Know Much About (Morristown) History

You're well-aware that Morristown is a place of extensive and extreme historical significance, yes? You probably know George Washington did, indeed, sleep here. You know some of the buildings–the houses, churches, offices–are hundreds of years old.

Did you also know a man was hanged here over 150 years ago and had his body parts used for wallets? Wait, what?

Like we said, there's a lot of history here. Time to get schooled.

1. You Need to Know About Images of America: The quintessential book on hometowns. There is probably an "Images of America" photo book for pretty much any town (at least, there is for every town we've been associated with). Published in 1996, this edition collects photos and information from Morristown's early days, leading toward "the 1960s ... as many old buildings were destroyed, corporations took the place of many of the large mansions, and new highways were developed. Yet, still, in the quiet back streets, and among some of the old buildings, a hint of the past can still be seen." The book is presently selling for $19.99 on Amazon.com.
2. You Need to Know About 'The Uncertain Revolution': Published in 2007 and written by historian (and area native), John T. Cunningham, this book discusses the role of Morristown and other surrounding communities during the Revolutionary War. "Without New Jersey's Watchung Mountains and the towns around Morristown, would the American Revolution have succeeded? Would George Washington's army have survived," reads the product description. The book is presently selling for $19.67 on Amazon.com.
3. You Need to Know About The Fords of New Jersey: Released in December 2010 and currently selling for $21.99, this book talks about the Ford family, whose namesake adorns the Ford Mansion, formerly George Washington's Headquarters. "Their story is not just of one family or one place," the product description reads. "Their story, in miniature, reflects the larger story of Morris County, New Jersey and America."
4. You Need to Know About History - Special: Weird U.S.: Did you know a man was hanged in Morristown in 1833, dissected, his body parts turned into wallets (Let's just get this out of the way now: Eww)? This, apparently, is true, and this 50-minute History Channel special, on sale for $24.95, tells this story, among others.
5. You Need to Know About 'Where America Survived': This 30-minute 2009 NJN-produced documentary, on sale for $19.99 through their online store, chronicles the "hard winter" of 1779-80, when George Washington camped at Morristown during the American Revolutionary War. "Morristown's significance as a safe haven for Washington and his troops has been overlooked for too long," reads the product description. "It is time to take a new look at the story."