The
derivation of the name "Fort Nonsense" is unknown. Researchers say it does not appear in any known
document before 1833. The often cited story is that Washington's original purpose for constructing the fort was to keep the American troops busy and out of trouble; however, Washington's intention is reportedly disclosed by an order in 1777, issued as he moved the
Continental Army to the
Middlebrook encampment. The National Park Service provides these details: The location of Fort Nonsense is at the highest point rising above a relatively level
plateau west of the
Watchung Mountains on which Morristown was settled. The
strategic point provides a clear view of the lands to the north, east, and south with a range of mountains arising directly to the west of the point. The mountains of northern
New Jersey provided safe retreats behind natural barriers that the British troops and their
conscripted Hessian auxiliaries to Great Britain were never ordered to scale after they had fared badly while attempting to negotiate the few passes, such as
Hobart Gap. The movements of the British and their troops between
New York and
Philadelphia skirted along the
coastal and narrow
piedmont regions of the state until passing the southern boundary of the mountain ranges, readily visible to the
scouts stationed atop the mountains to monitor their movement. George Washington ordered a signal beacon to be built at the fort as part of a
wider network but it is unclear if it was ever built. ==Current status==