Discover Pre-Revolutionary Farm Life in NJ at Garretson Forge and Farm

 Print This Post

Garretson Forge and Farm is a charming and picturesque place to visit to learn about pre-revolutionary history in New Jersey. This Dutch-American farmstead dates to 1719 and is one of the oldest sites in Bergen County. The sandstone house is listed on the New Jersey State and United States National Register of Historic Places. Today the restored house, buildings and gardens are part of a living history exhibit.

Although the Garretson farm was once extensive, today the homestead consists of just under 2 acres. As fascinating as the site of the farm is as a pre-revolutionary exhibit, it is even more intriguing due to archaeological discoveries. Artifacts found along the Passaic River indicate the homestead site was once an Indian encampment.

The kitchen wing of the Garretson house represents the original, oldest part of the structure. A brick beehive oven has been restored to the kitchen wing. The bulk of the house was added to the kitchen wing in 1760. Sandstone blocks were used as materials for building this section, whereas undressed stone and rubble were used in the construction of the kitchen wing.

In 1902, a new gambrel roof was added to the house, as was the large porch which stands today. Several other modifications were made to the interior of the home, as well. Stairways to the both the basement and second floor of the house were added at this time.

Six generations of the Garretson family resided in the house since it was built in 1719. You can tour and study the history of the Garretson house and the people who built it and lived here. A mid-nineteenth century carriage house located on the property is part of this living farm museum. There are several other outbuildings located on site, as well.

In addition to touring historic and restored buildings, visitors can visit and enjoy seeing carefully tended gardens at the Garretson. Volunteers have planted and expanded an impressive herb garden featuring more than 50 herb varieties. A pantry garden was also established and now helps support two food pantries in the local vicinity. Volunteers are also working to establish fruit orchards as well as butterfly gardens and natural plant and flower areas at the Garretson.

Many special activities and events are held at Garretson Forge and Farm. Restoration and preservation programs, historic digs and educational programs are all sponsored by the Garretson.  

Two fun festivals you may wish to attend if you are interested in colonial history are the annual Spring Festival of Colonial Life in NJ and the Harvest Festival held at the farm.  A September butterfly release and wreath making workshop in December are two other special seasonal events to attend at the Garretson.