Rockingham (house) facts for kids
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Rockingham
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Back of house in 2007
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 Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 84 Laurel Avenue Franklin Township, New Jersey |
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| Area | 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) |
| Built | c. 1710 |
| Architectural style | Colonial vernacular |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000394 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 18, 1970 |
Rockingham is a very old house in New Jersey. It was once the home of a judge named John Berrien. This house is famous because it was the last place George Washington used as his headquarters during the American Revolutionary War.
Rockingham is located in Franklin Township, in Somerset County. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This means it is a special place that is important to history.
The house was first built around 1710. It started as a small, two-room house. Later, more rooms were added. The name "Rockingham" probably came from the Marquess of Rockingham, a British leader. The house has been moved several times over the years. Today, it is a featured stop on the Millstone River Valley Scenic Byway, a special road for sightseeing.
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Who Was John Berrien?
John Berrien was a land surveyor and agent. He bought the small house that would become Rockingham in 1735. It overlooked the Millstone River.
John Berrien became a judge. He first served in Somerset County. Later, he was appointed to the highest court in New Jersey, the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
John Berrien's Family Life
John Berrien's first wife, Mary Leonard, passed away in 1758. They did not have any children.
The next year, he married Margaret Eaton. Her father founded a town called Eatontown, New Jersey. John and Margaret had six children together. They had four boys, including John Berrien Jr., and two girls.
John Berrien passed away in 1772. He is buried in Princeton Cemetery. His wife, Margaret, took care of his property and their children.
George Washington's Stay at Rockingham
General George Washington stayed at Rockingham for a few months in 1783. He was there from August 23 to November 10. Congress invited him to the area. At that time, Congress was meeting in Nassau Hall in Princeton. They were waiting for news that the American Revolutionary War was officially over.
Washington was not alone at Rockingham. He had several helpers, including his aides-de-camp and a group of life guards. His servants were also with him. His wife, Martha Washington, stayed there until early October.
During his time at Rockingham, Washington met with members of Congress and other important people. On October 31, he received the news that the war had officially ended. Just a few days later, on November 2, Washington wrote his famous "Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States" at Rockingham. In this important document, he said goodbye to his soldiers and announced he was leaving the Army.
Rockingham Changes Owners
In 1802, Margaret Berrien sold the house to Frederick Cruser. The Cruser family lived in Rockingham until 1841. During their time, they made the house even bigger. They added more storage and sleeping areas for servants. They also added a balcony and raised the roof to create a third-story attic.
After 1841, the house was sold many times. In the 1890s, the Rocky Hill Quarry Company bought the property.
Moving Rockingham: A Journey Through Time
Rockingham has been moved three times to protect it.
First Move: 1897
The first time the house was moved was in 1897. It needed to be moved away from the Rocky Hill Quarry Company's operations. Two women, Kate McFarlane and Josephine Swann, helped create a group called the Washington Headquarters Association of Rocky Hill. This group raised money to buy the house and move it. In August 1897, Rockingham opened to the public. In 1935, the state of New Jersey took over ownership.
Second Move: 1956
By 1956, the quarry had grown larger. The house was once again too close to the quarry's work. So, Rockingham was moved again. It was moved about half a mile east along County Route 518.
Third Move: 2001
The house made its final move in 2001. Today, it sits on a large piece of land. This land is next to the Delaware and Raritan Canal, near Kingston. The house reopened to visitors in 2004 and is open all year.
Timeline of Rockingham
Rockingham has a long history with many owners and three big moves:
- c. 1710 The house was built near the Millstone River in Rocky Hill.
- 1735 John Berrien bought the house and land.
- 1783 George Washington used Rockingham as his headquarters.
- 1802 Frederick Cruser bought the house.
- 1841 Henry Duryee bought the house.
- 1847 James Stryker Van Pelt bought the house.
- 1869 David H. Mount bought the house.
- 1872 Martin A. Howell bought the house.
- c. 1890 The Rocky Hill Quarry Company bought the house and property.
- 1897 The house was moved for the first time, away from the quarry.
- 1956 The house was moved a second time, farther from the quarry.
- 2001 The house was moved for the third and final time, near Kingston.
Gallery
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Front of Rockingham in 2014
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Back of Rockingham c. 1910 with a stone outer house still in place before the move
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See Also
- List of the oldest buildings in New Jersey
- List of Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War
