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 surviving structures in Rockland County. It is also a great example of Dutch Colonial architecture from the Hudson Valley.
A Hollander named Daniel DeClark built the house in 1700. He came to America in 1676. He bought the land from Native Americans in 1682. The year 1700 is even marked on the house with special bricks.
In 1746, Johannes DeWint and his wife Antje bought the house. Johannes was a planter from the West Indies and an American patriot. His daughter, Anna Maria, and her husband, Major Fredericus Blauvelt, later lived there.
The DeWint House became a temporary home for George Washington. He stayed there when he was the Commander-in-Chief during the American Revolution. Washington visited the house four times. He was a guest in the south parlor twice in 1780 and twice in 1783.
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George Washington's Headquarters
George Washington stayed at the DeWint House several times. It was an important place during the American Revolution.
First Visits in 1780
Washington first stayed at the DeWint House from August 8 to 24, 1780. He was there to check on a fort near the Hudson River.
He returned from September 28 to October 7, 1780. This time, he was there for the trial of a British spy. The spy's name was Major John André. André was captured after working with Benedict Arnold. Arnold was a traitor who planned to give West Point to the British.
Washington signed the order for André to be put to death while at the house. André was held at the Old '76 House in Tappan. This was a tavern that is now a restaurant. Washington even sent meals from his own table at the DeWint House to André. A stone on André Hill Road marks where André was put to death.
Later Visits in 1783
Washington and his main staff stayed at the DeWint House from May 4 to 8, 1783. They were talking with British General Sir Guy Carleton. They were discussing the British troops leaving New York City. People said it was a friendly meeting. They also had a fancy dinner. Samuel Fraunces, who owned Fraunces Tavern in New York City, came to cook the meal.
From November 11 to 14, 1783, Washington had to stay at the DeWint House again. A big snowstorm forced him to stop there. He was on his way to visit West Point. After that, he went to New York City to resign from his command.
House and Grounds
The DeWint House was in bad shape when it was bought in 1932. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York bought it. They helped fix it up.
The house 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 three places in Rockland County named a New York State Paths through History site. The others are Stony Point Battlefield and the Blauvelt House.
Restoration and Displays
The house has been carefully fixed up and improved. The two main rooms on the first floor look like they did when Washington stayed there. A new kitchen was built in 1996. It looks like a kitchen Washington would have known.
The property also has a 19th-century carriage house. This building has displays of old items found during digs at the site. It also shows things about Washington, André, Arnold, and the Masons.
Outside, there is a large mill stone from a grist mill in nearby Ramapo. Behind the house, there are seven small grave markers. Each has one to three initials. These markers came from a nearby property. It is thought they came from a burial ground for people who were enslaved on that property.
Today, the DeWint House and its grounds are open for everyone to visit.
