Fort Nonsense

Fort Nonsense, located on a hilltop in downtown Morristown, New Jersey, holds distinctive significance as an American Revolutionary War fortification built at General George Washington's orders in 1777. Following Continental Army victories at Trenton and Princeton, Washington ordered the construction of a hill fortification featuring trenches, breastworks, and a guardhouse to serve as an observation and alarm post. The curious name, not appearing in known documents before 1833, reflects local belief that Washington built the fort simply to keep his soldiers busy, though its strategic hilltop position overlooking Morristown proved valuable. Now part of Morristown National Historical Park, Fort Nonsense offers visitors exceptional views of the area, designated picnic grounds, and historical trails through its earthworks and fortification sites.