In 1779 soldiers of the New Jersey Brigade built this hearth, the only comfort in a hut where food ran out, many men had no shoes, some had no clothes, and even bedding straw was in short supply. Soldiers' huts were all alike, with one room, one hearth, one door, six bunks, and 12 men, and the huts lined up in neat rows. Most of the soldiers' huts were ready by Christmas.