Replica Revolutionary War Cannon to be Rededicated on Sunday
Published on September 24, 2024
Ceremony Ignites Morris County’s 250th Celebrations
The rededication of a Revolutionary War replica cannon this Sunday will unofficially kick-off Morris County’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. in front of Acorn Hall in Morristown, just ahead of the Morristown Festival on the Green.
With the festival starting at noon, the public is invited to first stop by to view the restored cannon, which sits on an island in front of Acorn Hall between Morris and Lafayette avenues in Morristown. It has served for about 20 years as a symbol of the rich Revolutionary War history of Morris County, including two winter encampments by General George Washington and his troops and nationally significant landmarks, such as the Ford Mansion, Fort Nonsense and Jockey Hollow.
EVERYONE IS INVITED
WHAT: Rededication of Replica Revolutionary War Cannon.
WHERE: In front of Acorn Hall, between Morris & Lafayette avenues in Morristown
WHEN: This Sunday, Sept. 29, at 11 a.m., one hour before the start of the noon start of the annual Morristown Festival on the Green.
Unveiling the newly restored cannon will mark one of the first historic events to usher in what promises to be a memorable series of events in Morris County to celebrate our nation’s Semiquincentennial.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners committed $100,000 earlier this year to the Morris County Economic Development Alliance and the Morris County Tourism Bureau to begin coordinating 250th anniversary celebrations.
“Our 250th is a great opportunity for our county. 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 best nation of the world,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers.
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 bring awareness to 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. 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.”
For more information, contact the Morristown Partnership, 973-455-1133, or the Morris County Historical Society, 973-267-3465.
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Photo: The Revolutionary War replica cannon ready for its close-up.