In spite of local claims of much earlier construction (dating to founding of Tappan in 1686), the '76 House appears only to predate the American Revolution by several decades.

These documents describe meetings of the Board of Supervisors over the years and provide details of the food and ale they consumed and the business they conducted.

[citation needed] For a few days in 1780, it served as the prison of the Revolution's most notorious spy, Major John André.

When the Continental Army encamped in Tappan, the house was the headquarters for General Nathanael Greene.

[citation needed] General George Washington did not attend the trial, nor did he "question" André, as some sources claim.

In fact, Washington did not respond to the spy's request that he be shot as befitted a gentleman and an officer rather than hanged like a common criminal.