History is for Everyone

NJ, USA

Fort Nonsense

Landmark

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.

What Happened Here

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.

Visiting Today

Address

Ann Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

Hours

Dawn to dusk

Admission

Free

Connected Events

Jan 1777
Continental Army Arrives in Morristown

George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Colonel Jacob Ford Jr., Martha Washington

Jan 1777
First Winter Encampment at Morristown

Nathanael Greene, Colonel Jacob Ford Jr., Theodosia Ford, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Martha Washington

Jan 1777
Washington Establishes Headquarters at Ford Mansion

George Washington, Theodosia Ford, Alexander Hamilton, Martha Washington

Jan 1777
Morristown Intelligence Network Operations

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Martha Washington

Feb 1777
Continental Army Smallpox Inoculation Program

Dr. John Cochran, George Washington, Martha Washington

May 1777
Construction of Fort Nonsense

George Washington, Martha Washington

May 1777
Continental Army Departs Morristown (First Encampment)

George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Martha Washington

Dec 1779
Continental Army Returns to Morristown for Second Encampment

George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, Joseph Plumb Martin, Martha Washington

Dec 1779
The Hard Winter: Second Encampment at Morristown

Nathanael Greene, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, Temperance "Tempe" Wick, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Martha Washington, Joseph Plumb Martin

Dec 1779
Soldier Hut Construction at Jockey Hollow

George Washington, Joseph Plumb Martin, Martha Washington