MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Residents and visitors can explore Morris County’s Revolutionary War history through a new interactive app offering self-guided walking and driving tours as part of the county’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The free STQRY app features interactive maps, historical information, photographs and optional audio narration at stops throughout the county. The tours highlight people, places and events connected to Morris County’s role in the American Revolution.
“Morris County played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, and as we continue celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, we want to make it as easy as possible for residents and visitors to experience that history firsthand,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. “The 250th Anniversary is an opportunity to connect people with the history found throughout Morris County and make those stories accessible and engaging.”
Among the app’s featured experiences are five regional Revolutionary War driving tours covering the northeast, northwest, southeast A, southeast B and southwest sections of Morris County.
The routes feature Revolutionary War sites and other locations connected to the county’s role in the nation’s founding.
The driving tours build on research compiled by the Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation for its Morris County in the American Revolution StoryMap. The Morris County Tourism Bureau used that research to develop the self-guided experiences.
“The American Revolution StoryMap was created to document and preserve Morris County’s extraordinary role in our nation’s founding,” said Joe Barilla, director of the Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation. “It’s exciting to see that work expanded through the STQRY app, allowing residents and visitors to experience our Revolutionary history in an interactive and accessible way.”
Two walking tours currently available through the app focus on Morristown. The Historic Morristown Walking Tour explores locations associated with the town’s role as the “Military Capital of the American Revolution,” while the Morristown Walking Tour & Beyond includes additional downtown landmarks, museums and historic sites.
“The STQRY app allows people to explore our communities, visit historic sites and discover the stories that make Morris County one of the most significant places in Revolutionary War history. It’s an exciting resource that will continue serving residents and visitors long after the 250th Anniversary celebration concludes,” said Sarah Neibart, executive director of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee.
The app is also intended to introduce users to other attractions throughout the county.
“Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here your entire life, the app provides an engaging way to discover our Revolutionary history, museums, downtowns, parks, local businesses and cultural attractions,” said Samantha Rutledge, director of Tourism & Strategic Partnerships for the Morris County Tourism Bureau.
The STQRY app was developed with support from the Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation, Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee and Morris County Board of County Commissioners. It was funded in part through a grant from the New Jersey Highlands Council.
“The New Jersey Highlands Council is proud to support initiatives that connect people with the history, culture and communities of the Highlands region,” said Maryjude Haddock-Weiler, planning manager at the New Jersey Highlands Council. “We’re excited to see this resource encourage exploration and strengthen heritage tourism throughout the Highlands.”
Officials said additional tours and experiences will be added to the STQRY platform, with plans for it to continue serving as a heritage tourism resource beyond the 250th anniversary celebration.
The STQRY app is available free through Google Play, and a web version is also available. Information about the tours and Morris County’s 250th anniversary events is available through the Morris County 250th anniversary website.
