While the Continental Congress was meeting in Princeton, Rockingham, home of the prominent Berrien family, served as General George Washington's final Revolutionary War headquarters for over two-and-one-half months in 1783. On October 31, 1783, Washington and Congress received the long awaited news—the final version of the Treaty of Paris had been signed and the thirteen colonies were indeed independent of Great Britain.
For eight years Washington had served his country in the Revolutionary War and as one of his last official acts wrote the Farewell Orders to the Armies at Rockingham in late October, in which he expressed his deep admiration and appreciation for the American army and announced his return to civilian life—renouncing any thought of kingship and ensuring the newly-minted country was headed in the direction envisioned in the Declaration of Independence seven years before.
Come and see the beautiful house after its 2023 exterior renovation and join us for a tour of Rockingham and its 18th-century period-furnished rooms, with a special focus on General Washington's stay, including who accompanied him and what occurred at that time in the house's history!
Reservations must be made at least 24 hours before tour time. Tour duration averages 60 minutes, but can vary due to number on tour, questions asked, mobility, etc.
NB: Parking is available in the lot at the north end of the historic property--lot entrance is across from a field of solar panels (NO entry to parking lot from either of the two gates in the wood fence along the road in view of the house; you cannot see the house from the parking lot entrance due to a wooded area between). Should you have trouble finding the property or the entrance to the parking lot, please call the site, 609-683-7132, for assistance. The house is approximately a 250-yard walk from the lot. There are handicap parking spaces in the lot, but should further accommodation be needed for handicap accessibility due to the distance or other conditions, please call, 609-683-7132, or email the site, rockingham1783@yahoo.com, prior to visit to make arrangements. From the lot, proceed across the bridge, through the small wooded area, past the stone building (where restrooms are available), on the path past the barn (with the rail fence to your right) down to the large gray building (the main house--you will be approaching the back side) and around to the front, which faces the fenced-in kitchen garden. Be aware that pathways are not paved and recent rain or melting snow could cause muddy and puddly conditions--wear appropriate footwear! Please wait on the stone piazza on the south/front of the big gray house, outside the door by the blue flag (there is no inside waiting area). Staff will be out to greet you and bring you inside at tour time. Please call the site, 609-683-7132, to leave a message if you will be late or need to cancel.
FYI, the house has air-conditioning and heat! Be advised that the only illumination in the house (with the exception of the electric lights in the entrance hall and on the stairs) is from daylight through the many windows and that there is no outdoor lighting, so at certain times of year (winter into early spring), when the sun sets early, the rooms can be dimmer in the late afternoon, with the nearby trees creating shadow on the house and the property.
Friends and/or family groups of 11 - 24 people (and, preferably, organized groups of ANY size) must contact us directly to inquire about arrangements for a tour, preferably AT LEAST one month before desired date.
