Westchester County kicked off the Fourth of July holiday weekend Friday with a look to the past at the recently restored Miller House in North White Plains.
"This is symbol of Westchester County respecting its history," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
In October 1776, Gen. George Washington used the farmhouse as a Revolutionary War headquarters during the Battle of White Plains. The home belonged to Elijah and Ann Miller.
"We had 10,000 troops on the farm around here, walk the way up from over the river to the hill. So, when Gen. Washington came, it was very much a comfort to know there was some leadership," said Cynthia Abbott-Kauffman of the Daughters of Liberties Legacy.
Over the decades, the historic farmhouse fell into disrepair. It reopened in 2019 after a more than $3 million restoration project.
"I grew up in the town of North Castle, in Armonk. I remember visiting here when I was a child -- it was so important to preserve a piece of history, and this is a big piece of history right here in Westchester," said County Legislator Margaret Cunzio.
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, the goal is to restart educational programs and tours.