DeWint House facts for kids
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De Wint House
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The DeWint House in 2010
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| Location | Oak Tree Road and Livingston Street, Tappan, New York |
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| Built | 1700 |
| Architect | Daniel DeClark |
| Architectural style | Dutch |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000568 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | May 23, 1966 |
The DeWint House in Tappan, New York, is a very old building. It is one of the oldest homes still standing in Rockland County. This house is a great example of Dutch Colonial architecture, which was popular in the Hudson Valley.
A man named Daniel DeClark built the house in 1700. He was from Holland and came to America in 1676. He bought the land from Native Americans in 1682. You can see the year 1700 on the front of the house, spelled out with special bricks.
In 1746, Johannes DeWint and his wife Antje bought the house. Johannes was a planter from the West Indies and a supporter of American independence. His daughter, Anna Maria, and her husband, Major Fredericus Blauvelt, also lived there.
The DeWint House became a temporary home for George Washington. He was the Commander-in-Chief during the American Revolution. Washington stayed at the house four times. He visited twice in 1780 and twice in 1783.
George Washington's Headquarters
Washington first stayed at the DeWint House from August 8 to 24, 1780. He was checking on a fort near the Hudson River at that time.
He returned from September 28 to October 7, 1780. This was for the important trial of a British spy named John André. Washington signed the order for André's execution right there in the house. André was later put to death. He had been caught in Tarrytown after trying to help Benedict Arnold give West Point to the British.
Major André was held at the Old '76 House in Tappan. This building was once a tavern and is now a restaurant. Washington even sent meals from his own table at the DeWint House to André at the '76 House. A stone on André Hill Road marks the spot where André was executed.
Washington and his main staff stayed at the DeWint House again from May 4 to 8, 1783. They were talking with British General Sir Guy Carleton. They were discussing how the British troops would finally leave New York City. People said it was a friendly meeting. They enjoyed a fancy dinner made by Samuel Fraunces, who owned Fraunces Tavern in New York City.
From November 11 to 14, 1783, a big snowstorm hit. Washington had to stay at the DeWint House for shelter. He was on his way to visit West Point and then New York City. Later, he officially stepped down from his role as Commander-in-Chief.
House and Grounds Today
The DeWint House was not in good shape when the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York bought it in 1932. The site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year.
The DeWint House is one of only a few places in Rockland County that are part of New York State's Paths through History sites. The others are Stony Point Battlefield and the Blauvelt House.
The house has been carefully fixed up and improved. The two main rooms on the first floor look just like they did when Washington stayed there. A new kitchen was built in 1996. It looks like the kind of kitchen Washington would have seen.
The property also has a 19th-century carriage house. Inside, you can see old artifacts found during digs at the site. There are also items related to Washington, André, Arnold, and the Masons. A large mill stone from a grist mill is on display. Behind the house, there are seven small grave markers. They are believed to be from a burial ground for enslaved people from a nearby property.
Today, the DeWint House and its grounds are open for everyone to visit.
