General John Frelinghuysen House

The General John Frelinghuysen House is a two-story brick structure with an older frame wing that displays classical proportions and symmetrical design. The two sections from different building periods create a layered appearance under one roof.

The western wing was built before 1756 and originally functioned as a tavern and town meeting place. John Frelinghuysen acquired the property in 1801 and added the brick section in Federal style.

The house now serves as the town's public library and displays collections related to local figures, including materials about Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone. The spaces tell stories of Raritan's connections to notable residents through their arrangement and contents.

The house is located on East Somerset Street and is now accessible as a public library where visitors can study historical records. Its central location in Raritan makes it easy to reach for those interested in local history.

The brick section was constructed using imported Dutch materials, a rare testament to the strong Dutch influence on the region. This detail reflects how many early settlers in the area came from the Netherlands.

Location: Raritan

Architectural style: Federal architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.56810,-74.62940

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:04