Morristown in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Nonsense
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2008
1. Fort Nonsense Marker
To protect his army and supplies from a British attack, General George Washington ordered the construction of a small fortification on the hill overlooking Morristown during the Spring of 1777. This became known as the “upper redoubt” and included a “guardhouse sufficient to contain 30 men…” As it turned out, the British never came and the fortification was never called on to defend the town.The name “Fort Nonsense” first appeared after the war. It was said that the fort was called “Nonsense” because it was built to keep troops busy. This is probably untrue as Washington, throughout the war, demonstrated the military value of holding the high ground.
Erected by Morristown National Historical Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1777.
Location. 40° 47.634′ N, 74° 29.285′ W. Marker is in Morristown, New Jersey, in Morris County. Marker can be reached from Chestnut Street, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Lay of the Land (a few steps from this marker); Morristown (a few steps from this marker); The Upper Redoubt (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Nonsense (within shouting distance of this marker); Iron (within shouting distance of this marker); The Alarm Beacon (within shouting distance of this marker); Chain of Signal Beacons (within shouting distance of this marker); Mt. Kemble Home (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morristown.
More about this marker. The marker features a picture of a soldier in the fortifications near a cannon, overlooking the village of Morristown.
Also see . . . Fort Nonsense. Morristown National Historical Park. (Submitted on April 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin
2. Marker in Morristown National Historical Park
Marker is located in the Fort Nonsense unit of Morristown National Historical Park, on a small walking trail.
Courtesy of Thomas P. Martin, October 1, 2021
3. Fort Nonsense Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2008
4. Cannon Overlooking Morristown
This cannon, located in Fort Nonsense, overlooks Morristown.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,458 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on March 25, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on April 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
