The Ford Mansion, a large Georgian-style home, was built in the early 1770s for Jacob Ford Jr., an iron manufacturer, and his family. Following his death in 1777, his widow allowed General George Washington to use the home as his headquarters during the winter of 1779–1780. Washington lived there with his wife, aides-de-camp, and servants. Visiting dignitaries also used the home during this period.

The nearby Wick House, a Cape Cod–style home, was built in 1750 by Henry Wick, the largest landowner in the area. During the winter of 1779–1780, George Washington’s army cut down nearly 600 acres of Wick’s trees for fuel and shelter. Major General Arthur St. Clair, commander of 2,000 Pennsylvania soldiers, used the Wick House as his winter quarters.