Celebrating 250 Years of History

Published on January 15, 2026

Morris County is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026! Our county played a central role in America’s founding and throughout the year, we're honoring the people, places and ideals that shaped the nation. Support the Semiquincentennial by sharing your events and updates-- email 250@morriscountyalliance.org and tag @morriscounty250 on social media.

Check out the American Revolution StoryMap presented by the Office of Planning and Preservation!

"Revolutionary Lives” Travels to Morris County Library This Month

The Morris County Heritage Commission is hosting the RevolutionNJ traveling exhibit “Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now” from Jan. 9 through Jan. 23 at the Morris County Library, offering visitors an opportunity to explore New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution through the experiences of everyday people.

Replica Revolutionary War Cannon to be Rededicated on Sunday

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.

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride on April 18

Paul Revere and other American patriots rode into the night of April 18, 1775, warning Minute Men and militias in Massachusetts that British troops were crossing the mouth of the Charles River from Boston to seize their guns and quell their budding rebellion.

Morris County Launches America250 Events With Cannon Rededication

Morris County launched its America250 celebrations yesterday with the rededication and ribbon cutting of the restored Revolutionary War replica cannon outside Acorn Hall in Morristown, home of the Morris County Historical Society.

Municipalities Invited to Support America’s 250th Anniversary

The Morris County Economic Development Alliance, the Morris County Tourism Bureau and the Morris County Economic Development Corporation are hosting a complimentary workshop on May 23 to teach municipalities how to become RevolutionNJ (RevNJ) communities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

A Long Way From Home

January marks the 275th birthday of German immigrant Christian Shank.

Crossing the Delaware

After a long retreat across New Jersey, General George Washington’s tired and ragged troops arrived at the banks of the Delaware River on December 2, 1776. With a harsh winter approaching, troop morale low, and desertions plentiful, Washington knew a victory was necessary. He devised a plan to cross the river under the cover of darkness and march to Trenton to attack Hessian outposts.

The Retreat Across New Jersey

Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was signed in July of 1776, both the Continental and British forces sought control of New York City and the vital Hudson River. The British landed on Long Island in August and, after three months of fighting, eventually arrived at the river. The only remaining Continental threat that stood in their path were Fort Washington and Fort Lee.

The 250th Birthday of the U.S. Navy

This October 13th the U.S. Navy will celebrate its 250th birthday!

Established in 1775 by the Continental Congress, the Continental Navy was created to protect shipping vessels against the British Royal Navy and defend the colonies’ vast coastline.