New Jersey State Building
Architect: Charles Alling Gifford, Newark. New Jersey
Area: 4,360
Cost: $20,000
Picturesque World’s Fair, An Elaborate Collection of Colored Views—Published with the Endorsement and Approval of George R. Davis, 1894
THE NEW JERSEY BUILDING.—The New Jersey Building at the Fair was something to attract the attention of Americans generally, for it was a reproduction of the house in Morristown. New Jersey, occupied by Washington during the trying winters of 1779 and 1780. The old house still exists in Morristown, and is preserved and cared for by the American Historical Association, which has purchased the building and its grounds. It was in this building that Alexander Hamilton wooed and won the charming Miss Schuyler, who afterward became his wife. In this building Gen. Greene, Lafayette, Baron Steuben, Light Horse Harry Lee, Mad Anthony Wayne, Putnam, Kosciusko and even the traitor Arnold often met, and within its walls were laid many of the plans of the Revolution. There probably exists in the United states no structure, big or little, around which cluster so many and so interesting historic associations. The house had a homelike appearance inside, and there were many relics of the time when it was so occupied by the heroes of the Revolution. It may be described in appearance as a typical colonial town house, with its rooms conveniently distributed and a veranda extending along its entire front. What gatherings must have occurred upon the veranda of the original building during the times referred to! The length of the structure was 40×60 feet, and it was two stories in height, with a wing 16×20 feet in area. Its erection at the Fair cost $13,000.
In the triangle opposite the Iowa Building, New Jersey and all the New England States have constructed buildings. That of New Jersey is a partial reproduction of the historical building at Morristown which was occupied by General Washington as his headquarters during the winter of 1779 and 1780. It is said that this building has sheltered more people celebrated in colonial times than any other in America. It is not intended for exhibition purposes, but rather for the use and convenience of visitors as a club-house. The architect was Charles Ailing Giford, of Newark.
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