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 fascinating historic house located in Ho-Ho-Kus, Bergen County, New Jersey. It's a large, fourteen-room building designed in a special style called Gothic Revival. This beautiful house was built in 1847–48 for Elijah Rosencrantz, Jr., by architect William H. Ranlett.
The Rosencrantz family owned The Hermitage estate for a very long time, from 1807 until 1970. Because of its amazing architecture, The Hermitage was named a National Historic Landmark. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Contents
History of The Hermitage
Early Days and the Bartow Family
The story of The Hermitage began even before the current house was built. In 1767, a woman named Ann Bartow DeVisme bought the original property. She moved to Ho-Ho-Kus from Manhattan with her five children.
One of Ann's daughters, Theodosia Bartow Prevost, lived in another house on the estate. This house was closer to the mill ponds on the property. Theodosia lived there with her husband, James Marcus Prevost.
The American Revolutionary War
During the American Revolutionary War, Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Prevost was fighting for the British. This meant Theodosia and her children were left alone at The Hermitage.
In July 1778, Theodosia heard exciting news. George Washington, the leader of the American army, and his troops were coming through Ho-Ho-Kus. They were on their way to White Plains after a big battle at Monmouth Courthouse.
When General Washington stopped at a local house, Theodosia sent him an invitation. She asked him and his men to come and stay at The Hermitage.
Famous Visitors and a Special Wedding
Many important people visited The Hermitage during the Revolution. These visitors included:
- James Monroe, who later became a U.S. President
- William Paterson, a famous judge
- The Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero
- Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father
- Lord Stirling, a general
- Aaron Burr, who later became Vice President
In 1782, Theodosia Prevost married Aaron Burr at The Hermitage. Her first husband had passed away during the war. For a while, Theodosia and Aaron Burr lived in a small house right next to The Hermitage.
The House's Design and Purpose
Gothic Revival Architecture
The Hermitage you see today was largely created in 1847. That's when the house was completely remodeled in the Gothic Revival style. Architect William H. Ranlett was the one who designed this new look.
The original stone house was built in an older style, known as Dutch-American. The Gothic Revival style added many new features. These included wood-shingled roofs and pointed gables, which are the triangular parts of the wall under the roof.
A Museum for Everyone
Today, The Hermitage is owned by the State of New Jersey. It is a museum that is open to the public all year round. A non-profit group called The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc., helps run and pay for the museum.
The land and the home were given to the State of New Jersey by Mary Elizabeth, a member of the Rosencrantz family. The Hermitage is a very important historical site. It was the first place in Bergen County to be named a National Historical Landmark.
See also
