Fort Nonsense

A Brief History: Fort Nonsense was established by the Continental Army under General George Washington in Morristown, New Jersey on January 6, 1777. The site was pretty secure being behind the Watchung Mountains and the Great Swamp; it was here that Washington established the army’s winter camp.  Arnold's Tavern on the west side of the property became Washington’s Headquarters. Rodney’s light infantry was located at the Ford Mansion across town. Officers and men took quarters in private homes, barns, churches, and other structures throughout the town and scattered in towns from Princeton to the Hudson.           

Originally called “The Hill” or “Kinney’s Hill,” it commanded the town. The function of the Fort was as an observation and alarm post, and a place of retreat for guards stationed in the town. The British never attacked the Fort. Washington’s men leveled surrounding trees and built a guardhouse for 30 men. As early as the 1790s the hill was called Fort Nonsense.  People say that the only reason the Fort was built was to keep the men busy hence “Fort Nonsense”. 

Currently Fort Nonsense Hill is open to visitors from 8:00am until sunset. The park grounds are, however, surrounded by private property. For your safety and for the consideration of park neighbors, please be careful as you walk the grounds.

Haunted History: Visitors have claimed to hear disembodied voices when no one else is around.  There are also claims of hearing the sounds of someone walking up to you when no one is there.  Some visitors also say that they see a man in a blue uniform walking ahead on the pathway and then just disappear.