Jockey Hollow

Jockey Hollow is a unit of Morristown National Historical Park in Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey, United States. It was twice used as a winter encampment by the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.^[1]

History

On October 17, 1779, the Continental Army camped for the winter at Jockey Hollow. Soldiers camped at this location until June, 1780, during which they endured some of the harshest conditions of the war.^[2] This was strategically sound because the elevation of Jockey Hollow was several hundred feet above the British to the east. The mountainous range also allowed revolutionary soldiers to spot British movement.^[3] In the days of horsepower, this was considered an impregnable redoubt. Another reason why the location was chosen was because the surrounding area held citizens that were sympathetic to the rebel cause.^[3] That winter was the "cruelest" of the war, including the one at Valley Forge the two years before.^[4] Twelve men often shared one of over one thousand simple huts built in Jockey Hollow to house the army.^[2] Desertions were commonplace. The entire Pennsylvania contingent successfully mutinied, and later 200 New Jersey soldiers attempted to emulate them. Several of the ringleaders of the latter were hanged.^[5]

Soldier housing

Reconstructed hut at Jockey Hollow (July 2015)

Soldiers had to build their own huts including surrounding trenches for drainage. The huts, made of log, were 14 by 16 feet (4.3 by 4.9 m) and 6.5 feet (2.0 m) high. Twelve men often shared one of over one thousand simple huts built in Jockey Hollow to house the army.^[2] Inside the huts soldiers had a fireplace for warmth and cooking. To create a floor they packed the ground for an earthen floor. Soldiers also had to make their own furniture, including bunks and tables. Their bunks got covered with straw and each soldier was given one blanket. Soldiers huts were about 2 to 3 ft (50–100 cm) apart, with three rows of eight huts for each regiment. By 1780, soldiers had built about 1,200 huts in Jockey Hollow.^[3]

Facilities

Wick House at Jockey Hollow (July 2015)

• Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
• Wick House: Park employee in period dress.

Activities

• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Hiking
• Interpretive Programs
• Snow Skiing
• Children's Junior Ranger Program

References

1. National Park Service: Morristown National Historical Park
2. National Park Service, Morristown Pamphlet. Morristown National Historic Park, 2007
3. Adams, Hugh W., Morristown National Historic Park. Christine Retz. New Jersey: Washington Association of New Jersey, 1982
4. Tolson, Jay (July 7–14, 2008). How Washington's Savvy Won the Day. US News and World Report.
5. Flexner, James Thomas (April 1984). Washington The Indispensable Man: 154. Missing or empty |title= (help)

External links

• Morristown National Historical Park: The Great Story Includes much Jockey Hollow history.
• The Hard Winter of 1779–80

Coordinates: 40°45′41″N 74°32′33″W / 40.7614°N 74.5425°W