HAMMOND HOUSE

On 7/10/1781, Washington was forced to take lodging in the home of militia Col. James Hammond in Valhalla New York.

The General had been in reviews of French troops with Rochambeau all day in terrible heat. They were then in meetings to discuss an attack on New York.

As the General and his party made their way to Phillipsburg, a storm came up and the rain turned the roads into muddy rivers, impassable.

His local guides brought him to Hammond's home seen here.

This is a small farm house that was almost knocked down recently, till the present owner made a deal with the local water authority to save it. Great for him!

I was glad to learn about this house and Hammond. Hammond was responsible for preserving the supply lines from New England to New Jersey across the Highlands region of the Hudson River. In those days, it was called Hudson's River or the North River. Anyway, Hammond and his militia unit had to scout and fight British and hessian patrols sent north to disrupt the supply line. They also had to contend with their neighbors, Loyalists and a group called the "cowboys" who were mercenaries.

Hammond was kidnapped by his neighbors and did time on a prison ship in New York Harbor which broke his health. He was in prison when Washington came. Hammond survived the War to return to his small farm. I am so glad this house was saved.

Not open to public