Saving George Washington Monument Island

George Washington Monument Island has graced the Morristown landscape since 1928. Located at the intersection of Morris Street and Washington Avenue, the plot of land is believed to be the site of Continental Army encampment from 1779-80. 

"The monument serves as a sign to indicate that George Washington spent his winters right across the street," said councilwoman Rebecca Feldman. "It's a tremendous asset to the national historic park and town."

However, attempts to maintain the island have been unable to keep up with its deterioration.

"The adjacent roads have gotten wider and it's changed the configuration of the island. … The original landscape has aged, shrubs are overgrown, planting beds have become weed beds and some of the original planting choices hide the monument rather than highlight it," Feldman said.

Also, due to lack of proper lighting, drivers cannot discern where the island is after sundown nor can pedestrians safely visit the monument, Feldman said.

Last year, Feldman began searching for answers. She found willing sponsors to "Save George's Island," and is now organizing a transformation of the historic landmark.

"When the donors saw what was planned, it gave them the confidence to sign on," Feldman said.

The sponsors include Carolle Huber, a landscape architect who also co-founded "Grow it Green Morristown," and who created the landscape plan.

"Carolle's willingness to come up with a concept pro bono is what made this renovation possible," Feldman said.

Home Properties Inc., owners of Jacob Ford Village, agreed to donate all the plantings and the labor to install them, in addition to renovating the lawn and then maintaining the landscape for at least the first year. 

Star-Lo Electric is donating all labor and materials to illuminate the monument and the newly restored and relocated Historic Marker.

"(Resident) Lucille Knapik raised a couple of thousand dollars to have the marker saved, fully restored and relocated to the island. It explains the history of Washington's stay in the area," Feldman said.

Morris and Bergen County Irrigation have agreed to provide irrigation services to the island in order to properly maintain the landscaping.

"We made a point of reviewing the plan with Morristown Historic Preservation Commission and had some helpful pointers that affected the design," said Huber.

The community response has been overwhelmingly supportive.  Feldman said, "The surrounding neighborhood, Washington's Headquarters, has had its own association for over 30 years … they sent out an announcement and the e-mails we are receiving are really heartwarming and appreciative."

She added, "The George Washington statue stands right at the entrance of the neighborhood, so it is very much part of the identity of the community."

Morristown is beginning the heavy labor of removing the old, overgrown plantings starting last week.

"Everything there is being removed except an old existing elm tree," Huber said. "Expect very simple planting, all native plants, things that would have been around in his time, like Dogwoods, oak leaf hydrangeas, and winter belly holly for some winter color."

She added, "The landscaping will be a backdrop for the statue, the statue is to be the star of the show."