Uncovered History: The Soldiers’ Cemetery

Uncovered History: The Soldiers’ Cemetery. Morristown National Historical Park. , History is often thought of as unchanging, something set in stone, like a monument or a plaque. However, research often brings new facts to light and historians are always taking a new look at the old stories., Mid-19th century stories claimed this area was an army cemetery. However, archaeological studies since the late 1930s have found no trace of human remains. Traditionally, soldiers who died in camp were buried within their parade ground., The resting place of the approximately 100 soldiers who died at Jockey Hollow during the 1779-1780 winter encampment remains unknown., This memorial for the “Soldier’s Cemetery” was dedicated in 1932, prior to archaeological research work. Despite the findings, this area provides a respectful place to recall the hardships and sacrifices of all who struggled for American independence., The Jockey Hollow Cemetery Monument dedication ceremony, Memorial Day 1932. , This was one of several monuments erected by various community organizations to promote the area’s Revolutionary War history and support the creation of a National Park. Morristown National Historical Park was dedicated the following year, on July 4, 1933., Where was the Log Hospital? , Between 1936 and 1979 a replica three room log hospital stood on the flat ground to your left. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as an example of the new style hospital that was used during the winter encampment of 1779-1780. The replica hospital was built here on the assumption that it would have been near the cemetery. , Further research has since found that the original 1780 log hospital was built in nearby Basking Ridge, NJ, not within the camp at Jockey Hollow. The replica hospital was removed in 1979, because it was historically inaccurate and had fallen into disrepair., Cemetery Monument, Tour Road and Replica Log Hospital, c. 1937 , In 1937 the replica log hospital stood across the tour road from the monument. Later, the tour road was moved to its current location behind the monument.