Replica Revolutionary War cannon to be rededicated on Sunday in Morristown
Ceremony Ignites Morris County’s 250th Celebrations
MORRISTOWN, NJ (Morris County) — The rededication of a Revolutionary War replica cannon on Sunday, Sept. 29, will unofficially kick off Morris County’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. in front of Acorn Hall in Morristown, just ahead of the annual Morristown Festival on the Green, which begins at noon.
The public is invited to view the restored cannon, located on an island in front of Acorn Hall, between Morris and Lafayette avenues. This cannon has stood as a symbol of Morris County’s rich Revolutionary War history for about 20 years, commemorating significant events such as General George Washington’s winter encampments and notable landmarks, including the Ford Mansion, Fort Nonsense, and Jockey Hollow.
The unveiling of the newly restored cannon marks one of the first historic events in a series of celebrations planned for the nation’s Semiquincentennial. Earlier this year, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners allocated $100,000 to the Morris County Economic Development Alliance and the Morris County Tourism Bureau to coordinate these anniversary festivities.
“Our 250th is a great opportunity for our county,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers. “We invite everyone who wants to learn about the American Revolution to visit, explore, enjoy, and learn how Morris County played a pivotal role in establishing the premier nation of the world.”
The replica cannon was first installed outside Acorn Hall, home to the Morris County Historical Society, in the early 2000s by the Greater Morristown Historic Foundation to raise awareness of Morris County’s fundamental role in America’s fight for independence. Over the years, the replica field artillery began to succumb to the elements, requiring a complete restoration of its wooden structure.
The Greater Morristown Historic Foundation, founded by longtime philanthropist Richard “Dick” Deskovick, has since disbanded, but not before making several significant contributions to the area, including the Patriots’ Farewell fountain on the Morristown Green. In 2023, a group of citizens led by Ryan Dawson came together to restore the cannon, raising awareness of its historical significance and highlighting the notable philanthropy and spirit of residents in the area, both past and present.
“The cannon’s condition was brought to my attention by Jennifer Wehring of the Morristown Partnership,” said Dawson. “She and I knew the community would step in and help once someone took ownership of the project. With the support of community members and civic organizations, we raised the necessary funds to bring the cannon back to life. This was a group effort, and I was confident the residents of Morristown would rise to the occasion.”
For more information, contact the Morristown Partnership at 973-455-1133 or the Morris County Historical Society at 973-267-3465.
