Restoration of a replica Revolutionary War cannon marks the unofficial kickoff for local 250th celebrations on Sunday, September 29th at 11:00am. For nearly two decades the cannon that rests on an island in front of Acorn Hall between Morris and Lafayette Avenues has reminded the thousands of daily passers-by of the unique and rich Revolutionary history of Morristown. Host to the twice-encamped forces of General George Washington, our local community boasts nationally-significant places, like the Ford Mansion, Fort Nonsense, and Jockey Hollow, that illustrate to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year how critical Morristown was in our fight for independence.
Placed in the early 2000s by the non-profit Greater Morristown Historic Foundation to bring awareness of local Revolutionary History, the cannon’s wood wheels and frame finally succumbed to their years in the elements. While the Greater Morristown Historic Foundation was founded by longtime philanthropist Richard “Dick” Deskovick of Morris Township, the group disbanded after several significant contributions to our community, including the fountain on Morristown Green and Robert St. Croix sculpted Patriots’ Farewell. In 2023, a
concerned group of citizens joined together to not only restore the cannon, but bring further awareness to the history it represents and the notable philanthropy and spirit of our local citizenry, past and present.
Ryan Dawson, who led the fundraising efforts said, “the cannon’s condition was brought to my attention by Jennifer Wehring of the Morristown Partnership. She and I knew the community would step in and help once someone took ownership of the project. Between members of the community and some civic organizations we managed to raise the necessary funds to bring the cannon back to life. This was a group effort, and I was confident the residents of Morristown would rise to the occasion.”
The community is invited to join local leadership, donors, neighbors, and Dick Deskovick as we cut the ribbon on this important project, one of the first to usher in what promises to be a memorable ‘year of celebration’ in 2026 and then head to downtown Morristown for Festival on the Green and an afternoon of food and fun.
For more information, contact the Morristown Partnership, 973-455-1133, or Morris County Historical Society, 973-267-3465.
MCHS receives support from: NJ Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State; NJ Council for the Humanities with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH); Morris County Board of County Commissioners; The F.M. Kirby foundation’ Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation; NJ Historic Trust; Morris County Historic Preservation Trust; Campbell Family Foundation; and our generous members and friends.
Article courtesy of the Morris County Historical Society.
