historic sites
Central Jersey’s historic sites will captivate you. Central Jersey has played a central role in American history, from early settlement in colonial times, to the Revolutionary War, and the agricultural and industrial revolutions.
Black River & Western Railroad
BR&W is the “little railroad that could,” serving the community for over 50 years. The volunteer staff is dedicated to preserving railroad history and offering the opportunity to experience old-fashioned steam railroading in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Making round trips from historic Flemington, they offer trains and events for every occasion, from holiday-themed events to date night and rail-fan specials; there’s something for everyone!
East Jersey Old Town Village & Low House
1050 River Rd, Piscataway + 1225 River Rd, Piscataway
East Jersey Old Town Village features reconstructed and replica 18th and 19th century structures that represent architecture typical of farm and merchant communities once found in the Raritan Valley. The Village offers awarding winning exhibits, living history, and seasonal programs. Built in 1741 at Raritan Landing for a wealthy Dutch merchant, the Cornelius Low House is a Historic National Register home and one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in New Jersey. The Low House mounts rotating exhibits about New Jersey history. Both are free and open Wednesday to Sunday, weekly.
Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse
71 Main St, Bldg. 3, Flemington
Best known as the site of the infamous 1935 Lindbergh kidnapping trial, the Hunterdon County Courthouse is one of the oldest surviving county courthouses in New Jersey. Built in 1828, it serves as a fine example of Greek Revival civic architecture.
Howell Living History Farm
70 Wooden’s Lane, Hopewell Township
Howell Living History Farm recreates farming life in the period of 1890 to 1910, although the agricultural landscape dates to the 1730s. Numerous programs designed for families and children. Step back into an agrarian past that was once typical in the Garden State. The history of Howell Farm is long and varied. Since farming began on this site in the 1730s, just about every type of farming situation has occurred here. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM April through November.
Morven Museum & Garden
Morven Museum & Garden is a historic estate home originally built by Richard Stockton (1730–1781), a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The British ransacked Morven in 1776, capturing and briefly imprisoning him. Generations of Stocktons resided at Morven through the early 20th century before the property was leased to General Robert Wood Johnson, Chairman of Johnson & Johnson. He was followed by five New Jersey governors when Morven served as the state’s first Governor’s Mansion (1945–1981).
Princeton Battlefield State Park
Princeton Battlefield State Park commemorates one of the great early victories of the American patriots in the Revolutionary War, on January 3, 1777. See where General Washington rallied his troops on horseback, at great personal risk, to assure victory and a chance for independence. Free and open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk.
Old Barracks Museum
History that stretches back to 1758! It was built to house soldiers involved in the French and Indian War. It played several roles during the Revolutionary War, particularly during December 1776 when two victories in the first and second Battles of Trenton turned the tide in favor of the American Patriots. Today the the Old Barracks preserves the history of its iconic building, while educating the public through daily interpretation of the site, unique programming, special events, family-friendly tours and a gift shop.
Red Mill Museum Village
Red Mill Museum Village is a stunning collection of historic buildings including a Grist Mill, the Mulligan Quarry buildings, and several relocated historic structures. The museum displays permanent and changing exhibits showcasing a collection of agricultural, industrial and domestic artifacts. The museum hosts lectures, workshops, living history reenactments and other special events throughout the year. Weekend hours expand during spring/summer.
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum
Located at the National Historic Register-listed Mt. Zion AME Church in Skillman, NJ, SSAAM is the only museum in central New Jersey telling the African American story from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present day. Presently open only by appointment, the museum is rapidly gaining attention and plans regular open hours soon. Visit the website to learn about upcoming special events.
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage are preserved Eighteenth Century homes that played critical roles during the Revolutionary War when the Wallace House served as General George Washington’s home while the Continental Army was encamped three miles away at Middlebrook for the winter of 1778-1779. The Wallace House is authentically preserved in much the way it would have looked when Washington lived here. Usually open Weds-Sun., but call ahead to confirm exact hours.
Washington Crossing State Park
355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville
The State Park celebrates the place where George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River and landed in New Jersey on December 25, 1776, en route to crucial victories at Trenton and Princeton. Originally preserved for its historical significance, the park is also well known for its trails and wildlife habitat. A wide variety of migrating birds use the stream and ravine as a resting place and for nesting.
William Trent House
William Trent House was built about 1719 by the man for whom Trenton was named. It became the house of the first governor of New Jersey, Lewis Morris. Hessian Troops occupied the house during the Revolutionary War. The museum boasts outstanding restored woodwork and a remarkable basement kitchen. The grounds are stunning gardens, including heirloom vegetable gardens in the summertime.
Sponsors and Places to Visit
Farms & Orchards
Historic Sites
- Black River & Western Railroad
- East Jersey Old Town Village & Cornelius Low House
- Howell Living History Farm
- Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse
- Princeton Battlefield State Park
- Morven Museum & Garden
- Old Barracks Museum
- Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum
- Red Mill Museum Village
- Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage
- Washington Crossing State Park
- William Trent House
Farm-to-Table
Hiking, Biking, Kayaking
Beverage Makers
- Ashton Brewing
- Bellemara Distillery
- The Druery Brewery
- Federal Twist Vineyard
- Flounder Brewing
- Hopewell Valley Vineyards
- Lone Eagle Brewing
- Old Hights Brewing
- Old York Cellars
- River Horse Brewing
- Skunktown Distillery
- Sourland Mountain Spirits
- Sunken Silo Brew Works
- Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery
- Triumph Brewing
- Unionville Vineyards
