Take A Tour of New Jersey’s Most Historical Sites

BY LAUREN MELVILLE

The Garden State is known for its tomatoes, Bon Jovi, and the best beaches but New Jersey is also home to centuries of history. All across the state, there are pockets of history and whether you’re looking for a fun family-friendly adventure or an afternoon deep dive into New Jersey’s past, there are plenty of options to satisfy everyone in the family.

Old Barracks Museum

Start your historical tour in the capital city of Trenton and head down to the Old Barracks Museum to spend the day back in the late 1700s. This museum dives deep into the barracks used during the Revolutionary and the French and Indian War. From 1758 to 1783 the Old Barracks were in full military use, housing American and British soldiers, as well as prisoners of war. “It is one of the last remaining original buildings to have witnessed the Battles of Trenton which took place in December of 1776, a crucial victory towards the beginning of the Revolutionary War,” said Alycia Bardon, Old Barracks Marketing Manager.

Along with its long history of military use, this museum was once an army hospital and one of the first places to immunize George Washington’s troops against smallpox. This slice of living history located right in New Jersey’s capital city is a great resource for all who want to engage in the state’s historical past.

“As a touchstone for colonial and revolutionary history in New Jersey, the Old Barracks Museum brings the world of colonial America to life through interpretive programs, exhibits, and preservation so that visitors can appreciate New Jersey’s history, the diverse people who made it, and why it matters,” said Bardon. The museum offers tours, demonstrations, and hosts events.

At the beginning of the 20th century, this location turned into what we see today—a living museum—made possible by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames, who organized and founded the Old Barracks Association. Their successful campaign, Save the Old Barracks, immortalized this important part of New Jersey history. Explore all of the Old Barracks’ educational in-person and online exhibits, tours, and special events perfect for the history buff experts and first-time visitors. Open year-round to all, Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lucy the Elephant

Take the Parkway South to Margate for a day trip with your family to see the 65-foot painted elephant named Lucy. This historical landmark has proudly stood where he is now in Margate City for more than 100 years.

“Lucy was built as a tool to sell real estate,” said Richard Helfant, Lucy the Elephant’s Executive Director and CEO. Lucy was built in 1881 by James Lafferty, a Philadelphian engineer and inventor, who was gifted sandy lots off the coast of Southern Atlantic City. In the early 20th century, Lucy became home to famous tenants, tourists, and was a popular tavern. But, after several damaging fires and natural storms, Lucy was in bad shape and close to demolition. In 1969, with the help of Edwin T. Carpenter, a group of Margate citizens came together and created the Margate Civic Association with one purpose— to save Lucy.

“That committee saved Lucy,” said Helfant. Following a decadelong restoration process and a new destination at 1 Lucy Plaza 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate City, the public experienced Lucy in the summer of 1974. After two years of being reopened, Helfant said “Lucy was named a National Historic Landmark” by the U.S. Department of Interior.

With more than 40 years of national recognition under his belt, Lucy the Elephant has cemented himself as a piece of history.

“Back in the day, Margate was more of a year-round community. But, those people who were once children in Margate are taking their children,” said Helfant.

Over the last 50 years as a national historic landmark, Lucy has been a constant to the people of New Jersey. While most popular in the summer, visitors can come and enjoy Lucy's magic all year round, with Lucy and the accompanying gift shop open for visitors every day for tours, with the exception of winter when they are open on weekends only.

"Voted the #1 roadside attraction in the United States, Lucy is hard to beat," Said Helfant.

Cold Spring Village

Travel down the Parkway to Exit 0 to discover the state’s largest open-air living history museum. Cape May’s Historic Cold Spring Village has something for everyone in the family as they emulate what life was like in the 1800s in southern New Jersey. Explore the grounds and interact with the different historic shops—the Woodworking Shop, the Country Store, the Spicer Leaming House, and the Pottery Shop. Whilst on your journey in the 1800s, you can be a part of or spectate Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments, ghost hunts, antique car shows, the on-site Cold Spring Grange Restaurant, and much more.

In 2014, Cold Spring Historic Village added its on-site brewery, of the same name. Located just outside of the Village fencing, but still within walking distance of all the attractions, Cold Spring Brewery features four house brews and many others on tap.

Cape May Historic District

End your journey into the past by going southbound on NJ-109 South to Cape May’s Historic District. Bike or stroll down the historic streets and enjoy the late-Victorian-era architecture preserved since the 1800s. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark on May 11, 1976, the district hosts historic buildings like The Southern Mansion, The Carroll Villa Hotel, The King’s Cottage, The Mainstay Inn, and many more near Washington Street.

New Jersey has no shortage of historical sites for the entire family to enjoy. With deep roots in military history, century-old fun, and living museums, there are endless activities waiting to be explored.