NJ, USA

The Hermitage

Historic House

The Hermitage is a National Historic Landmark located in Ho-Ho-Kus, just north of Hackensack, that served as a headquarters for George Washington in July 1778 during the Continental Army's march through northern New Jersey following the Battle of Monmouth. The estate was the home of Theodosia Prevost, wife of British Lieutenant Colonel Jacques Marcus Prevost, who hosted American officers despite her husband's service with the British army. It was here that Theodosia met Aaron Burr, whom she would marry in 1782.

The house has been preserved as a museum and is open for guided tours. The grounds and architecture reflect the domestic life of the colonial gentry in Bergen County. The Hermitage is one of the few surviving sites where the personal, social, and military dimensions of the Revolution in Bergen County converge in a single location.

What Happened Here

Washington used the Hermitage as his headquarters during the march from Monmouth in July 1778. The social dynamics of the Hermitage — a British officer's wife hosting the American commander-in-chief — illustrate the complex personal relationships that persisted across enemy lines in Bergen County. The house later became the home of Aaron and Theodosia Burr, adding another layer of historical significance.