Jacobus Vanderveer House facts for kids
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Jacobus Vanderveer House
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 Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Pluckemin, New Jersey |
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| Area | 19 acres (7.7 ha) |
| Built | 1779 |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 95001137 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 29, 1995 |
The Jacobus Vanderveer House, also known as Knox House, is a historic home in Bedminster Township, New Jersey. It's a great example of a Federal style house, built around 1779. This house is super important because of its connection to the American Revolutionary War. It served as the headquarters for General Henry Knox during a crucial time in the war. Today, it's a museum that helps us learn about America's past.
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A Home with History
The Jacobus Vanderveer House was built around 1779 by James (Jacobus) Vanderveer. His father had willed the land to him. The house is located near Pluckemin, New Jersey, at the meeting point of US 202 and 206.
The house is recognized as an "excellent example of a Dutch–American house." It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 29, 1995. This means it's a special place worth protecting because of its history.
The Jacobus Vanderveer House is part of a larger area called River Road Park. It is owned by Bedminster Township. However, a group called the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House helps run it as a museum. They work hard to keep this historic site in good shape.
General Knox's Headquarters
This house is famous for being the headquarters of General Henry Knox. He was a very important general during the American Revolutionary War. From 1778 to 1779, during what's known as the second Middlebrook encampment, Knox used this house.
Knox was in charge of the Continental Army's artillery. This means he led the soldiers who used cannons and other big guns. Their training area, called the Pluckemin Continental Artillery Cantonment Site, was very close to the Vanderveer House.
America's First Military Academy
The cantonment site was like America's first military training academy. It was a very early version of what would later become the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Jacobus Vanderveer House is the only original building left from that important time. It stands as a reminder of where soldiers trained during the Revolution.
Visiting the House
Each year, the Jacobus Vanderveer House hosts a special "colonial Christmas" event. This event helps raise money to keep the historic site maintained and preserved. Visitors can enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony, see traditional Christmas decorations, and take part in other fun activities. It's a great way to experience history and support the museum.
See also
- Wallace House – General George Washington's headquarters during the second Middlebrook encampment (1778–79).
- Van Veghten House – General Nathanael Greene's headquarters during the second Middlebrook encampment (1778–79).
- Van Horne House – General William Alexander, Lord Stirling's headquarters during the second Middlebrook encampment (1778–79).
- Staats House – General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben's headquarters during the second Middlebrook encampment (1778–79).
