Happy birthday, Mr. Presidents

Jersey City marks Presidents’ Day at Apple Tree House

A popular myth about President George Washington claims he once chopped down a cherry tree as a boy, and then refused to lie to cover up his misdeed.
In Jersey City, Washington supposedly had an important meeting with French Gen. Marquis de Lafayette under an apple tree during the Revolutionary War, for which the historic Apple Tree House/Van Wagenen House on Academy Street derives its name.
This made the site an appropriate place for public officials to gather on Feb. 16 in celebration of President’s Day.
“Jersey City is lucky to be so rich in history dating back to the colonies and the revolutionary war,” Fulop said
The Apple Tree House is situated on land that falls within the original town of Bergen, established by order of Gov. Stuyvesant in 1660.The Van Wagenen Family assumed ownership of the lot on which the present house stands in 1688.
During the Revolutionary War the house that was eventually built on the site was said to have strategic importance to Continental forces because of its high elevation and proximity to New York, a British stronghold.
The house was owned by various private owners until 1995, according to New Jersey City University. That year the property was bestowed to Provident Savings Bank, which later sold it to Jersey City for historic preservation.
For a time the house fell into disrepair. But under then Jersey City Mayor Glenn Cunningham efforts at restoration began slightly more than a decade ago. The house, which has been closed to the public since 2000, is currently in the third phase of restoration.
Although no historical records prove it, there is some evidence that suggests that General George Washington and Major General Marquis de Lafayette met and had a meal under an apple tree at the Van Wagenen House in August 1780.
Washington and Lafayette went on to become close friends as well as staunch allies, and spent significant time together during the slow retreat that eventually led to the tough winter at Valley Forge.
During their stay in the Passaic Hotel near the Great Falls in Paterson, the two generals allegedly plotted out their campaign to delay the advance of British Troops that had swept into the state through Bayonne and Fort Lee earlier in the war.
Several significant engagements took place in and around Jersey City. Berry’s Creek near Secaucus is named after one of Washington’s subordinates who fled into the creek while hiding from the British.
Fulop, City Council President Rolando R. Lavarro Jr., Councilman Michael Yun, and Edward C.J. Meehan, founder and president of the George Washington Society of Jersey City, were among those that made a brief appearance.
City officials hope to open the house next year with a portion serving as a city museum.

Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.

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