National Landmarks of Morris County, NJ

November 18, 2011

Historic Speedwell, brings the birth of the American Industrial Revolution to life. This National Historic Landmark site is comprised of eight historic structures. Among these are the home of Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Iron Works, restored to the period of 1844-1864, and the Factory Building where Samuel F.B. Morse and Alfred Vail first publicly demonstrated the telegraph. Exhibits illustrate the history of the iron works and Stephen Vail’s connection to the S.S. Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. Visit the museum store.

(Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5 April-Oct., some holiday programming, open by appointment). 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ

973-285-6550 morrisparks.net

Morristown National Historical Park

Cold and starving, 10,000 soldiers camped at Jockey Hollow and endured the worst winter of the Revolutionary War. While George Washington, quartered at the Ford Mansion, struggled to hold his army and the war together. Morristown National Historical Park tells the story of how America won its independence not in battle but by surviving to continue until final victory. Morristown National Historical Park is made up of 4 units: The Ford Mansion and Museum, Jockey Hollow, The New Jersey Brigade/Cross Estate Gardens, and Fort Nonsense.

(Daily 9-5, closed on Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1)

The Ford Mansion is shown only by guided tours which leave from the museum at 11 AM, 1 and 3 PM., 30 Washington Place, Morristown, New Jersey

(973) 539-2016 www.nps.gov/morr

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms – This 30-acre National Historic Landmark is the 1911 estate of noted designer, Gustav Stickley, who is internationally known for his multiple roles as lifestyle designer, philosopher, publisher, social critic, and leader of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The centerpiece of the park-like estate is Stickleys massive Log House, which is now operated as a historic house museum. Major restoration and refurbishments have recently taken place throughout the property including the sensitive restoration of the master bedroom in the Log House. The Museum is developing a growing list of educational events and activities and has opened the Log House to the public year-round. A new education room has been opened in the adjoining Annex for the Museums expanding series of lectures, programs, Scout workshops, and meetings. Recent refurbishments have also been completed on North Cottage, one of the nine Stickley structures on the site. This charming bungalow is open for special programs and by appointment.

(year round, Sat. and Sun. 11-4; April 1-Nov. 16th, Sat. and Sun. 11-4, Wed.-Fri. 12-3; Grounds open year round dawn to dusk)

2352 Route 10 West at Manor Lane, Morris Plains, New Jersey

973-540-1165 http://stickleymuseum.org

Podcast and article of Hearth and Home exhibit at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Presented by Morristowngreen.com

Villa Fontana, is a private home built circa 1865 in the Historic District of Morristown, and is the National Historic Landmark home of 19th century political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Nast lived in the home for 30 years beginning in 1872. Nasts best known images include the Republican Elephant, Democrat Donkey, tall thin Uncle Sam and our current image of Santa Claus. His cartoons were very influential in several Presidential elections.

50 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey

To learn more about his life and work, visit http://maccullochhall.org

Revolutionary War:

Morristown National Historical Park Cold and starving, 10,000 soldiers camped at Jockey Hollow and endured the worst winter of the Revolutionary War. While George Washington, quartered at the Ford Mansion, struggled to hold his army and the war together. Morristown National Historical Park tells the story of how America won its independence not in battle but by surviving to continue until final victory.

Morristown National Historical Park is made up of 4 units: The Ford Mansion and Museum, Jockey Hollow, The New Jersey Brigade/Cross Estate

Gardens, and Fort Nonsense.

(Daily 9-5, closed on Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1)

The Ford Mansion is shown only by guided tours which leave from the museum at 11 AM, 1 and 3 PM. 30 Washington Place, Morristown, New Jersey (973) 539-2016

http://nps.gov/morr

Mount Hope Historical Park, is the site of one of the earliest iron mining areas in Colonial America. Features include guided nature hikes, hiking trails, self-guided tours and interpretive nature trails. Remains of the Mount Hope mining industry still exist in the southwestern section of the park.

(Daily 8-dusk) Teabo Road, Rockaway, New Jersey 973-829-8666

http://morrisparks.net

Obadiah LaTourette Grist and Saw Mill, built in 1751 by

Philip Weise and expanded in 1874, is currently being restored by the Washington Township Land Trust. This mill is part of the German Valley Historic District. Tours are given most Saturdays. (10-2 and by appointment)

12 East Mill Road (Route 513), Long Valley, New Jersey

908-876-4478 http://wtlt.org

Schuyler-Hamilton House, is the colonial home of Dr. Jabez Campfield.

It was used by General Washington’s personal physician, Dr. John Cochran. Washingtons aide, Colonel Alexander Hamilton, courted house guest Betsy Schuyler here. The home is now owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution. (Sun. 2-4 and by appointment) 5 Olyphant Place, Morristown, New Jersey 973-539-7502

rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njmcdar/SHHouse.htm

Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, promotes New Jerseys more than 500 farmlands, hillsides and homesteads that played some

part or saw some action in the American Revolution. Our Revolutionary War heritage, perhaps more significant than that of any other state, has been Federally recognized with the designation of the Crossroads of the American Revolution Nation Heritage Area in New Jersey. Their web site lists upcoming heritage events in New Jersey. They also publish guides and maps to important sites.

Princeton, New Jersey 609-633-2060 http://revolutionarynj.org

Morris County and the Industrial Revolution

Cooper Gristmill, was originally built by Nathan Cooper in 1826. The mill and adjacent visitors center have been carefully restored to provide visitors with an opportunity to rediscover the roots and heritage of the region while witnessing the amazing power of the Black River which has been harnessed to grind grain into flour by massive 2,000 pound millstones.

April June: Saturdays only, 10 am 5 pm

July August:Wed Saturday 10 am 5 pm Sunday 12 5 pm

September October: Saturday, 10 am 5 pm Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

66 Route 513, Chester, New Jersey 908-879-5463 http://morrisparks.net

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, captures the spirit of life at the turn of the 20th century through weekly activities presented on the farm, in the

1920s farmhouse and at The Willows, the mansion built by Joseph Revere, grandson of Paul Revere. The staff is dressed in appropriate period attire and interprets the lives and roles of farm laborers, domestic workers and Foster family members and friends. They perform a daily regimen of farming and domestic chores, and raise livestock and crops by historical methods. (April-June:Tues.-Sat. 10-5 , July-Oct: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5

some off-season programming) 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, New Jersey 973-326-7645 http://morrisparks.net

July Oct. Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5 Holiday Program: First Weekend of December

Open by Appointment: Nov. – March

973-285-6550

http://www.speedwell.org & http://www.morrisparks.net/speedwell/home.html

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, explores 18th and 19th century American history, with a focus on New Jersey craftsmen and artisans. Housed in the beautiful 1900 James Library, and drawing on its collection of over 8,000 artifacts, METC offers something for visitors of all ages. Visit the gift shop.

(Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-5)

9 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey

973-377-2982 http://metc.org

Obadiah LaTourette Grist and Saw Mill,built circa 1750 by Philip Weise and expanded in the late 1800’s, is currently being restored by the Washington Township Land Trust. This mill is part of the German Valley Historic District. Tours are given from 10-2 most Saturdays, and anytime by appointment.

12 East Mill Road (Route 513), Long Valley, New Jersey

908-876-4478, 908-832-9603 WTLT.org

Ralston Cider Mill

This is a rare working cider mill museum that illuminates its interesting history and the importance of applejack from our earlier settlers thru prohibition. Visitors tour the restored building, built in 1848, with knowledgeable staff that explain the history and construction of the mill. They operate the restored original equipment, demonstrating the production process and tell the story of hard cider, applejack and bootleg Jersey Lightning.

(May, Sun. 1-5; last two weeks of Sept. Sun. 1-5; Oct. Sat. and Sun. 1-5 and by appointment to groups) 336 Mendham Road, Mendham http://ralstoncidermill.org

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms – This 30-acre National Historic Landmark is the 1911 estate of noted designer, Gustav Stickley, who is internationally known for his multiple roles as lifestyle designer, philosopher, publisher, social critic, and leader of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The centerpiece of the park-like estate is Stickleys massive Log House, which is now operated as a historic house museum. Major restoration and refurbishments have taken place throughout the property during the past year, including the sensitive restoration of the master bedroom in the Log House. The Museum is developing a growing list of educational events and activities and has opened the Log House to the public year-round. A new education room has been opened in the adjoining Annex for the Museums expanding series of lectures, programs, Scout workshops, and meetings. Recent refurbishments have also been completed on North Cottage, one of the nine Stickley structures on the site. This charming bungalow is open for special programs and by appointment. (year round, Sat. and Sun. 11-4; April 1-Nov. 16th, Sat. and Sun. 11-4, Wed.-Fri. 12-3; Grounds open year round dawn to dusk) 2352 Route 10 West at Manor Lane, Morris Plains, New Jersey 973-540-1165 http://stickleymuseum.org