History & Gallery

The Barrett Kitchen is the oldest section of the home and is believed to have been the original dwelling on Barrett’s Plantation. The structure began as a simple one-room house with a sleeping loft above and is thought to date back to 1717, as records confirm that James Barrett was living on his 500-acre property at the time of his death that year.

Around 1735, a descendant of the Barrett family constructed the larger brick home that still stands today. At that time, a separate kitchen was attached to the rear of the brick house. By 1869, that kitchen had disappeared, and the original small house was relocated beside the newer brick residence to serve as the plantation kitchen.

This historic room continued to function as the home’s kitchen until 1991, when a modern addition was completed. Today, the beautifully preserved space serves as a warm and inviting sitting room. With its rich history, rustic charm, and cozy atmosphere, it has become a favorite gathering place for guests and visitors alike.

Anthony Wayne’s Cattle Drive

George Washington was never here but his men were in the winter of 1778.

In the winter of 1778, General George Washington's army endured a brutal season at Valley Forge. While the British occupied Philadelphia, Washington's troops faced a desperate shortage of food. Hunger and hardship threatened the survival of the Continental Army.

Among the soldiers at Valley Forge were men from Salem County, New Jersey. They knew the local countryside well and told General Anthony Wayne where area farmers would hide their cattle whenever armies came searching for supplies.

Recognizing an opportunity, Wayne approached Washington with a bold proposal: "Send me to Salem County, and I will bring back food for the army." Washington agreed.

Wayne departed Valley Forge, crossed into Delaware, and was ferried across the river into Salem County. Working alongside local militia units, his men rounded up approximately 150 head of cattle. The farmers were compensated with Continental paper currency, and Wayne initially planned to ferry the herd back across the Delaware and drive it to Valley Forge.

But February weather had other ideas.

When conditions made the river crossing impractical, Wayne put a new plan into action. He drove the cattle across Salem County, through the City of Salem, and north along the historic King's Highway. Near Haddonfield, he joined forces with other troops who had gathered another 150 head of cattle. With a herd of nearly 300 cattle on the hoof, Wayne continued toward Trenton, successfully crossed the Delaware River, and drove the herd all the way to Valley Forge.

The mission was a success. The cattle provided desperately needed food and helped sustain Washington's army during one of the darkest periods of the Revolutionary War.

As those cattle traveled north along King's Highway, they passed directly by Barrett's Plantation. It is very likely that the Barrett family contributed cattle to the effort as well, and receiving Continental currency in return.

When you stay at Barrett's Plantation House today, you are staying in a home that stood witness to this remarkable chapter of American history and was visited by the very men who helped save Washington's army in 1778.