About This Place
A hilltop earthwork fortification built by Continental soldiers in 1777, offering commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Local legend holds that Washington ordered its construction partly to keep idle soldiers busy — hence the name.
Revolutionary Significance
Whether the name reflects genuine military skepticism or later folklore, the hilltop position commanded views of the roads approaching Morristown — a genuine tactical advantage during Washington's first winter encampment in 1777.
Location
Ann Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
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Events at This Location
1777
George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Colonel Jacob Ford Jr.
1777
Nathanael Greene, Colonel Jacob Ford Jr., Theodosia Ford
1777
George Washington, Theodosia Ford, Alexander Hamilton
1777
George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Martha Washington
1777
Dr. John Cochran, George Washington, Martha Washington
1777
George Washington, Martha Washington
1777
George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Martha Washington
1779
George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
1779
Nathanael Greene, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, Temperance "Tempe" Wick
1779
George Washington, Joseph Plumb Martin, Martha Washington
1779
Martha Washington, George Washington, Theodosia Ford
1780
George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Joseph Plumb Martin
1780
Joseph Plumb Martin, Nathanael Greene
1780
Alexander Hamilton, Martha Washington, George Washington
1780
Nathanael Greene, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington
1780
George Washington, Joseph Plumb Martin, Anthony Wayne
1780
George Washington
1780
George Washington, Nathanael Greene
1780
Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Martha Washington
1781
Anthony Wayne, Temperance "Tempe" Wick, George Washington