The Hermitage (Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey) facts for kids
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The Hermitage
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 Location in Bergen County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 |
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| Area | 4.9 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | c.1750; renovated 1847 |
| Architect | William H. Ranlett |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000379 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | May 22, 1970 |
The Hermitage is a special house museum located in Ho-Ho-Kus, in Bergen County, New Jersey. This fourteen-room house was built in the Gothic Revival style between 1847 and 1848. It was designed by William H. Ranlett for Elijah Rosencrantz, Jr. The Rosencrantz family owned The Hermitage property for a very long time, from 1807 until 1970.
The Hermitage is recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its excellent architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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A Look Back in Time: The Hermitage's Story
In 1767, Ann Bartow DeVisme bought the original land where The Hermitage stands. She moved to Ho-Ho-Kus from Manhattan with her five children. One of Ann's daughters, Theodosia Bartow Prevost, and her husband, James Marcus Prevost, lived in another house on the property. This house was closer to the mill ponds.
The American Revolutionary War Connection
During the American Revolutionary War, Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) James Prevost was fighting for the British. This left Theodosia and her children alone in Ho-Ho-Kus.
In July 1778, Theodosia heard that George Washington and his soldiers would pass through Ho-Ho-Kus. They were on their way from the Battle of Monmouth to White Plains. When General Washington stopped at a local house, Theodosia invited him and his men to stay at The Hermitage.
Famous Visitors and a Special Wedding
Many important people visited The Hermitage during the Revolution. These visitors included James Monroe, William Paterson, the Marquis de Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, Lord Stirling, and Aaron Burr.
In 1782, Theodosia Prevost married Aaron Burr at The Hermitage. This happened after her first husband was killed during the war. For a while, Theodosia and Aaron Burr lived in a small house next to The Hermitage.
About the House: Architecture and Museum
The Hermitage was originally a stone house built in a Dutch-American style. In 1847, it was beautifully updated into the Gothic Revival style by architect William H. Ranlett.
The large house features wood-shingled roofs and pointed gables. There is also a big cedar barn on the property.
Today, The Hermitage is owned by the State of New Jersey. It operates as a museum that is open to the public all year. The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc., a non-profit group, helps to fund and run the museum. Mary Elizabeth Rosencrantz willed the home and land to the State of New Jersey.
The Hermitage is very important to the area. It was the first place in Bergen County to be named a National Historical Landmark.
See also
