Local History
The geographical area that the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR covers (Morris, Hunterton, and Somerset Counties of New Jersey) is home to many of the most important sites of the American Revolution! Our Chapter's name derives from Jockey Hollow, where George Washington's Army waited out the notorious winter of 1779 to 1780. Not only was that winter the harshest ever recorded in NJ, but it was also considerably worse than the one at Valley Forge, PA. While more men died at Valley Forge, as poor sanitary conditions resulted in wide-spread disease, the lessons learned there permitted Washington's Army to endure the extreme conditions at Jockey Hollow two years later.
This portion of the web site is a work-in-progress and will be expanded as time permits.
Jockey Hollow Historical Park
The National Park Service now preserves Jockey Hollow as a National Historical Park.
Ford Mansion - Washington's Headquarters
During the winter of 1779-80, George Washington stayed at the Ford Mansion while his men camped at Jockey Hollow. In 1933, the Ford Mansion had the distinction of becoming the first national historic park in the country and has been maintained by the National Park Service since then.
Pamela Patrick White (Artist)
Ms. White's painting of George Washington appears on many of our pages.Her studio may be viewed here.