John Wallace, a Philadelphia fabric importer and merchant, bought 95 acres of land and a small farmhouse from the Rev. Jacob Hardenbergh about 1775. He added another 12 acres the next year and built himself this eightroom Georgian mansion adjoining the existing farmhouse. Possessed of the largest house built in New Jersey during the Revolution, Wallace agreed to share his home with Washington and staff during the winter of 1778. Washington spent just 11 days at his new headquarters before leaving to attend Congress in Philadelphia for six weeks. When he returned in February 1779, he was accompanied by Martha Washington, aides and servants. The General and his staff kept busy by hosting foreign dignitaries and planning strategies for the upcoming spring military campaign. It was at the Wallace House that plans were made for the successful 1779 campaign against the Iroquois League, fierce British allies. Camp broke on June 3, 1779, whereupon Washington paid John Wallace $1,000 for the use of his house and furniture.



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