Garretson Forge and Farm, Dutch Colonial homestead in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
Garretson Forge and Farm is a sandstone house with period furnishings and historical exhibits located on the Passaic River property. Expansive gardens filled with herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees cover the grounds, demonstrating traditional growing methods from the era.
The site was established in 1719 when Dutch immigrant Gerrit Gerritse purchased the land and made it home for six generations. The family's long presence shaped the property into a key example of Dutch settlement in the region during the colonial and early American periods.
The property reflects Dutch Colonial building traditions with original details like the water pump and rustic kitchen from the 1700s. Visitors can walk through rooms and experience how daily life unfolded in this household across generations.
Tours of the house and gardens are offered every second and fourth Sunday from March through November between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The location along River Road is easy to access, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the gardens involves walking across the property.
The property contains archaeological remains from Lenape settlement, with numerous artifacts discovered near the Passaic River location. These findings reveal that the land was inhabited long before European arrival, adding a hidden layer to the site's regional history.
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