Surviving the Winter: Morristown National Historical Park
During the American Revolutionary War, victory depended on more than just winning battles on the battlefield. It also required soldiers to survive harsh winters when active fighting paused. One of the most important survival sites was located in Morristown, New Jersey. Today, this historic area is preserved as Morristown National Historical Park, where visitors can step back in time to discover how George Washington’s army survived one of the coldest winters in American history.
In December 1779, General George Washington marched thousands of Continental Army soldiers into a section of Morristown known as Jockey Hollow. Washington chose Morristown for clever strategic reasons. The town sat behind the protective barrier of the Watchung Mountains, making it difficult for British forces stationed in nearby New York City to launch a surprise attack. The location also allowed Washington to guard main supply roads while keeping his troops in a defensible position.
- barrier:
- Something that blocks movement or protects a location from danger.
- defensible:
- Capable of being protected or defended against attack.
- scarce:
- In very short supply or hard to find.
- endurance:
- The ability to withstand difficult conditions or hardship over time.
- headquarters:
- A main center of operations or command for a military leader.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did winning the American Revolutionary War require more than just victories on the battlefield?
- 2Where is Morristown National Historical Park located?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Surviving the Winter: Morristown National Historical Park” is a explanatory article reading passage about Morristown National Historical Park, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (375 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.