Van Allen House, Colonial house in Oakland, New Jersey.
The Van Allen House is a colonial-era home in Oakland, New Jersey, featuring Dutch architectural elements from the 1700s. The building sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 202 and Franklin Avenue and contains original and reconstructed rooms that demonstrate how families lived during that period.
The house was built in the early 1700s by a Dutch family and was an important residence in the area. General George Washington used it as headquarters in 1777, and shortly after it served as a courthouse for Bergen County for several years.
The house displays furnishings and objects that reflect how Dutch colonial families lived during the 1700s. Visitors can observe the everyday items and craftsmanship that were part of their daily routines.
The house is maintained by the Oakland Historical Society and is open to visitors through guided tours that explain the building's features. It is best to check ahead for tour availability and timing before planning your visit.
The building was moved from its original location and reconstructed at its current site, which makes its relationship to the landscape unique. This relocation was done to preserve it from road construction and keep it accessible to visitors today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
