A new logo highlighting Morris County’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and planning for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration has been unveiled by the Morris County Tourism Bureau, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners and the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee.
The logo, designed by Kraus Marketing of Morristown in collaboration with the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee, incorporates the colors of the official Morris County seal and features a striking silhouette of Gen. George Washington and “his horse.” He actually had two favorite steeds named Nelson and Blueskin – just a bit of the landslide of trivia to follow over the next two years as Morris County welcomes tourists from near and far to celebrate and reflect on its key role in the American Revolution.
The logo design is accompanied by the phrase “Celebrating 250 Years of Revolutionary History in Morris County,” and will soon adorn banners, hats and other forms of marketing materials that will accompany Morris County’s official events, tours and celebration of America’s Second Continental Congress declaring independence from Britain in July 1776.
The 250th anniversary, or “Semiquincentennial,” marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. More Revolutionary War battles and encampments occurred in New Jersey than any other colony — with Morris County hosting many key figures from the era and preserving numerous historic sites that will be the focus of public events in 2025 and 2026.
“This logo is more than just an emblem– it embodies the influence Morris County had on our nation’s path to freedom. The 250th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our county’s past, and we invite everyone to visit and experience the unique history that helped shape America’s founding,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, a steering committee member.
To prepare celebratory events for the 250th this year and into 2026, The Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee was formed last year and enlisted leaders of historical societies, higher education, museums, libraries, business associations, tourist organizations, civic groups, scholars and government officials. The goal is to promote not only the historic role Morris County and its diverse community played in the American Revolution, but also to highlight the rich and varied history that followed.
During the Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army spent significant time in Morris County, with Morristown serving as a strategic winter encampment in 1777 and again 1779–1780. The second encampment, one of the harshest winters of the war, tested the resilience of Gen. Washington’s troops as they endured extreme cold and food shortages. Washington also resided at the historic Ford Mansion in Morristown, which recently reopened to the public following extensive renovations.
By personifying the image of George Washington, Morris County’s 250th anniversary logo captures the spirit of the American Revolution while authentically representing Morris County’s historical significance.
“This logo embodies the rich history and heritage of Morris County. As the Crossroads of the Revolution, our county played a key role in America’s fight for independence and we sought a design that truly reflected that significance,” said Sarah Neibart, Executive Director of the Morris County Semiquincentennial Initiative at the Tourism Bureau.
Upcoming events highlighting Morris County’s role in the 250th anniversary include the 16th annual Pathways of History tour, Morristown National Historical Park’s (NHP) Spring Encampment at Jockey Hollow and the Lafayette Farewell Tour this summer.
This year, Pathways of History, organized by the Morris County Historical Society, will offer both spring and fall weekend tours for the first time. All are welcome to attend, and admission is free to the annual event showcasing historic sites managed by Morris County’s smallest, all-volunteer organizations.
The upcoming spring tour will take place on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature a record 29 organizations across 20 municipalities.
The Spring Encampment at Jockey Hollow, Morristown NHP’s largest annual special event, will be held the same weekend, May 3 and 4, and features re-enactors from across the Northeast who bring the Revolutionary War to life with demonstrations. The event is also free and open to all, offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century military and civilian life– including replica cannon fire!
Article courtesy of the County of Morris.
