The Morristown Green
Nestled in the heart of Morristown lies a tranquil oasis that transports visitors back in time to the birth of a nation.
Morris County Tourism Bureau Visitor Guide
Morristown Green is a place where history intertwines with natural beauty. A sprawling park that covers more than two and a half acres, it creates a captivating destination for everyone. The Morristown Treen is one of only two greens in New Jersey to have survived to the present day and remains central to the life of the town. The site’s long history and wealth of landmarks make the Morristown Green a must-see attraction for anyone seeking a glimpse into America’s past.
Mid-18th Century Green
Typical of a town with a green, the buildings important to the community’s everyday life were built there. The first buildings were the First Presbyterian Church and the First Baptist Church. Religious, social, and political events took place in these two buildings. Along with the churches, the town had a courthouse, jail, and two taverns where travelers could get lodging and meals. The townspeople also pastured their livestock on the Green, and there was a well for people and animals.
Revolutionary History
Morristown Green also serves as a living testament to Morristown’s critical role during the American Revolutionary War. Originally appearing on maps of the area in 1715, landmarks significant to the war effort surround the park. For example, during the American Revolution and the winter of 1777, General George Washington lived at Arnold’s Tavern, and many of his generals visited him there. Originally, the tavern was located on North Park Place. A historical marker now commemorates the original location of the Tavern. From the tavern, Washington could supervise his troops drilling on the Green which served as a military parade ground. That same winter, the town’s two churches became hospitals for soldiers with smallpox.
Vibrant Gathering Place
Morristown Green is a vibrant community gathering place, hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year. The park comes alive with concerts, art exhibitions, craft fairs, and cultural and holiday celebrations. During the summer, locals and visitors can enjoy picnics, leisurely strolls, or relax under the shade of majestic trees. Each winter, the Green hosts Christmas on the Green, an annual tradition that has continued since 1913. The lively atmosphere and the historic backdrop create a unique and welcoming experience for all.
Proximity to Downtown Morristown
Morristown Green serves as a gateway to the vibrant downtown district of Morristown. Here, visitors can explore a treasure trove of eclectic shops, art galleries, and restaurants steps away. The area is renowned for its thriving arts scene, hosting regular theater productions, musical performances, and film festivals. The Green’s proximity to the downtown area allows for a seamless transition from immersing themselves in history to experiencing the vibrant energy of the present.
Scenic Beauty
Beyond its historical significance, Morristown Green showcases nature’s splendor with its meticulously maintained landscapes. The lush green lawns, vibrant flower beds, and towering trees provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The park’s central location and well-placed benches allow visitors to unwind, read, or simply soak in the surrounding beauty.
Historic Monuments
The Green is adorned with several notable monuments that pay tribute to key figures and events from American history.
Morris County Tourism Bureau Visitor Guide
These monuments and the others present at the Green serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the ideals that shaped the nation.
1. Patriots Farewell Statue
The bronze statue is a monument to the New Jersey Militia and their families whose sacrifices created a strong and enduring nation. This scene would have been re-enacted often as local militiamen would serve for a month, come home, and then go off to war again. Fountain design by R.R Deskovick, a gift from the Deskovick Family Foundation. Sculpted by Robert St. Croix. Dedicated on Memorial Day 2001.
2. Jacob Arnold's Tavern
Across the street at 20 North Park Place by the blue heritage marker is the former site of Jacob Arnold’s Tavern which was built by his father, Samuel Arnold, in 1740. The second floor served as General George Washington’s headquarters from January to May 1777. From the second story, Washington could meet with his generals to discuss the upcoming Spring campaign. His aide-de-camp at the time was Alexander Hamilton. From the tavern Washington could view his troops drilling on the Morristown Green. The building stood here until 1886 when it was moved down Mt. Kemble Avenue and became All Souls Hospital. It burned to the ground in 1918.
3. Courthouse and Jail
In 1740 judges held court in their own homes, then at local taverns like Jacob Arnold’s. In 1755 the first Morris County Courthouse was built of logs on the Green, along with a jail and other “necessary uses” such as a guard house and enclosed area for prisoners to exercise. In 1770 it was replaced with a more elaborate structure with a second floor and a cupola with a weathervane. Archeological evidence suggests the Courthouse extended into the current North Park Place Road. In addition to the jail, there was a pillory which was used until Most of the early cases involved debtors, counterfeiters, and thieves. During Washington’s stay, Tories were held and hanged here. In 1827 the Courthouse relocated to its current site at the corner of Court and Washington Streets.
4. Baptist Church on the Green
The Baptist Church on the Green was dedicated in 1771. Its first pastor, the Rev.
Reune Runyon, was said to have been “an ardent patriot, brave and true.” Like the
Presbyterian Church, this building was used as a smallpox hospital in 1777-1778 and many soldiers were buried in its churchyard. Their remains were removed and are now reinterred at the Evergreen Cemetery. Note: the building you see across the street is decorated with twelve medallions depicting notable Morristown founders, visitors and residents including Betsey Schuyler, and Tempe Wick.
5. Alliance Statue
This statue, “The Alliance,” depicts a meeting which took place in Morristown at
the nearby Ford Mansion on May 10, 1780. The Marquis de Lafayette had just
arrived from France with news for General George Washington and aide-de-camp
Alexander Hamilton that the French would be supporting the American cause with
funding, arms, ships, and soldiers to defeat the British. These bronze life-sized
statues conform to what is known about the three as they looked and dressed in
1780. Cast by E.I.S. Studios and dedicated on October 10, 2007 with musical performances and a flag-raising ceremony.
6. Presbyterian Church on the Green
The original wooden church was built in 1738-40 on land donated by Benjamin
Hathaway and John Lindsley. With two enlargements it appeared as shown (below)
at the time of the American Revolution. It became a small pox hospital in 1777-
1778. Tradition states George Washington knew the church and received holy
communion from its pastor, the Rev. Timothy Johnes, in his orchard behind his
parsonage. Its burial ground behind the church contains the graves of many patriots of the American Revolution.
7. Civil War Monument
The Civil War Soldiers Monument was sculpted by Henry H. Davis from granite
quarried in Massachusetts. It was the first monument erected on the Green and was
dedicated on July 4, 1871. It shows an eight-foot-tall soldier leaning on his rifle
atop a 40-foot column. Prior to the Civil War, the tradition had been to
memorialize officers only. After the Civil War, with mass recruitments and huge
casualties, a strong sympathy for the common soldier developed and the new
The classic subject was the unnamed man of the ranks. Battles carved in the monument
are those in which New Jersey troops participated. The cannons are replicas. The
garden features native, medicinal perennials and shrubs that would have been grown during the time of the Civil War.
8. Survey Map of 1779
General George Washington had this map of Morristown drawn by Colonel Robert
Erskine in 1779. It shows the Green intersected by two roads. The Presbyterian
Church is #1, the Courthouse and Jail are #2 and Arnold’s Tavern is #6. The 52-
foot stone bench (at left) was created by a mason in 2007 from donations of local
puddingstone. The central granite medallion is made of stone from the same quarry
in Massachusetts as the Civil War monument. The inscription translates to “out of many, one.”
9. Alexander Carmichael House
The Alexander Carmichael House was located at what is now 42 S. Park Place, at
the corner of South Street and the Green. It was occupied by General Nathanael
Greene in 1777. Aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton met there with a suspected
spy. He had prepared an exaggerated Table of Strength of the Army to fool the
British. Excusing himself for an errand, he left the document in the office. When
he came back the Table of Strength was gone, as was the man, now confirmed as having been a double agent.
10. Continental Store House
The Continental Store House was located on the southwest side of the Green. It
was used to store supplies for the Continental Army during most of the American
Revolution. Gunpowder made at The Ford Powder Mill on the Whippany River
was made into cartridges located here at the Store House. It was also the site of two dancing assemblies for officers of the encamped Continental Army.
11. Gold Star Mothers Tree and Plaque
As a living memorial, this Norway spruce, Gold Star and bronze plaque were
dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1946, in honor of those mothers who lost
their sons and daughters in World War II. Blue Stars were displayed by homes to
indicate the number of family members who were serving in the Armed Forces.
The Blue Star was replaced by a Gold Star for each member who died in the
service of their country. This tree was 22 feet tall in 1946 when the Gold Star was
placed at its top. The tree has grown at a rate of one foot per year. The Gold Star
remains lit in honor of all Gold Star mothers. (Please note original plaque to your right at grade level.)