Moland House facts for kids
|
Moland House
|
|
Moland House, August 2023.
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1641 Old York Rd., Hartsville, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000352 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 19, 1989 |
The Moland House is an old stone farmhouse built around 1750. It was built by John Moland, a lawyer from Philadelphia and Bucks County. Even though it's physically in Hartsville, Warwick Township, its mailing address is in Warminster Township, Pennsylvania.
This house became famous during the American Revolutionary War. From August 10 to 23, 1777, it served as the headquarters for General George Washington. He stayed here with his troops on their way to the Battle of Brandywine. The army's camp spread out along Old York Road and Bristol Road. The Battle of Crooked Billet also ended near this spot on May 1, 1778.
Today, the Moland House is owned by Warwick Township. The Warwick Township Historical Society is working to restore and take care of it. They get help from the township, the state of Pennsylvania, and the federal government. They also get donations from private groups and people. The restoration started in 1997 and is almost finished.
Contents
A Historic Stay: Washington's Headquarters
On August 10, 1777, about 11,000 Continental Army soldiers were marching. They were heading towards New Hope in New Jersey. Suddenly, General George Washington received important news. He learned that a large British fleet was heading his way. This fleet carried 17,000 British and Hessian troops.
Washington quickly stopped his army. He decided to set up camp near the Little Neshaminy Creek in Warwick Township. He knew the area well. He chose the Moland House, owned by Widow Moland, as his headquarters. Here, General Washington held a "Council of War." This was a meeting with his top generals to plan their next moves.
While Washington was at Moland House, two important people joined the American Revolution. They were the Marquis de Lafayette from France and Count Casimir Pulaski from Poland. Both of them later became heroes in the fight for American freedom. Local stories also say that the Betsy Ross flag, an early American flag, was first shown to General Washington at this camp. Some even believe it was the first place the American flag was ever flown!
For many years, the Moland House was a private home. But people knew it was an important historical place. History groups often met there in the early 1900s. For example, members of the Sons of the Revolution met there in 1903. Later, in 1932, French educators and military officers visited during a celebration for Lafayette College.
By the 1980s, the house was no longer a private home. It fell into disrepair and was left empty by 1985. Luckily, a group of local citizens stepped in. They worked with a housing developer and local leaders to save the Moland House.
Historical Marker: A Summary of Events
A special historical marker stands near the Moland House. It tells visitors about the important events that happened there:
Gen. Washington's headquarters Aug. 10-23, 1777, during the Neshaminy encampment of 11,000 troops. Here, the Marquis de Lafayette functioned for the first time as Major General at the Council of War on Aug. 21, and Count Casimir Pulaski of Poland met Washington for the first time. An experienced military commander, Pulaski was later appointed Brigadier General of mounted troops and is remembered as the "Father of the American Cavalry."
Preserving History
The Warwick Township Historical Society is in charge of preserving the Moland House. They work hard to keep this important piece of history safe.
Groups like the Millbrook Society have also studied the Moland House property. They have done archaeological digs and scans. This helps them learn more about the house and the land around it.
See also
- List of Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War
