Caspar Westervelt House, 1763

20 Sherwood Avenue

Two datestones, marked with the initials of Casparus Westervelt and his wife Wentje Westervelt, are set on each side of the front door of this large Dutch stone house, fixing its date at 1763. The original Dutch property lies in an area known by the Indians as "Ackensack," meaning a high ridge between two rivers, and once extended to the north of the junction of Overpeck Creek and the Hackensack River for two miles. Traffic along the route from the Hudson River westward during the Revolution was considerable, and the house was occupied twice by hostile troops during the war.

The prominent gambrel roof and dormers of the main block, and the impressive length of 74 feet make the building unusual for its type. The original kitchen wing on the north was demolished and replaced by a south wing during the 19th century. The fireplace in the present dining room was rediscovered during the 1960's, having been walled up with iron pots still hanging on their hooks. Originally, the main block had four smaller rooms-, now the space is divided into two large ones. The Westervelt House is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.