Birthplace of the Telegraph

— Historic Speedwell —

The L'Hommedieu House is an excellent example of late 18th/early 19th century domestic architecture. This stylish town house originally stood on Spring Street in Morristown on a lot first owned by Nathaniel L'Hommedieu and later sold to John Gwinnup in 1775.

Although the exact age of the present structure is not known, the center hallway and staircase clearly date to a remodeling done in the early 1800's. The house has four rooms on each floor and a basement with a large fireplace for cooking. The roof has been gambreled to allow more second floor headroom. An interesting feature is the beautifully paneled front door with small paned sidelights and transom. Much of the clapboard siding is original. The house was recently renovated and is now Historic Speedwell's Visitors Center with admissions, exhibits and gift shop on the first floor, and staff offices above. The basement has been restored for educational programs, and includes a working open hearth fireplace.

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In the 1960's a Morristown redevelopment project called for the construction of a three building complex to be called Headquarters Plaza on the block between Speedwell Avenue and Spring Street. Water Street would be realigned, and a section of the oldest part of the town including a pond, mill site and many historic buildings were slated for demolition (see map above). The L'Hommedieu House on Spring Street was among the houses to be destroyed. The area of Morristown called "The Hollow" was once an important crossroads. A short distance away, at the southeast corner of Spring Street and Water Street once stood Dickerson's Tavern. The tavern was the site of Benedict Arnold's court-martial for minor offenses in 1779, shortly before his treason at West Point. In 1969, the town donated both the L'Hommedieu House and the Estey House, which stood across the street, to Historic Speedwell.

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Show me all markers in:  Morristown, NJ  |  Morris County  |  07960  |  New Jersey  |  United States of America

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