Jacobus Vanderveer House

101. The Jacobus Vanderveer House · HS/M

Route 202/206 South
Bedminster, NJ · Map C

Tel: (908) 212-7000 x 611
Hours: February, President's Weekend: Tour of the Four Generals' Houses. December, First Weekend: Annual Colonial Christmas House Tour and Boutique. All other times, by appointment
Admission: None, except Colonial Christmas
Tours: Self-guided
HCA: Under construction
Parking: Yes

For over two centuries, the Jacobus Vanderveer House has been at the center of Bedminster Township's rich history. The c. 1760 Dutch American core of the house is the only known extant building associated with the Pluckemin encampment of 1778-79, which is considered to be the first installation in America to train officers in engineering and artillery. Local legend has it that General Henry Knox and his family lived in the house during the winter of 1778-79 while the general commanded the Continental Artillery. The house was listed in 1995 on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

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102. Willie's Taverne · HS

Route 202 & Hillside Avenue
Bedminster, NJ · Map C

Tel: (908) 234-1596
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30-9:30; Fri, Sat 11:30-10:30; Sun 10:30-9:00

Aaron Melick erected this building in 1786 for his son, John, who was returning home from the Revolutionary War. Since that time it has served as a pub, a polling place, a poolroom, a package store, a political forum, a speakeasy, a hotel and a restaurant. Although there have been numerous proprietors over the years, the tavern is named for Mr. Willie Howard who, with his wife Bertha, purchased the property in 1898. They changed the name from the Bedminster Hotel to the Howard Hotel. For 75 years, the Howard family hosted local events and visiting dignitaries, including Woodrow Wilson who delivered a campaign speech from the porch steps during his bid for a second term as President. The tradition and spirit of hospitality continues today.

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Willie's Taverne