Ever wonder what 18th and 19th century towns look like? You don’t have to wonder when you visit the East Jersey Old Town Village in Johnson Park, Piscataway. This historic village is “home” to more than a dozen original, reconstructed, and replica buildings from over 100 years ago. Join us as we venture to Middlesex County on this edition of Jersey Through History.
The East Jersey Old Town Village is just around the corner from SHI Stadium, home of Rutgers University football. It is an “open-air museum,” meaning that its collection of buildings stand freely outdoors. The buildings are all original to the Raritan Valley area in NJ, resembling farm and merchant communities of the era.
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An East Jersey Old Town Village Overview
In total, there are 16 structures within the East Jersey Old Town Village. They range in purpose, for instance, from tavern and blacksmith shops to school houses, homes, gardens, and a church. In addition, the New Brunswick Barracks sits near the edge of the parking lot off Johnson Drive. It serves as a gift shop today, but also resembles the architecture of a 1758 military barracks.
Meanwhile, the Indian Queen Tavern sits directly behind the barracks. This tavern was likely constructed in the early 18th century. It was a frequent venue for social gatherings and meals for travelers. Most notably, however, it was a center for patriot meetings during the American Revolution. Throughout history, visitors to the tavern included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.
Then at the far end of the East Jersey Old Town Village is Three Mile Run Church. The church’s history connects to the settling of early European pilgrims of Dutch and French Huguenot heritage. The church dates back to around the early 18th century, but required reconstruction in the village in 1973. In fact, the church is no longer in its original location, though it didn’t move far.
The Cornelius Low House
Aside from the village, there’s one other bit of history to be found nearby; just down River Road is the Cornelius Low House. The manor was built for its namesake in 1741 at the Raritan Landing. Cornelius Low, Jr., was one of 15 children, born to a New York merchant. He became a wealthy Dutch merchant himself in Newark in the 1720s. He purchased the property in the late 1730s and began construction on his manor. At the time it was built, the Low House was one of the largest and most expensive in the area. Low lived in the manor until his death in 1777.
The county purchased the property in 1979, restoring it with guidance from the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Now a county museum, the home is typically open all year round. Admission is free, and historical interpreters are also present from April through October.
The East Jersey Old Town Village has the same visitation structure. The village also hosts various events and reenactments. During emergencies that require closure, such as COVID-19, the village and Low House close to the public. However, guests can still walk the grounds and catch a glimpse of American history.
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All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ