George Washington in Morristown

Saturday marks the 282nd birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States. While many bath houses, restaurants, and hotels proudly boast that “George Washington Slept Here,” Morris County has a unique claim to the sleeping arrangements of President Washington—he really did sleep here.

General George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army, first slept in Morris County during the winter of 1777, when he stayed at Arnold Tavern from January to May. Arnold Tavern was once located in the heart of downtown Morristown, and it was a thriving tavern long before the American Revolution broke out. Its owner, Jacob Arnold, inherited the establishment from his father, who built the tavern in the 1750s. Prior to the American Revolution, Arnold Tavern served the Morristown population of a little over 500 residents. It was not the only tavern in the area, however. Dickerson’s Tavern, located at what is now 77 Spring Street, served as a meeting place for the entire county, both before and after we gained our independence. O’Hara’s Tavern, the youngest of the triad, was just starting out during the American Revolution, and during the war it was used as a storage house.

Washington stayed in the front two rooms on the second floor of Arnold Tavern, which also accommodated his Aides-de-Camp and selected military officials. The rest of the Army camped throughout Morris County, while some of the wealthier officers were able to stay in surrounding taverns. It was while at Arnold Tavern that Washington hired Alexander Hamilton, who came to Morristown in January of 1777 to become one of Washington’s Aides-de-Camp. This was the beginning of a friendship that would continue for the duration of Washington’s life and profoundly affect Hamilton’s character and political choices.

Washington and the Continental Army returned to Morristown in the Winter of 1779-1780, when Benedict Arnold faced his first trial at Dickerson’s Tavern. Benedict Arnold was found guilty of illegal acts and was publically admonished by Washington. It is widely believed that it was this admonishment that led Benedict Arnold to change sides and fight for the British. During this winter, Washington stayed at “Washington’s Headquarters,” which, at the time, was a private residence belonging to the Ford Family.

For more information about Washington’s time in Morris County, please stop by Acorn Hall to view our current exhibit, Bottoms Up: How Taverns Revolutionized Morris County. This Sunday, the MCHS will be having its President’s Members Tea. This tea will include a house tour and access to the current exhibits. All are invited. The event is free to members and $6.00 for non-members, however, the admission fee can be applied towards the annual membership fee of $30.00 for an individual or $50.00 for a family. The tea will start at 1:00 pm this Sunday, February 23rd at Acorn Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!