Historic Site | Historic House

Wallace House

The home of a prominent Philadelphia merchant, this was the largest home built in New Jersey during the Revolution. During the Continental Army's encampment at Middleburg, it served as George Washington's Headquarters.

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Somerville, NJ

The Wallace House is an eight-room Georgian-style residence constructed in 1776 by John Wallace, a prosperous Philadelphia fabric merchant. Originally called “Hope Farm,” the home was selected by General George Washington as his headquarters during the second Middlebrook encampment, from December 1778 to June 1779. Washington briefly departed for the Continental Congress in Philadelphia but returned in February 1779 with his wife, Martha. It was during this period that Washington planned the Sullivan Campaign, a critical military effort against the Iroquois Confederacy, aimed at dismantling their alliance with the British. The house served as a hub of activity, hosting notable guests such as General Henry Knox, Baron von Steuben, Alexander Hamilton, Benedict Arnold, and Lord and Lady Stirling.

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

Exterior of the Wallace House

Somerville, NJ 08876

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0.094321168788247
3.0890843033938
Abraham Staats House, located in South Bound Brook, NJ

South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

8.7122721283155
10.37965166179
10.458888655433
13.708242475267
14.886920432264
15.96554246476
16.752333981807
20.489916817802
23.923173823768
The Wick House at Jockey Hollow in Morristown

Morristown, NJ 07960

23.923173823768
24.489323520709
Nassau Hall, Princeton University

Princeton, NJ 08542

24.587059025872
26.854246625458
27.088557953326
View from a gun position at Fort Nonsense, Morristown NPS

Morristown, NJ 07960

27.518356063384
Washington's Headquarters at Morristown photographed in the winter

Morristown, NJ 07960

28.487152071308
30.638930547679

Stories from Wallace House

Biography

A self-educated bookseller and artillery expert, Knox led artillery efforts that forced the British to evacuate Boston and later serving as a trusted officer under General Washington and the first U.S. Secretary of War.

Biography

George Washington’s leadership guided the American colonies through revolution and into nationhood. As a general and the first president, he played a crucial role in shaping the United States’ early foundations.

Trail Site

The Royal Governor's Mansion of New Jersey is the only remaining proprietary governor's mansion of the original Thirteen Colonies still standing today. Built in the 1760s, it served as the residence gubernatorial residence of William Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's Loyalist son.