Friends of Jockey Hollow

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Friends of Jockey Hollow, Nonprofit Organization, Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ.

Friends of Jockey Hollow serves as an independent organization to protect, preserve, and promote this treasured National Historical Park whose environmental quality, recreational value, and historic significance keep our rich cultural heritage alive for

10/25/2026

DID YOU KNOW? A monument at Jockey Hollow may have the wrong name!

On January 1, 1781, nearly 2,000 soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line mutinied at Jockey Hollow over disputes involving their terms of enlistment.

During the uprising, one officer was killed. His death would become part of a local legend that lives on more than 240 years later.

Around 1900, a stone monument was erected in his memory near what became known as the Bettin Oak.

But here’s the twist… 👀

Although the monument identifies the fallen officer as Captain “Bettin,” historical records indicate his name was actually Bitting!

Local tradition also suggests the monument marks his burial site, but no documentation has been found to confirm that claim.

🌳 And the oak tree itself has a story!

The original Bettin Oak was believed to be more than 200 years old when studied in 1938. It eventually fell during a storm on November 25, 1971. A red oak sapling was planted nearby in 1975 to replace it.

Today, the monument serves as a reminder of the Pennsylvania Line Mutiny and the stories still waiting to be discovered at Jockey Hollow.

💬 Had you ever heard of the Bettin Oak?

📍 Jockey Hollow | Morristown National Historical Park

📷 Photo: National Park Service
📚 Source: NPS, Bettin Oak

10/21/2026

🇺🇸 DID YOU KNOW? The Grand Parade at Jockey Hollow has a darker history than you might expect.

During the Continental Army’s 1779–1780 winter encampment, the Grand Parade served as the administrative and ceremonial center of camp.

🥁 Guards assembled here daily for inspection by the officer of the day, and general orders were issued from a small hut built on the site.

But there’s another part of its history that may surprise you…

Public executions also took place here. According to the National Park Service, two soldiers were executed by hanging and buried on the Grand Parade.

🌳 THEN VS. NOW

The original Grand Parade measured approximately 100 yards wide and 400 yards long — much larger than the clearing visitors see today!

It was also located farther back in the woods, with its entrance along Jockey Hollow Road, rather than at the present-day interpretive clearing.

Today, visitors following the Grand Loop Trail can explore the area and imagine where this once-bustling military gathering place stood.

💬 Did you know about this part of Jockey Hollow’s history?

📍 Jockey Hollow | Morristown National Historical Park

📚 Photo Credit + Historical information: National Park Service

10/13/2026

🏔️ Connecting with National Park Partners Across the Country!

In September, Friends of Jockey Hollow Executive Director Greg Socha traveled to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for the 2026 National Park Friends Alliance Fall Meeting.

The gathering brought together organizations from across the country to share ideas, discuss challenges, and explore ways to strengthen their partnerships with national parks.

Greg reflected on the experience:
“Gathering with fellow friends’ groups and learning about their strengths and challenges was invaluable to me; you come away feeling not only empowered but also a member of an important community striving to support and collaborate with their park.”

We’re grateful for opportunities like these to learn from fellow park partners and bring new ideas and connections back to Jockey Hollow!

📸 Photo: NPS Photo

10/09/2026

🌿 Help restore the historic pergola at Cross Estate Gardens!

Last July, a massive 90-year-old silver maple split and came crashing down onto the pergola, damaging eight granite pillars and part of the stone wall.

Thanks to grants, donors and community partners, restoration is moving forward — and Friends of Jockey Hollow is proud to support this important preservation project.

❤️ Want to help? Donations to the New Jersey Historical Garden Foundation will help support the restoration of Cross Estate Gardens and the continued care of this special place.

Donate Here: https://www.crossestategardens.org

10/05/2026

🍂 Fall is here at Jockey Hollow!

Cooler days and changing leaves make this one of our favorite times of year to get outside and explore.
Here are 5 ways to enjoy Jockey Hollow this fall:

🥾 Hit the trails — Explore roughly 27 miles of marked hiking trails, from shorter walks to the 6.5-mile Grand Loop Trail.

🏡 Step into history — Visit the Wick Farm area, see the historic Wick House and walk through a landscape where Continental Army soldiers spent the winter of 1779–1780.

🛖 See the soldier huts — Follow the Yellow Trail to the replica soldier huts and other historic sites throughout Jockey Hollow.

🐦 Go birdwatching — Bring your binoculars and look for birds around the Wick House Orchard, meadows and other habitats throughout the park.

🍁 Take in the fall scenery — Walk the trails or explore the park along the Tour Road and enjoy the changing landscape.

Planning a fall visit?

🔗 Head to the Things to Do page on our website for more ideas and resources to help plan your day at Jockey Hollow.

What’s your favorite way to explore Jockey Hollow in the fall? 🍂

10/01/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Some trees at Jockey Hollow are more than 200 years old.

Up to 100 acres of secondary old-growth tulip trees have grown up in the park’s forests since the Revolutionary War. These majestic trees are now 150-220 years old and some are at least 120 feet tall.

These tulip trees can be seen along Jockey Hollow Road and on the Grand Loop Trail in the Jockey Hollow Unit of the park.

Photo Credit: Mark Sagan, Facebook
“Many impressive Tulip Trees in Morristown National Historical Park. Tallest I found was ~150’”

09/19/2026

🐦 Did you know Jockey Hollow is a great place for birdwatching?

The forests, fields and other habitats throughout Jockey Hollow provide opportunities to spot a variety of birds throughout the year.

Grab your binoculars and see how many species you can spot! 👀

🔗 Planning your next visit? Head to the Things to Do page on our website to find the birdwatching checklist and more ways to explore Jockey Hollow. https://fojh.org/things-to-do/

Have you gone birdwatching at Jockey Hollow? Tell us what you’ve spotted!

📷 Photo: FOJH

09/15/2026

🇺🇸 SAVE THE DATE: Living History Weekend is coming to Morristown!

Our partners at morriscounty250 are bringing Living History Weekend to Morristown September 25–27 as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Here’s a preview of what’s planned:

📚 Friday: Morris County History Trivia Night at Glenbrook Brewery

🏛️ Saturday: Historic site open houses, guided tours and a Revolutionary War encampment on the Morristown Green

🇺🇸 Sunday: Explore the History Corridor during the Morristown Festival on the Green and meet organizations helping preserve and share Morris County’s history.

📅 September 25–27, 2026 📍 Morristown, NJ

Follow morriscounty250 for event updates and the latest Living History Weekend details.

09/11/2026

🎉 We’re proud to share some exciting news!

Friends of Jockey Hollow has received a $75,000 grant from the National Park Foundation to help strengthen our organization and expand our impact at the Jockey Hollow unit of Morristown National Historical Park.

This funding will be used to:

🌿 Initiate a strategic planning process 🌿 Complete a fundraising feasibility study for a major capital design project 🌿 Expand and diversify our base of donors

This marks the third funding cycle in which the National Park Foundation has supported Friends of Jockey Hollow — and our largest grant from NPF to date.

As our organization continues to grow, so does our ability to support the protection, preservation and promotion of Jockey Hollow for generations to come.

We’re incredibly grateful to the National Park Foundation for investing in our continued growth and in the important role park partners play in supporting our national parks.  📸 Photo: Friends of Jockey Hollow

09/10/2026

FOJH Partner News: Annual Talk & Tea at Cross Estate Gardens

Join the Cross Estate Gardens volunteers on Thursday, September 17 from 1–3 PM for their annual Talk & Tea featuring local author Marta McDowell, who will share the botanical side of Beatrix Potter through selections of Potter’s artwork, gardens and work, inspired by her new book, A Beatrix Potter Botanical: The Art of Flowers and Fungi.

Light refreshments prepared by Cross Estate Gardens volunteers will also be served.

This year’s fundraiser has an especially important purpose.
Last July, a 90-year-old silver maple split near its base and fell onto the historic pergola, damaging eight granite pillars, an adjacent stone wall and gate. The western end of the pergola and main entrance to the walled garden have remained fenced off for visitor safety.

The NJ Historical Garden Foundation has now contracted with a restoration mason to rebuild the historic structures. The total project cost is $27,800. Thanks to grants and donations, $17,000 has already been raised — leaving $10,000 still needed to complete the restoration.

🌿Annual Talk & Tea
📅Thursday, September 17
🕐1–3 PM
📍Cross Estate Library, 61 Jockey Hollow Road, Bernardsville

$30 NJHGF members | $35 non-members (Cash or check accepted at the door)

📬 Mail check, payable to NJHGF, to:
NJHGF
PO Box 712
Bernardsville, NJ 07924 
Can’t attend? You can still help preserve this beautiful historic garden. Every donation, no matter the size, helps bring the pergola, stone wall and gate one step closer to restoration.
https://www.crossestategardens.org/join

Address

Tempe Wick Road
Morristown, NJ
07960

Website

http://fojh.org/

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