“George Washington’s Headquarters.” That’s what people once called the Old Stone House. Today, we know the truth. It’s so much more than a president’s temporary stay.
Welcome to the Old Stone House. It stands as the oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, D.C. Imagine this house standing here since 1766. It predates the Revolutionary War.
The Old Stone House has seen immense change. Picture this area as a British colony of Maryland. The house watched as the nation’s capital was built around it. In 1814, the British invaded Washington, D.C. The Old Stone House stood firm.
Let’s talk about its preservation. It’s a bit of a funny story. It was preserved due to a mistaken identity. People wanted to remember George Washington’s visit. There was a desire to honor him.
In 1791, Washington and city planner Pierre L’Enfant surveyed the area. They planned the new District of Columbia. L’Enfant needed to negotiate with landowners. During one meeting, Washington and L’Enfant stayed at Georgetown’s Fountain Inn. Locals knew it better as Suter’s Tavern. John Suter owned it.
John Suter’s son, John Jr., ran a clock shop. It was located in today’s Old Stone House. Over time, memories mixed up the two buildings. Both were associated with the Suters. The Old Stone House got to stay. So much changed around it.
The federal government bought the property in 1953. At that time, it was a car dealership. The National Park Service opened it to the public in 1960. Today, it’s a rare example of pre-Revolutionary architecture.
Inside, you might see a clock. John Suter, Jr. made it. He was a one-time owner. The facade is built with blue granite and stones from the surrounding fields. Oak makes up many elements. This includes the roof and the front door.
No famous people lived here. No major events took place here. Yet, it shows us how people lived. We can glean insights into the American colonies. We can see the early decades of the United States.
The Layman family bought the land in 1764. They raised a one-room dwelling. Christopher Layman was a cabinetmaker. He died in 1765. His wife sold it to Cassandra Chew. She was fairly prosperous. Chew owned several estates in the town. She added a second and third floor. She also added a kitchen.
Many original kitchen elements are on display. You’ll see chairs and a table near the wood-fired oven. The kitchen also has a cupboard. It shows bottles and plates.
The original west wall had to be dismantled. It extended six feet beyond the property line. Chew added the upper floor after that. It was finished by 1790.
The second floor differs from the first. Chew used better building materials. You’ll find the dining room on the plastered second floor. There is also the parlor and the bedroom. The third floor was private. Some parts are unfinished. It’s believed this floor was for children’s bedrooms. It also served as a storage area.
The Old Stone House isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule. It’s a reminder of Georgetown’s past. It’s a symbol of resilience. It’s survived wars and urban development. Take a moment to appreciate its endurance. The exterior grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.