Van Wagenen House facts for kids

The Van Wagenen House is a historic building located in Jersey City, New Jersey. It's also known as the Apple Tree House. This special house has been recognized as an important historical place since August 16, 2006, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

History of the Van Wagenen House

The main part of the Van Wagenen House was built a long time ago, in the 1740s. Later, in the 1820s, more rooms were added to it.

There's a famous story, or legend, about the house. It says that during the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette met there. They supposedly talked about war plans under an apple tree in 1779. However, historians believe this story is probably not true.

The house got its nickname, the Apple Tree House, for a good reason. There used to be many apple trees growing nearby. There was even a cider press at the house, which was used to make apple cider.

In 1996, a group called Preservation New Jersey said the house was one of the most endangered historic sites. This meant it was at a very high risk of being ruined. The building really needed to be fixed up and made better. In 1999, the City of Jersey City bought the house. They started working to make it better and plan to open it as a museum in the future.

Images for kids

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  Side view

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  Rear view

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  First-floor hallway

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  Front parlor

See also

In Spanish: Casa Van Wagenen para niños