New Jersey’s Washington Farewell Site — Where George Washington Wrote His Farewell Orders to the Continental Army 1783, Colonial-Era House Museum, National Historic Landmark, Franklin Township Somerset County New Jersey
Rockingham is a state historic site and National Historic Landmark at 84 Laurel Avenue, Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. This colonial-era house is where General George Washington lived during the fall of 1783 while the Continental Congress met in nearby Princeton. It was here that Washington wrote his famous “Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States” on November 2, 1783 — his final communication to the troops who had won American independence. The site features a restored colonial house museum with period furnishings, guided tours interpreting Washington’s 1783 residency, exhibits on the end of the Revolutionary War, and the blue room where Washington wrote his farewell.
Washington’s Farewell Orders
In the autumn of 1783, as the Revolutionary War drew to its official close, Washington resided at Rockingham while attending sessions of the Continental Congress in Princeton. On November 2, 1783, Washington sat in the house’s blue room and composed his “Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States” — a deeply personal message thanking the soldiers who had fought for independence and urging them to return peacefully to civilian life. This document ranks among the most significant writings of the American Revolution.
House History
The house was originally built in the mid-18th century and served as a residence for several prominent families before Washington’s occupancy. It has been moved three times from its original location to protect it from quarrying operations and development, with its current site at 84 Laurel Avenue in Franklin Township. Each relocation was carefully managed to preserve the house’s historical integrity.
Visitor Information
Rockingham is operated by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry with support from the Friends of Rockingham. The house museum offers guided tours interpreting Washington’s 1783 stay and the broader context of the Revolution’s end. The interior includes period-appropriate furnishings, with particular emphasis on the blue room where the farewell orders were written.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Rockingham?
George Washington wrote his Farewell Orders to the Continental Army here on November 2, 1783 — his final communication to the troops.
Has the house been moved?
Yes, Rockingham has been relocated three times to protect it from quarrying and development. Its current location in Franklin Township is its fourth site.
Wildlife & Nature
Rockingham — George Washington’s final wartime headquarters (August-November 1783), where he wrote his “Farewell Orders to the Armies”. The 1710 farmhouse has been moved three times to save it from development. Songbirds and red-tailed hawks inhabit the grounds.
Nearby Attractions
Kingston — adjacent. D&R Canal SP — adjacent. Princeton — 5 miles south. New Brunswick — 10 miles north.
More parks nearby: D&R Canal State Park Trail is a short drive away, while Princeton Battle Monument lies a short drive away.
