MORRISTOWN, N.J. — On the second day of our Jersey trip, Erica and I left from our hotel in Edison at the southern end of I-287 and proceeded north (and west, then northeast, not in the at order) to my original hometown, Morristown. It had been several years since I had driven through there and since I hadn’t turned 2 when we left, I had no memories of it.
[flickr set: Morristown, my original hometown]

Like many Jersey towns, a square of green is at the center of Morristown. This one was established nearly 300 years ago. It is a lovely park like setting with mature trees, grass, benches, a fountain and statues of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Marquis de Lafayette. Morristown and the surrounding area were important locations during the Revolutionary War. Perhaps we’ll return sometime and check out Washington’s Headquarters and Jockey Hollow. A trip to Speedwell would probably be worthwhile too.

Back to the green — in addition to being a pleasant park, the streets that line it are full of churches, stores and other buildings, many having been there prior to World War II. Essentially, the downtown core is strong and charming. It is no wonder that one side of the green has luxury condos going up. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were controversial, but I believe they will be popular. The NJ Transit train station is only a few blocks away from the green, making modern Morristown a new urbanist’s dream of SmartGrowth.

While we were in Morristown, we also took a drive into Morris Twp. to see the first house I lived in. It looked good. The drive up Mt. Kemble was fun too, though I cannot imagine it in the snow and ice.

I forgot to swing by the hospital I was born at for a photo though. Next time!