9-06-2024 3:01pm

Restored Replica Cannon Revitalizes Morristown’s Revolutionary History

Chris Connors Editor

The restoration of a Revolutionary War replica cannon in front of Acorn Hall marks the beginning of local 250th celebrations, with a ribbon-cutting event on Sunday, September 29th at 11:00 a.m.

MORRISTOWN - A symbolic piece of Morristown's rich Revolutionary history has been restored, with the revival of a replica cannon that has stood for nearly two decades near Acorn Hall at the intersection of Morris and Lafayette Avenues. The cannon, originally installed in the early 2000s by the Greater Morristown Historic Foundation, reminds passers-by of the town’s pivotal role in the American fight for independence, as it served as the site of two winter encampments by General George Washington’s army.

The restoration effort was led by local resident Ryan Dawson, after the cannon’s wood wheels and frame deteriorated due to exposure. With the help of community members and civic organizations, funds were raised to breathe new life into the structure.

“The cannon’s condition was brought to my attention by Jennifer Wehring of the Morristown Partnership. She and I knew the community would step in and help once someone took ownership of the project. Between members of the community and some civic organizations, we managed to raise 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,” said Ryan Dawson, who led the fundraising efforts.

The restored cannon will be rededicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 29th, where local leaders, donors, and philanthropist Dick Deskovick—whose Greater Morristown Historic Foundation originally placed the cannon and made other significant contributions to Morristown including the fountain on Morristown Green and Robert St. Croix sculpted Patriots’ Farewell—will celebrate the project. This event also serves as a prelude to the town’s extensive 250th anniversary commemorations, culminating in 2026.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to downtown Morristown for the annual Festival on the Green, featuring an afternoon of food and entertainment.

For more details, contact the Morristown Partnership at (973) 455-1133 or the Morris County Historical Society at (973) 267-3465.

The Morris County Historical Society receives support from numerous organizations, including the NJ Historical Commission, NJ Council for the Humanities, and the F.M. Kirby Foundation.