Historical Significance
Rockingham is believed to be the second oldest house in the Millstone River Valley, with the oldest section built c. 1710. The over 300-acre property was acquired by 1735 by Judge John Berrien. The Berrien family expanded the main house in the 1760s, bringing it close to its present size, with a few more changes added in the early 19th century by the Cruser family. It served as General Washington’s final wartime headquarters in 1783. The house has been moved three times, in 1897, 1956, and 2001, to protect it from an encroaching quarry.
Rockingham in 1783
When the members of Congress came to Princeton in 1783, they asked General Washington to travel from Newburgh, New York (where the remainder of the Continental Army was keeping an eye on the British forces still occupying New York City) to join them. The Berrien farm was rented for the General, who was accompanied by his wife Martha, three aides-de-camp, a guard of dragoons, and household staff. While Washington was at Rockingham, from late August to early November 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War, and the General wrote his “Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States.” Rockingham served as both military and social headquarters, with the Washingtons entertaining members of Congress, such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Congressional President Elias Boudinot, and prominent citizens, including Thomas Paine.
Visitor Information
Rockingham is located approximately three miles north of the center of Princeton at
84 Laurel Avenue (between Routes 518 and 27)
Kingston, New Jersey 08528
telephone 609-683-7132
fax 609-683-7136 (call first)
e-mail: rockingham1783@yahoo.com
website: www.rockingham.net
Rockingham is open year-round. Visitation is by guided tour only, Wednesday through Saturday at 10, 11, 1, 2 and 3; and Sunday at 1, 2, and 3. Free parking is available on site. Please note: various factors can affect site opening, and due to small staff, it is recommended to call the day of your visit to confirm that the site is open. Closed all state holidays. Partially ADA accessible.
- June 21 - Lecture on Washington’s military reproductions by Dick Toone
- July 12 - Lecture on 18th-century furniture by Matthew Thurlow
- August 23–24 - General Washington arrives and von Heer’s Provost Dragoon encampment
- September 7 - Martha Washington in residence
- September 20 - John Witherspoon preaches in Kingston
- October 18 - Music for the Washingtons by the Practitioners of Musick
- November 8–9 - Farewell to George Washington and encampment
- December 7 - Christmas open house
