Monsey Memories: The DeWint House, Washington’s Headquarters in Rockland County

Yitzy Fried 

Rockland County was a major front in the Revolutionary War, and as such, there are a number of historic houses—many still open to the history-loving public—that dot the area. DeWint House, located in Tappan, New York, is one of them. 

The DeWint House is one of the oldest surviving structures in Rockland County and is an outstanding example of Hudson Valley Dutch Colonial architecture. It was built using brick and indigenous stone in 1700 by Daniel DeClark, a Hollander, who emigrated to America in 1676 and bought the land from Native Americans in 1682. The date of construction is marked by glazed bricks incorporated into the façade.

In 1746, West Indian planter and American patriot Johannes DeWint and his wife Antje Dewint bought the house. His daughter, Anna Maria, and her husband, Major Fredericus Blauvelt, lived in it.

The DeWint House became a temporary headquarters of George Washington while he was Commander-in-Chief during the American Revolution. Washington was a guest in the south parlor twice in 1780 and twice in 1783.

Washington's Headquarters

Personal flag used by General George Washington as Commander-in-Chief during the American Revolutionary War

Washington first stayed at the Dewint House from August 8–24, 1780, while inspecting a redoubt on the Hudson River.

Washington returned from September 28 to October 7, 1780, for the nearby trial of British spy Major John André. Washington signed the execution warrant in the house, and Andre was subsequently hanged. Andre had been captured in Tarrytown after plotting with Benedict Arnold to surrender West Point to the British. André was held in the Old '76 House in Tappan, a tavern which is now a restaurant. Washington provided meals from his table at the DeWint House to André at the '76 House. A stone on André Hill Road at Gallows Hill marks the site of André's hanging.

Washington and his key staff were headquartered at the DeWint House from May 4–8, 1783, while negotiating the final withdrawal of British troops from New York City with British General Sir Guy Carleton. It was said to have been a friendly conference combined with an elegant dinner prepared by Samuel Fraunces, owner of Fraunces Tavern in New York City, who came up to prepare the dinner for Washington and his guest.

From November 11–14, 1783, a terrible snowstorm forced Washington to seek shelter in the DeWint House on his trip to visit West Point and later New York City, where he tendered his resignation.

The house and grounds are today open to the public, giving them a glimpse into American history as it played out in Rockland County.