Hasbrouck House, Newburgh, New York

In the United States the earliest documented historic preservation efforts was that of the Hasbrouck House, or Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, built in 1750 and located in Newburgh, New York, overlooking the Hudson River. The Hasbrouck House became famous for being the location of George Washington’s residence while he commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. It was here in 1850, that the site was procured by the State of New York and became the first designated historic site in the country.

North End and West Front Elevation (Photo credit: National Park Service, 1967)

The house itself is an example of Dutch Colonial architecture constructed of field stones. Alterations were made by the Continental Army to retrofit certain necessities for the post, with some existing barns and stables on the site being enlarged and turned into more practical space for army use. Also some new buildings were added to the site to assist in hosting the influx of thousands of troops camped in the vicinity of the house. However, after the war the newly constructed army buildings were taken down.

South End and East Rear Elevation (Photo credit: National Park Service, 1967)

The house was commemorated by the United States Postal Service in the form of a postage stamp issued in 1933. It would later be designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The house lives on today in a state park and can be visited by the public.