Jabez Campfield House
- 5, Olyphant Place, Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey, 07960, United States
Chatham Historic District
Chatham, Morris County, New Jersey, United States
Description
Chatham Historic District
In 1776, during the American Revolution, Major General Charles Lee led nearly 3,000 American troops into Chatham. He and his men camped here for several days while General Washington urged him to join the main army. Local tradition claims that Lee destroyed Day Tavern, though no evidence confirms it. After three days, Lee left Chatham to meet Washington but was captured by the British in Basking Ridge.
After his capture, Chatham became an important American outpost. Soldiers and lookouts guarded the area to protect Morristown, Washington’s military base, from late 1776 through the next spring. When Washington returned in the winter of 1779–1780, his advance troops camped nearby in Springfield.
Although fighting occurred close to Chatham, the town escaped further harm. Later, Washington used Chatham to mislead British General Clinton. He ordered troops to stage a massive buildup near the Passaic River, creating the illusion of an attack on New York. The deception worked. By August 30, 1781, Washington had crossed the Delaware River and marched toward Yorktown to join French forces. During this time, Washington likely stayed at the Morell House for two or three days.
Listing Overview
Chatham Historic District
In 1776, during the American Revolution, Major General Charles Lee led nearly 3,000 American troops into Chatham. He and his men camped here for several days while General Washington urged him to join the main army. Local tradition claims that Lee destroyed Day Tavern, though no evidence confirms it. After three days, Lee left Chatham to meet Washington but was captured by the British in Basking Ridge.
After his capture, Chatham became an important American outpost. Soldiers and lookouts guarded the area to protect Morristown, Washington’s military base, from late 1776 through the next spring. When Washington returned in the winter of 1779–1780, his advance troops camped nearby in Springfield.
Although fighting occurred close to Chatham, the town escaped further harm. Later, Washington used Chatham to mislead British General Clinton. He ordered troops to stage a massive buildup near the Passaic River, creating the illusion of an attack on New York. The deception worked. By August 30, 1781, Washington had crossed the Delaware River and marched toward Yorktown to join French forces. During this time, Washington likely stayed at the Morell House for two or three days.
Address
Chatham, Morris County, New Jersey, United States
Location
Chatham, Morris County, New Jersey, United States
Isaac Corwin House
- 2, West Main Street, Chester, Morris County, New Jersey, 07930, United States
Isaac Clark House
- 788, River Road, The Highlands, Chatham Township, Morris County, New Jersey, 07928, United States
