New Jersey is a place rich in history, make your next vacation a learning experience for the whole family.
Washington's Crossing - A little less than ten miles outside of Trenton is probably New Jersey's most historic site. Washington's Crossing State Park is, of course, the place where the Continental Army made its famous surprise Christmas Eve visit after crossing the Delaware River in 1776. The park now contains over 800 acres and has plenty of activities for the history buff to enjoy. While at the park, one can view traces of the old road used by the Continental Army as it marched along the riverbank, and every year on Christmas morning, early risers can witness a re-enactment of the famous river crossing. Open to the public is the Johnson Ferry House. This is where it's believed Washington and his officers plotted strategy while their men crossed the river. There's a "Natural Area" with 140 acres of woods and fields, an open-air theater for concerts and other performances and guided tours. The park welcomes picnickers, hikers, fishermen, campers and cross-country skiers.
Princeton - Home to New Jersey's famous Ivy League University, this town is also steeped in history. Princeton produced two signers of the Declaration of Independence and was home to one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. Besides touring the campus, there are other places you won't want to miss. The Princeton Historical Society, located at 158 Nassau Street, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Princeton and offers guided walking tours around town. Princeton Battlefield State Park is the site of what's considered one of the fiercest battles of the Revolutionary War. While there, one can visit the Clarke House Museum which was a sanctuary for General Mercer, who died there nine days after the battle ended. One can also visit the Princeton Battle Monument and a stone patio marking the grave of 21 British and 15 American soldiers killed in the battle. The governor's mansion, otherwise known as Drumthwacket, is located just outside the town on Route 206. Tours of this Greek revival mansion are offered every Wednesday.
The Battleship New Jersey - Our nation's most decorated war ship is now a museum floating on the Delaware River at the Camden Waterfront, just across the river from Philadelphia. Visitors can enjoy a two-hour guided tour of one of the most impressive battle ships ever built.
The William Trent House - The William Trent house, located at Market Street and William Trent Place, is the oldest building in New Jersey's state capital. In fact, Trenton takes its name for the patriarch of this homestead. This house was built between 1716 and 1719 and offers a step back in time to the 18th Century. The house has been restored to look as it did in 1728. Not only are guided tours offered for school field trip programs, but there is a private one-hour guided tour as well.
Edison National Historic Site - Thomas Edison spent the last 44 years of his life working at this lab complex located at Main Street and Lakeside Avenue in West Orange. The lab hasn't changed much since Edison passed away in 1931, either. Open to the public are the Chemistry Lab, Machine Shop and Power House, which is also the Visitor's Center. While at the Visitor's Center, be sure to make reservations to visit Edison's estate in Glenmont.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park - The site of a battle in 1778, this state park offers a self-guided tour. At the Visitor's Center, one can see a slide show, a fiber-optic map of the battle and various artifacts. Visitors can also tour the Craig House, a restored 18th Century farmhouse, and the Owl Haven Nature Center, featuring animals and natural history exhibits. In addition, the park welcomes hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, snow shoers and horseback riders.
Indian Heritage Museum - Located on the Rankokus Indian Reservation of the Powhatan Renape Nation on Rancocas Road, in Westampton, this museum is an excellent venue in which to view Native American Culture. In fact, this is the only Indian museum in New Jersey owned and operated by Native Americans. Visitors to the museum will receive guided tours where they can view artifacts, dioramas and an art gallery. The Reservation also has self-guided nature trails for those who love the great outdoors.
Weehawken, NJ - This town may have a funny name, but it's the site of the most infamous duel in US history. In 1804, Alexander Hamilton was mortally wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr. The rock on which Hamilton landed now boasts a monument and plaque commemorating this historic event. The above is just a small sampling of the historic attractions New Jersey has to offer. If you're looking to live in the past a little, why not visit the Garden State? A learning experience is never a bad thing.
