Love and War in Morristown





By Nicole Scholet

Back in July, The AHA Society Executive Board paid a visit to Morristown, “the Military Capital of the Revolutionary War”. As the site of two winter encampments (the winters of 1777 and 1779-1780), this area played an important role in the Revolutionary War. Luckily, Morristown has benefited a lot from historic preservation so that many notable sites dating back to the Revolutionary period are still available to the public today.

Schuyler-Hamilton House

Campfield House, popularly known as the Schuyler-Hamilton HouseOur first stop in Morristown was to the Campfield house – today called the Schuyler-Hamilton house. That's because it’s best known as the site of Alexander Hamilton’s courtship with his future wife, Elizabeth. The house is owned and maintained by the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They originally purchased the home in 1923 to save it from demolition. This marked one of the earliest historic preservation efforts, and for almost 90 years the Morristown DAR have maintained this important site in the Hamiltons’ lives. DAR Members Barbara, Pat, and Cathy graciously opened their doors to us for a personal and informative tour.

So how did this home come to be Hamilton's courting grounds? During the Revolutionary War, the home was owned by Dr. Jabez Campfield, a surgeon who served the Continental Army. [On an interesting side note, Dr. Campfield performed the smallpox inoculation of the troops during the 1777 winter encampment in Morristown].

The parlor of the Schuyler-Hamilton house, where Alexander courted Elizabeth

When the Continental Army set up camp in Morristown for the 1779-1780 winter, the Army's Surgeon General Dr. Cochran (and a friend of Dr. Campfield's) stayed at the house. It was common for women to spend winters near the encampments, and Dr. Cochran and his wife invited their niece, Elizabeth Schuyler, to join them.

While it’s believed that Alexander Hamilton had met Elizabeth Hamilton as early as 1777, it was at Morristown that their relationship blossomed. And the seriousness of their courtship did not escape the notice of others. Dr. Cochran wrote about the two always being together while a friend of Hamilton's commented that "Hamilton is a gone man." By early spring, Alexander and Elizabeth were set on marriage. They would wed on December 14, 1780 in Albany, New York.

Belongings of Elizabeth HamiltonI was amazed to see that the Morristown DAR have acquired some amazing belongings of the Hamiltons, including Elizabeth’s widow cap, a lock of her hair, and a lace collar of hers. The house also has a plate that was part of the original dining set used in the Grange, Hamilton’s home.

Besides the artifacts, these knowledgeable ladies at the DAR shared some entertaining personal stories about the Hamiltons, including Hamilton’s spy work, Elizabeth’s patriotic undertakings, and the time Hamilton forgot the password to get back into camp because he was lost in thought about Elizabeth. Make sure you visit the Schuyler-Hamilton house yourself to get up close and personal with the Hamiltons.

Morristown Green

Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and the Marquis de Lafayette on Morristown Green

Our next stop in Morristown was to the Morristown Green in the historical center. On Morristown Green once stood Jacob Arnold’s Tavern, which was used for Washington’s headquarters during the 1777 winter encampment. While the building no longer exists, a plaque stands to mark the location.

Both during Revolutionary War and today, this large, open area has been a place for events and social gatherings. Today, however, the park has a centerpiece – statues of Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and the Marquis de Lafayette. The accompanying plaque reads: "General George Washington and Colonel Alexander Hamilton are advised at Morristown by the Marquis de Lafayette that the French are coming to support the American Cause. May 10, 1780." It was a fun opportunity to pose with some pretty awesome guys!

Morristown National Historic Site

The 1779-1780 winter was not only the worst winter of the revolution, it was the worst winter of the century (according to some measurements, the worst in 400 years).¹ There were over 28 separate snow storms in Morristown.² Snow drifts were often 4-6 feet high and even reached up to 20 feet high. In New York, the Hudson River was frozen 11-18 feet deep. With hyperinflation, severe lack of supplies, and the extreme cold, the 1779-1780 encampment was not an easy one for the Continental Army. Thanks to the National Park Service, we have the opportunity to explore buildings from the time period and discover what Revolutionary life might have been like in Morristown.

Washington's Headquarters Museum

Washington Headquarters Museum in MorristownWashington Headquarters Museum features exhibits on both social life and military strategy during the Revolutionary War. Artifacts include everything from ornate furniture to Washington's dress sword. A really interesting object on display is a link from the massive iron chains used to block British ships entering the Hudson River. You can even lift it up to feel how heavy it was.

One of my favorite exhibits is sort of hidden, so don't miss it - the Rare Documents Room. It has dozens of original documents from the era on display. The room even includes an original badge from the Society of the Cincinnati, the military organization founded for the Revolutionary officers after the war [Historical side note: Alexander Hamilton became the Society's second President, after George Washington].

Ford Mansion

Entrance to Ford Mansion Widow Theodosia Ford was living in the recently-constructed Ford Mansion when she opened her doors to George Washington for his winter headquarters. Beginning December 1, 1779, the Ford Mansion was the base for all Washington's operations. With the Fords, the Washingtons, plus a multitude of staff, guests, and servants, the house was often filled past capacity.

A typical camp bed in the room where the aide-de-camps sleptAs a part of Washington's staff, Alexander Hamilton stayed in the house, sleeping with the other aide-de-camps. War councils and strategy meetings were held in the downstairs parlor, of which Hamilton took part.

Today, the house is preserved in what it would have looked like during its time as Washington's headquarters. The house tours given by National Park Service Rangers are very thorough, and include the kitchen, the servant’s quarters, where George Washington slept, both original and period furniture set up in a very realistic fashion.

"War office" in the Ford Mansion, where the aide-de-camps worked and meetings were held

Other Sites

Morristown National Historic Site is made up of other areas, including Jockey Hollow (where the troops stayed in the 1779-1780 winter). While we didn't get a chance to tour these additional sites, you can visit the National Park website on Morristown to learn more about them.

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