s, under the energetic leadership of former Mayor of Morristown Clyde Potts, a strong movement developed with that end in view. This was finally crowned with success when the Federal Government, under an act of Congress approved March 2, 1933, accepted from the Washington Association, from the Town of Morristown, and from Mr. Lloyd W. Smith, well-known collector of Washingtonia, munificent and patriotic gifts of those invaluable properties which together now constitute Morristown National Historical Park. The area was dedicated on July 4 following, as a unit in the National Park System administered by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, for the benefit and inspiration of the people.
About 958 acres in extent, the reservation has at present three separate geographical units: Headquarters Area (Ford Mansion and historical museum), Fort Nonsense Area, and Jockey Hollow Area. All communications concerning the park should be addressed to the Superintendent, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, N. J.