Picatinny Arsenal Historical Society

05/28/2026

May 27, 1778
The Continental Army becomes The American Army when Congress establishes it as such describing its structure and finally authorized three companies of Sappers and Miners who until then were not specifically trained in this vital part of 18th century warfare.

You'll notice the monthly pay for every rank in the army.

This broadside made its way around the colonies via newspapers, including the May 27, 1778, New-Jersey Gazette.

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

And researched and developed by Picatinny Arsenal scientists...

On May 25, 1953, the United States conducted the “Grable” test, part of Operation Upshot–Knothole, marking the first and only time a nuclear artillery shell was fired and detonated.

At the Nevada Test Site, a 280mm cannon nicknamed "Atomic Annie" fired a nuclear shell over seven miles before it detonated with a yield of about 15 kilotons. The test demonstrated that nuclear weapons could be delivered via conventional artillery, dramatically expanding the potential battlefield use of atomic weapons.

Observed by high-ranking military officials and members of the press, the Grable test was as much a show of force as it was a technical experiment. It highlighted the U.S. military’s efforts to integrate nuclear capabilities into standard ground operations during the height of the Cold War.

Following the test, a total of twenty 280mm cannons with nuclear capabilities were constructed. However, the 88-ton cannons could only be driven on paved roads in ideal conditions, diminishing their utility as a rapid deployment weapon. The weapon was quickly phased out of military use.

Image Caption: GRABLE Cloud, Cannon in foreground (National Archives)

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

ARMY ART - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

We honor the memory of those before us and vow to carry on the legacy of the excellence of American Soldiers.

"So Many Graves"
Arlington National Cemetery
by Army Artist Sieger Hartgers

U.S. Army

05/20/2026

Some people see old stone ruins, forgotten trails, abandoned mine openings, and weathered landscapes as “just rocks.”

I see stories.

History has always pulled me in — the hidden places, the forgotten roads, the legends, the people who came before us, and the layers of time still buried in the woods around us.

Exploring places like this sparked something in me at a young age, and that passion eventually carried into my work with the National Park Service.

There’s something powerful about standing in places that hold generations of history — knowing that every trail, structure, and landscape has a story worth preserving and remembering.

Whether I’m researching Sussex County folklore, hiking to old ruins, documenting forgotten sites, or simply wandering through the Highlands after the rain, that love for history and exploration has never left me.

And honestly… I hope it never does. 🌲⛰️🪨

05/19/2026

We love this amazing map, created for the Bicentennial, of all the known battles and skirmishes that happened in New Jersey during the American Revolution, 1776-1783.

It's a great primer to help you get ready for the coming 250 commemorations planned by Revolution NJ for 2026-2033.

This and many other incredible documents are waiting for you to discover, thanks to the good folks at New Jersey State Library, and their online exhibit, "NJ250, Living Documents, Evolving Rights." Jump in at https://www.njstatelib.org/exhibits/nj250/1776era/battles-and-skirmishes/ and explore NJ's Revolutionary roots.

New Jersey Historical Commission - NJHC Visit New Jersey Genealogical Society of New Jersey—GSNJ League of Historical Societies of New Jersey

05/19/2026

Since 1999, Morris County has honored local veterans and their families through the Distinguished Military Service Medal, one of the only programs of its kind in the state. First presented on the 55th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to recognize World War II veterans, the program has since expanded to honor service in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and general military service.

Each medal is unique to Morris County, featuring the county seal on the front and an outline of the county alongside the American flag on the reverse. Every medal includes a striped ribbon in colors representing the era of conflict in which the veteran served. More than 10,000 medals have been presented to veterans or their surviving family members since the program began.

As Morris County commemorates America's 250th anniversary, the tradition continues at the Morris County Memorial Day Observance on Wednesday, May 20, at noon on Court Street in Morristown. The ceremony will include a tribute to Continental Army soldiers who died at Jockey Hollow during the Revolutionary War and will also be livestreamed on the Morris County Government page.

250th Anniversary of the Revolution: Morris County