Fleming House Museum & Gardens

History:

Born in Ireland in 1707, Samuel Fleming was licensed to keep a tavern in his home. In 1754, he became licensed to run a tavern. He bought 105 arces in present-day Flemington in 1756 for his house/tavern. This was near the Route 12 Circle along Mine Brook, then called Tuccamirgan Creek and was the territory of the Lenape Indians.

At that time there were 'more wolves than sheep, more bears than horses, and more Indians than whites.' It is on record that the county paid money for the destruction of 72 grown wolves, 19 young wolves, and 16 panthers.

Two years later Fleming built his grand structure and the area began to be know as 'The Fleming Settlement', later as 'Fleming's' and still later as 'Flemington' (1870's). The tavern was near the main routes east-west from the South Branch of the raritan River to the Delaware River and north-south from New York and western New Jersey to Trenton and Philadelphia.

There is much about life in 1756 that we know. It is important to put that history into perspective in order to understand the significance of the Fleming Castle.

Taverns were among the first and most important commercial enterprises in the settlements of colonial America. They offered the only food, drink, lodging and stables available to travelers, and often served as the place where locals conducted business or socialized. In many areas, the local tavern was the only place for miles around, to receive mail, read public notices, or see a copy of one of the few newspapers available.

Samuel Fleming's house served as both public tavern and home to his large family and was the most substantial dwelling for miles around. Although the building seems modest to our eyes, in the mid-18th century, it qualified as a landmark, to many as a 'Castle'.

It was a stopping place noted for the warmth tired traverlers felt by the welcoming fireplace, good food and drink. It became a stop for famous leaders and General George Washington mentions 'stopping at Fleming's' in his journals.

In July 2005, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) sold The Fleming Castle to Flemington Borough to be used as a public museum. The main goal is to convert the structure for public use with activities for all. In particular, educational activities will be developed for school age children.

Although the Borough has only owned the Castle for a short time, the enthusiasm and pride is unlimited. A 'Friends of Fleming Castle' volunteers group has been formed and everyone is working to bring about future events. In May, 2006, The Fleming Castle will celebrate its 250th birthday, a grand reason to have a glorious celebration.