The Hermitage

New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Estate — National Historic Landmark, Gothic Revival Mansion, George Washington’s 1778 Quarters, Aaron Burr’s Wedding Site, 14-Room House Museum, Ho-Ho-Kus Bergen County New Jersey

The Hermitage is a National Historic Landmark and 14-room house museum at 335 North Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, Bergen County, New Jersey. This extraordinary estate connects visitors to both the American Revolution and 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture. In July 1778, General George Washington and his troops stayed here for four days en route from the Battle of Monmouth, and in 1782, Aaron Burr married Theodosia Prevost at the estate. The current mansion features picturesque Gothic Revival architecture designed by William H. Ranlett in 1847-48, guided tours interpreting Revolutionary War history and Victorian-era life, period furnishings reflecting the Rosencrantz family’s 163-year occupancy, educational programs, and special events including Christmas candlelight tours.

Revolutionary War History

During the American Revolution, the estate was home to Theodosia Prevost, wife of British officer Jacques Marcus Prevost, who remained at The Hermitage while her husband served elsewhere. In July 1778, she hosted General George Washington and his officers for four days as they traveled north after the Battle of Monmouth. This period brought many of the Revolution’s most prominent figures to the estate, including Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette, James Monroe, and Aaron Burr. Burr’s acquaintance with Theodosia during this period led to their marriage at The Hermitage in 1782, following her first husband’s death.

Gothic Revival Transformation

In 1847-48, the Rosencrantz family commissioned architect William H. Ranlett to transform the original 18th-century stone farmhouse into a picturesque Gothic Revival mansion. The renovation incorporated walls from the colonial-era structure while adding the dramatic pointed arches, decorative bargeboard trim, and romantic medieval-inspired details characteristic of the style. The Rosencrantz family owned the estate from 1807 until 1970, when the last resident, Mary Elizabeth Rosencrantz, willed the property to the State of New Jersey.

Visitor Information

The Hermitage is owned by the State of New Jersey and operated by the nonprofit Friends of the Hermitage, Inc. The museum offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. Interior rooms are furnished to reflect the lifestyle of the Rosencrantz family during the second half of the 19th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did George Washington sleep at The Hermitage?

Yes, Washington and his troops stayed for four days in July 1778 while traveling after the Battle of Monmouth.

Is The Hermitage a state park?

It is a state-owned historic site operated by the nonprofit Friends of the Hermitage. It functions as a museum, not a traditional state park.