By Alexis Algazy
George Washington cannot ride his horse into battle without the reins.
For nearly 95 years, a statue of the general has stood across the street from the Ford Mansion, his headquarters for the worst winter of the American Revolution.
The monument has endured some wear and tear over that span, leaving Washington astride his gallant steed without reins to steer with.
That should change this weekend. On Saturday, July 15, 2023, a three-day project will commence to restore the George Washington Memorial Statue to its former glory.
Lucille Knapik, a Morristown resident and Washington’s Headquarters Neighborhood Association member, spearheaded the restoration.
“George is sort of falling down,” said Knapik.
Morristown is replete with tributes to Washington. At least three streets bear his name, another life-size statue stands on the Green where he once trod, and the National Park Service welcomes thousands of visitors annually to the Washington’s Headquarters Museum and the Ford Mansion.
A replica of the general’s war tent was pitched on the museum grounds last weekend to commemorate the Morristown National Historical Park‘s 90th anniversary.
Yet despite this rich history, statue upkeep is not at the forefront of the town’s to-do list. Over time, Washington and his mount have become covered in chemical residues. Knapik also noticed the reins were missing. Her search took her to the public works department, where she found them sitting alongside lawn mowers and maintenance items.
Knapik turned to her neighborhood association and the town for the $5,800 restoration, which will include reuniting the reins with the rest of the statue.
Morristown officials agreed to make up the difference after Knapik’s GoFundMe drive raised $1,150.
“It takes a village,” said Knapik.
Soon, George Washington will take the reins again, to continue reflecting the history he made in Morristown.
