06/07/2026
in 1780, British forces clashed with the Continental Army at the Battle of Connecticut Farms, near present-day Union, New Jersey, as they attempted to advance toward Morristown.
In response, General George Washington and the Continental Army marched out from Morristown, bringing the winter encampment at Jockey Hollow to an end.
Among those who joined the march was an unexpected volunteer: 17-year-old Timothy Ford, the eldest son of Theodosia Ford of the Ford Mansion. Eager to support the Patriot cause, Timothy accompanied the army to Connecticut Farms.
During the fighting, Timothy was wounded in an exchange of fire with Hessian soldiers, suffering two musket-ball wounds to his leg. He survived the battle and was carried back to Morristown by an officer, where he spent the next six months recovering.
Despite fierce fighting, the Continental Army and New Jersey militia successfully halted the British advance and prevented them from reaching Morristown. The Battle of Connecticut Farms would become one of the last major engagements of the Revolutionary War's northern campaign.
📍Have you visited Jockey Hollow or the Ford Mansion? Share your experience in the comments!
📸NPS Staff
Imagene Description:
A line of Reenactors portraying 18th century Continental Army soldiers of the “Jersey Greys,” 3rd New Jersey Regiment firing their muskets at the Morristown Encampment
