1777
Washington’s army encamps for the winter at Morristown. This site offered a “military capital” well-protected by the Watchung Mountains and the Great Swamp, allowing Washington to monitor British forces in New York City while protecting routes to Philadelphia and New England.
Washington established his initial headquarters at Arnold’s Tavern. Meanwhile, the soldiers were forced to seek shelter in any available structure, including private homes, barns, and churches. Nearby churches were used as hospitals for soldiers with smallpox.