Key facts
- The Dey Mansion in Wayne, New Jersey, was George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War.
- Washington and his officers stayed at the mansion for three months in 1780.
- The mansion was part of a 600-acre estate owned by Theunis Dey.
- The property's strategic location offered high ground and proximity to New York City.
- The mansion's structure, floorboards, and walls remain largely unchanged from the 18th century.
- Thousands of historic artifacts have been unearthed from the property.
The Dey Mansion in Wayne, New Jersey, served as a crucial headquarters for George Washington and his officers during the Revolutionary War for three months in 1780. The estate, originally part of a 600-acre property owned by Theunis Dey, a prominent landowner and militia colonel, provided a strategic base for Washington to conduct military operations and develop strategy. Washington's encampments in private homes were vital to the war effort, offering safety and privacy. The Dey family granted Washington's request to use their home, hosting him and his men during July and again in October and November of 1780. Although the furniture and decor are not original, the mansion's structure, including floorboards and walls, largely remains as it was in the 18th century. Archaeological surveys on the property have uncovered thousands of artifacts, providing further historical context. The mansion's location offered high ground and proximity to New York City and the nearby Passaic River, making it strategically valuable. Washington utilized the men's parlor as his office, writing approximately 400 letters from this room. The mansion also hosted dinner meetings for Washington and his high-ranking officers, sometimes lasting up to 12 hours. Aides-de-camp, including a young Alexander Hamilton, were housed in a nearby room, while about 100 soldiers slept in the mansion's halls to provide security. Washington was given the master bedroom, which featured amenities common for the era, such as a wig stand and bed warmer. The guest bedroom hosted notable figures, including Benedict Arnold. The Dey family purchased the 600-acre estate circa 1720. Before the mansion was built around 1770, it was a successful farm. Theunis Dey soon became one of the wealthiest landowners in the area and was dedicated to the patriot cause, serving as the colonel of the local militia himself. One 2012-2013 excavation recovered more than 6,000 artifacts, mostly ceramic shards and pieces of clay, while other recovered tools were likely from Native American peoples. While no major battles took place nearby, the area was sought after by Washington for its high ground, as well as its proximity to New York City and the nearby Passaic River. Washington typically requested to use a home in advance, but never forcibly took anyone's property. While it was usually uncommon for families to remain in their homes during Washington's stay, Theunis Dey needed to stay because of his militia duties.