House Tour To Feature Washington's Headquarters In Lambertville

LAMBERTVILLE, NJ — Would you like to stand in the same room where George Washington stood? You can, on this year’s Lambertville Historic Society’s 40th Anniversary House Tour.

The self-guided 10 building tour, including the J. Holcombe House (Washington's Headquarters), will take place on Sunday, October 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to Lambertville historians, seven generations descending from John Holcombe occupied this house until 2021 when it was purchased by the City of Lambertville. As well as having a fascinating history, it is also the oldest known building in town.

In 2019 a dendrochronology study was performed, and based on tree ring dating of basement ceiling joists in the earlier stone structure, it was determined that the house was likely constructed in 1756 or within two years of that date.

(Image courtesy of the Lambertville Historic Society)

(Image courtesy of the Lambertville Historic Society)

There is evidence that General Washington was in Coryell’s Ferry (an early name for Lambertville
and New Hope) at the home of Richard Holcombe at least twice - once on July 27, 1777, before the Battle of Germantown and again on June 21 and 22, 1778, prior to the Battle of Monmouth.

The visits are based on bills in the Library of Congress for General Washington’s entertainment, receipted by Richard Holcombe. Also in the Library of Congress is a letter written by General Washington dated June 22, 1778 when he had his headquarters at the old Holcombe Homestead when the army was camped near Coryell’s Ferry, N.J.

“The house remains remarkably unchanged with much of its original interior paneling and fireplaces intact,” said the historians.

The home is plain in style in keeping with Quaker principles. Note many of the original doors and wrought iron hinges on doors and cabinets throughout the house. The meticulously maintained wide pine wood floors in the parlor and older section of the second floor are also original to the house. Electricity and plumbing were installed in the 1940s.

Tickets for the tour are $25 in advance ($30 on the day of the tour and $25 for LHS members at all times) and may be purchased by visiting https://lambertvillehistorical...

Tickets for the tour are $25 in advance ($30 on the day of the tour and $25 for LHS members at all times) and may be purchased through Eventbrite ONLY at https://lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org/au#georgewashingtontumn-house-tour

(Image courtesy of the Lambertville Historic Society)