250 years ago in December 1775 John Wallace of Philadelphia purchased 95 acres along the Raritan River in Somerset County, establishing “Hope Farm” and building the Wallace House. Three years later, the Wallace House served as George Washington’s winter headquarters for the Continental Army’s Middlebrook Cantonment of 1778-79.

As the Wallace House goes under construction again for a major historic rehabilitation ahead of its 250th birthday, explore the stories of Hope Farm and what they mean for Somerville’s past, present, and future at the crossroads of Central Jersey.

Connor Dunham, summer seasonal historian for Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites, shares new research investigating the land deeds and history of Hope Farm. Connor is an undergraduate student in history and political science at Clark University.

? Revolution NJ is New Jersey’s official observance of the 250th anniversaries of New Jersey’s first Constitution July 2, 2026 and the American Revolution in New Jersey from 2024 – 2033.