The latest update for The Best Historical Places in New Jersey is written by Lindsay Podolak.
This one goes out to all of the history buffs out there, and to the people who, like me, love the Hamilton soundtrack. Seriously, go listen to it and try not to get excited when you hear familiar names coming through your headphones (Weehawken, Monmouth, the wonderful line “everything is legal in New Jersey”). There’s just a certain magic to historical places.
Our humble home state had a vital role in the revolution — and that’s not the only piece of history that got frozen in time throughout New Jersey. Which is why we’re rounding up the Best Historical Places in New Jersey; This is your chance to take a walk on a battlefield, or through a historical village, and feel what it was like to be a New Jerseyan before that necessarily meant being an American.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find Historical Places near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Grover Cleveland Birthplace
Location: 207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
Details: Two-term American President Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell – in the Pastor’s residence for the first Presbyterian Church at Caldwell to be exact. This is due to the fact that his father was the minister there from 1834 to 1841. As Cleveland achieved greater political status throughout his life, friends took steps to preserve the home. Today, it houses the largest collection of Cleveland artifacts in the US; with memorabilia ranging from his beginnings all the way throughout his incredible life and political journey. A walk through the house is like a walk through American history itself.
Why I like it: Groups or families of ten or less are welcome to picnic on the three-acre grounds during the hours of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Long Pond Ironworks Historic District
Location: Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Route 511, West Milford
Details: Take a hike through Long Pond Ironworks State Park to check out the remnants of Long Pond Ironworks. This site was once a thriving 18th and 19th century ironworks plantation. The ruins of homes and businesses as well as three of the plantation’s furnaces can be seen in the park. Recent renovations to the site include the transformation of the old country store into a museum. It’s a great way to spend the day outside!
Why I like it: Visitors to the museum can purchase a select number of items as souvenirs. Options include a painted roof slate from the church as well as an iron ore nugget.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Ringwood Manor
Location: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood
Details: Ringwood Manor is the place to go for a veritable smorgasbord of history. The manor itself features a blend of architectural styles. These range from early 1800s and on through the ensuing century, blended together over the course of six renovations. Within the manor is a compilation of the residents’ own items, which include collections of art, vintage furniture, and firearms. The grounds include a historic cemetery, as well as a variety of small buildings, gardens, and historical objects. Tours of the manor take place all year, while grounds tours are limited to the warmer months.
Why I like it: The Victorian Christmas weekends are not to be missed! Wander through the whimsically-decorated home as your kids enjoy a scavenger hunt.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Waterloo Village
Location: 525 Waterloo Road, Stanhope
Details: Waterloo Village features two distinctive moments in history, frozen in time. Travel back 400 years to a Lenape Indian Village before fast-forwarding to a thriving 19th century canal town. Visitors can stop by the sawmill, general store, and blacksmith shop, as well as a variety of other historic buildings. This is a great spot to spend the day with the kids, too.
Why I like it: Come on a Sunday from July through October to peruse the farmers market. Fresh produce, artisan bread, pastries, pies, eggs, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more are all on sale.
More info: Visit the Facebook page or you can give them a call.
Weehawken Dueling Grounds
Location: Hamilton Ave, Weehawken
Details: Long before the simple “I’m sorry” text message, feuds were settled in a much more dramatic fashion. Dueling, to be exact, was the go-to way for men to settle their differences. As New York introduced dueling laws, men hopped in boats and headed to Weehawken for a quick duel at dawn. Famously, this is the location of Alexander Hamilton’s 1804 duel with Aaron Burr. Hamilton died the next day in NYC, but the rock he rested against following Burr’s fatal shot is still here. Another casualty of the Weehawken Dueling Grounds? Hamilton’s son Phillip, who died here in 1801.
Why I like it: Hamilton Park sits next to the dueling site, providing an amazing view of the NYC skyline.
More info: Visit the website.
Central Jersey
Boxwood Hall
Location: 1073 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth
Details: Boxwood Hall has seen quite a few great men walk through its front door. It was originally home to Elias Boudinot, president of the Continental Congress and signer of the Revolutionary War peace treaty. George Washington also famously made a stop here in 1789; on his way to New York to be inaugurated as the first US president. Boudinot then sold the house to Jonathan Dayton, who was the youngest signer of the Constitution. The modest home has been preserved, and is now open for informational tours. Call ahead to check tour hours!
Why I like it: After you’ve visited Boxwood Hall, continue on to another historical site; the Belcher Ogden Mansion is just down the street.
More info: Visit the Facebook page or you can give them a call.
Green Sergeants Covered Bridge
Location: 707 Rosemont Ringoes Road, Stockton
Details: The last covered bridge in New Jersey dates back to 1872 in Delaware Township. Originally made of wood, the bridge was replaced with a more modern structure in 1960. The locals didn’t approve, so the bridge was rebuilt again, but this time using the original materials.
Why I like it: The bridge remains functioning today, so head out for a drive and check it out!
More info: Visit the website.
Princeton Cemetery
Location: 29 Greenview Ave, Princeton
Details: The Princeton Cemetery of Nassau Presbyterian Church, in the center of downtown Princeton, has been around since 1757. It has a rich history of distinguished New Jerseyans buried there; such as former President Grover Cleveland and former Vice President Aaron Burr.
Why I like it: Upon entering the cemetery, you can pick up a brochure from the Map Box; this details the notable graves and where to find them.
More info: Visit the website.
Proprietary House
Location: 149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy
Details: The Proprietary House has lived a full life in its over 250 years. Since 1764 it has served as a home to the state’s last royal governor; as well as a hotel, a retirement home, and a boarding house. Now a historical museum, it is the only official royal governor’s mansion still standing from the 13 colonies. Come for one of the weekly guided tours or check out seasonal events like ghost tours, lectures, and concerts.
Why I like it: They offer Afternoon Tea every Wednesday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
More info: Visit the website.
Wallace House
Location: 38 Washington Place, Somerville
Details: It’s the winter of 1778, you’re general of the Continental Army, and you need a place to stay. Where do you choose? The largest house in the region, of course! And that’s exactly what George Washington did during the Middlebrook encampment from December 1778 through June 1779. The general leased the Wallace house as his headquarters and lived alongside the Wallace family; all while strategizing future attacks on the British and hosting foreign dignitaries. Check out the tours and travel the halls that Washington once walked.
Why I like it: The Wallace House is within walking distance of downtown Somerville; with upscale eateries on every corner and quirky shops like Elysium Antiques.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Jersey Shore
Allaire Village
Location: 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale
Details: Step into an early 19th century iron-producing community at Allaire Village. Known as Howell Works Company during its heyday, this small community features homes and industrial buildings. All of which allowed it to be a self-sufficient community from the early to mid-1800s; as well as an important part of the steam engine industry in New York City. Thirteen original buildings still stand and, as a living museum, Allaire Village teaches you the daily activities of Howell Works.
Why I like it: Allaire also hosts lots of weekend events for families to enjoy; for instance, they have craft shows, flea markets, and the Haunted Hayrides & Village event during October.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Batsto Village
Location: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton
Details: Batsto Village used to be the place to go if you needed a nice iron pot to make supper; or if you were a member of the Continental Army in need of some supplies. Today, many of these original buildings are still in place and open for tours. For example, you can visit the Batsto Mansion, post office, blacksmith, and sawmill, just to name a few. The post office is one of the four oldest in the country, and the blacksmith still operates on Saturdays.
Why I like it: You can check out the Batsto Village live webcam on their website before you go!
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Double Trouble Village
Location: Double Trouble State Park, Bayville
Details: Head down to the Pine Barrens to visit the village with the coolest name in history. Double Trouble Village features fourteen original buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located within Double Trouble State Park, the village provides a peek at the lumber industry (circa 1700s – 1900s). Even better, with some lumber cleared away, Double Trouble is one of the largest cranberry farms in NJ; it’s still in operation, so you can check it out for yourself.
Why I like it: There’s no entrance fee to visit this park; plus it’s easily accessible from Exit 77 on the Garden State Parkway.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Emlen Physick Estate
Location: 1048 Washington Street, Cape May
Details: The Emlen Physick Estate is a perfectly preserved Victorian Era home that was built in 1879. The architecture, furniture, and decor give you a glimpse into the life of the wealthy Physick family. If you can’t make it in person, the website also offers an abbreviated virtual tour of the estate.
Why I like it: Some of the guided tours offer a trolley ride as a bonus.
More info: Visit the website
Monmouth Battlefield
Location: 16 Business Route 33, Manalapan
Details: One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place on Monmouth Battlefield on June 28, 1778. General George Washington and the Continental Army ambushed the British Army as they left Monmouth Court House. What followed was a tremendous battle in which the Continental Army forced the British Army to retreat. At this point, the tides of the Revolutionary War began to shift in the rebels’ favor. Just don’t go during a heat wave. (A great number of the casualties during this battle were due to heatstroke.)
Why I like it: Each year in late June, the park hosts a reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth. You’ll see soldiers cleaning their weapons and the army’s women taking care of the cooking and laundry.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
South Jersey
Balloon Landing Site
Location: West of Clements Bridge Road, south of Big Timber Creek, Deptford
Details: On January 9, 1793, aerialist Jean Pierre Blanchard completed America’s first manned balloon flight. After starting his flight from a prison yard in Philadelphia, Blanchard traveled 15 miles in 46 minutes to Gloucester County. President George Washington was present at takeoff and even gave Blanchard a handwritten note to carry with him during flight. This monumental event was considered to be the beginning of the aero-space age in North America.
Why I like it: Each January, Deptford has a balloon-coloring and essay contest to mark the anniversary.
More info: Visit the website
Hancock House
Location: 485 Locust Island Road, Hancocks Bridge
Details: The Hancock House was built in 1734 in a settlement known as “Fenwick’s Colony”. (Later known as the town of Salem.) Home to a prominent local family, the structure resembles English Quaker patterned end wall brick houses. It was also the scene of a British-led massacre on March 20, 1778; when Major John Graves Simcoe and his 300 troops attacked the Hancock House and the local militia stationed there.
Why I like it: The Hancock House is significant for two reasons, its part in the war and its architecture. Of course, you can tour the home to see the Flemish bond brickwork, pent-roof, and use of local materials; such as the Wistarburg glass.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Palace of Depression
Location: 265 South Mill Road, Vineland
Details: This quirky roadside attraction is legendary in South Jersey. In the late 1920s, George Daynor bought four acres in Vineland for $4– sight unseen. Upon his arrival, he saw that he had purchased swampland with a junkyard in the middle. Daynor made lemons out of lemonade, building his “Palace of Depression” out of junk found on the property. After being mostly torn down in 1969, the attraction is in the final stages of rebuilding and preparing for tours.
Why I like it: The original ticket booth remains on the property; likewise, many other artifacts found on the land have been used in the palace’s reconstruction.
More info: Visit the Facebook page.
Shinn Curtis Log House
Location: 91 Park Drive, Mount Holly
Details: The Shinn Curtis Log House has a unique history of being a house within a house. Initially the structure was built from hand-hewn logs in 1712 by an early settler. It later became incorporated into a much larger dwelling. When the larger house was torn down in 1967, the Shinn Curtis Log House was discovered inside. It is now preserved by the town as a historical site.
Why I like it: They hold open houses on the first and third Saturday of each month.
More info: Visit the website.
Walt Whitman House
Location: 330 Mickle Boulevard, Camden
Details: Famous poet Walt Whitman bought the only house he would ever own in Camden in 1884 for $1,750. Over the years, he hosted the likes of Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde in his home. He lived there until his death in 1892. Historians have preserved Whitman’s belongings, letters, furniture, and even the death notice nailed to his front door announcing his passing. A trip to the Walt Whitman House offers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of America’s greatest poets.
Why I like it: Despite its location in downtown Camden, the Walt Whitman House remains just as it was; and only a stone’s throw from the waterfront.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
Hero (Top) Image: © Susan Spitz / Wikimedia
Additional Images:
Billy Hathorn / Wikimedia
Dmadeo / Wikimedia
Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD / Wikimedia
Bart Everts / Wikimedia
