Near Mendham in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Haven From Everyday Life
John A. and Ella Bensel built the house in 1905, and William R. and Julia Newbold Cross purchased it in 1929. Both families were part of a trend of wealthy industrialists and financiers who established country homes in the Morristown area and Bernardsville's "Mountain Colony."
As you explore the mansion's grounds, you'll discover a few of its Bensel-era remnants, including a five-story, stone water tower and a large silver maple tree the Bensels planted in 1906.
The house was remodelled in 1940 after the death of William R. Cross, but the gardens remain the most significant contribution the Cross family made to the estate. Go through the gate to your left to enter the gardens and enjoy the legacy left by Julia Newbold Cross and her landscape architect Clarence Fowler. Volunteers have cared for this garden since 1977.
In 1975, Morristown National Historic Park purchased this property to protect the adjacent Revolutionary War New Jersey Brigade encampment area and connect to the Jockey Hollow section of the park. The house and grounds of this former private estate have recently been declared eligible for National Historic Landmark status.
Today, the grounds can serve as your retreat to share with friends and family.
Erected by Friends and Supporters of the Bensel/Cross Estate & Morristown National Historic Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 40° 44.79′ N, 74° 33.623′ W. Marker is near Mendham, New Jersey, in Morris County. Marker can be reached from Jockey Hollow Road near Hardscrabble Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker and site are located on the grounds of the Morristown National Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mendham NJ 07945, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The New Jersey Brigade (approx. ¼ mile away); A Revolutionary Winter (approx. ¼ mile away); A Warm Fire (approx. ¼ mile away); RHIP (approx. ¼ mile away); A Trash Pit (approx. ¼ mile away); New Jersey 7th Brigade (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Childs (approx. 1.4 miles away); “George” 2001 (approx. 1.4 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,174 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 26, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.