Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area

Fort Nonsense provides a strategic lookout point for Washington’s army during the Morristown encamp

Crossroads of the American Revolution NHA

Quick Facts

Location:

New Jersey

Significance:

More than 200 battles and skirmishes were fought across New Jersey during the American Revolution, deeply affecting the state’s people. The conflict became a virtual civil war, dividing families and neighbors as residents pledged loyalty to the young nation or the British Crown, while others chose neutrality. General George Washington spent more time here than anywhere else during the war, including the Northeast’s harshest winter on record at the 1779-80 Morristown encampment.

Designation:

National Heritage Area

More battles and skirmishes took place in New Jersey during the American Revolution than any place else in the 13 original states. Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area promotes a greater understanding of the state’s Revolutionary-era historical sites and landscapes. Working with Morristown National Historical Park and partners statewide, Crossroads connects the people and places of New Jersey’s rich Revolutionary heritage to inspire community pride, stewardship and civic engagement. 

Crossroads NHA tells the stories of the impact of the Revolution on ordinary people through 14 distinct story lines and our Revolutionary Neighbors. Here, the conflict was also a civil war, with many residents siding with the British Crown or choosing neutrality -- a difficult choice when the war came to their front door.

Scores of historic homes, houses of worship, taverns and other structures witnessed the war’s complex impact on New Jersey and now tell the story. They help visitors discover their revolutionary spirit at reenactments, hands-on activities, lectures and more that reveal the lives of area residents during the war. Morristown National Historical Park tells the story of the 1779-1780 Continental Army encampment during the war’s harshest winter, while Washington Crossing State Park commemorates the Christmas 1776 Delaware River crossing that preceded American victories at Trenton and Princeton.