Steuben House

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New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Landmark — 1752 Bergen Dutch Sandstone House, General Washington’s 14-Day Headquarters 1780, Baron von Steuben’s Residence, Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge Bergen County New Jersey

Steuben House is a state historic site at 1209 Main Street, River Edge, Bergen County, New Jersey, located at the Historic New Bridge Landing on the Hackensack River. Built in 1752 by merchant Jan Zabriskie, this Bergen Dutch sandstone house is one of New Jersey’s most historically significant Revolutionary War sites. General George Washington used the house as his headquarters for 14 days in September 1780, and after the war, the State of New Jersey gifted the property to Major General Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who owned it from 1783 to 1788. It is the only surviving 18th-century building owned by von Steuben.

Revolutionary War Significance

Steuben House stands at New Bridge, a strategic crossing point on the Hackensack River that played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War. In November 1776, the bridge witnessed the dramatic retreat of American forces under Washington after the fall of Fort Lee. The house served as a military headquarters for both Colonial and British forces throughout the conflict. Washington’s 14-day stay in September 1780 marked one of his longest headquarters occupancies in New Jersey.

Baron von Steuben

After the Revolutionary War, the New Jersey legislature recognized the contributions of Major General Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben — the Prussian-born military officer who transformed the Continental Army’s training at Valley Forge — by gifting him the confiscated Zabriskie property. Von Steuben owned and renovated the house from 1783 to 1788, making it the only known surviving building from his personal ownership.

Museum and Historic New Bridge Landing

Today, Steuben House operates as a museum within the 13-acre Historic New Bridge Landing complex, managed by the Bergen County Historical Society. The site includes additional historic buildings and offers guided tours, educational programs, and exhibits about Bergen County history and the American Revolution. The state acquired the house in 1928.

📍 Location: 1209 Main Street, River Edge, Bergen County, NJ — Part of 13-acre Historic New Bridge Landing

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Baron von Steuben?

Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military officer who served as Inspector General of the Continental Army and transformed its training and discipline at Valley Forge in 1778.

Can I visit Steuben House?

Yes, the site operates as a museum with guided tours and educational programs. Contact the Bergen County Historical Society for current hours.

Wildlife & Nature

Steuben House — a 1713 Dutch colonial sandstone house in River Edge — served as headquarters for Baron von Steuben, the Prussian military officer who trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge. New Jersey granted him the house as a reward for his service. Songbirds inhabit the grounds along the Hackensack River.