Morristown in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Continental Army Encampments at Morristown
1777 1781
| | Life Guard Camp | |
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2006
1. Life Guard Camp marker
The Life Guards of Washington's time were the forerunners of today's Secret Service.
On this site the Commander in Chiefs Guard was encamped from December 1779 to June 1780. The Guard was reorganized in Morristown during the first encampment in 1777 and again in 1780. Washington made his headquarters in the Ford House opposite.
Erected 1932 by Tempe Wicke Society Children of the American Revolution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1780.
Location. 40° 47.752′ N, 74° 27.964′ W. Marker is in Morristown, New Jersey, in Morris County. It is at the intersection of Morris Avenue and Washington Avenue, on the right on Morris Avenue. Marker is located near the equestrian statue of Washington and across the street from Ford's Mansion. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morristown NJ 07963, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Jersey and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); The Path to History (within shouting distance of this marker); Washingtons Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Ford Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Washingtons Headquarters Museum (about 500 feet away); George Washington School
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Washingtons Headquarters (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Morristown National Historical Park (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Morristown. National Park Service site. (Submitted on February 24, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2008
2. Marker on Morris Avenue
The Life Guard Camp Marker is located across the street from Ford's Mansion.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 27, 2008
3. Life Guard Headquarters
Washington's Life Guard stayed in this structure during the winter encampment of 1779-80, while Washington stayed across the street at Ford's Mansion. Today, it serves as the First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2006
4. Washington equestrian statue
The Life Guard Camp marker is located near this equestrian statue of Gen. George Washington.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2006
5. Washington with Ford's Mansion
Washington's Headquarters can be seen in the background of this picture.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2006
6. Washington's Headquarters
During the winter of 1779-80, Gen. George Washington made his headquarters in Morristown, NJ in the mansion of Col. Jacob Ford, Jr.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,168 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on April 26, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on July 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
