7 minute read
Deep Roots in New Jersey Towns
BY JULIA VENTRONE
As one of the 13 original colonies, New Jersey is rich in culture and tradition.
From historical landmarks to bustling downtowns, the state offers a variety of windows into its past.
Five towns stand out as some of the earliest settlements of the state with historical values kept alive for all to see.
Trenton
As the capital of New Jersey, home of the State House and State Museum of New Jersey, Trenton holds many stories of New Jersey’s past within its borders.
Dating back to the 1600s, Quakers settled in the area we now know as Trenton, but the city wouldn’t get its name until 1720, according to the City of Trenton. Named after settler William Trent, Trenton was the site of George Washington’s first military victory in the American Revolutionary War on Dec. 26, 1776.
On Nov. 25, 1790, Trenton was named the capital of New Jersey and became a hotspot for the rubber, iron, steel, and pottery industries, according to mercercounty.org. The famous “Trenton Makes, The World Takes” Lower Trenton Bridge is an homage to the many industries and products created within Trenton’s borders and used all over the world.
Located just steps away from the State House, the State Museum of New Jersey features a variety of exhibits, including the ‘Original Peoples’ gallery, which showcases the prehistoric residents of New Jersey, and an impressive display of artifacts from the Centennial World’s Fair of the 1800s.
“As the state’s capital, Trenton was a natural location for the Museum,” said Susan Greitz, marketing and public relations manager for the museum.
As the heart of New Jersey, Trenton is not only where history is celebrated, but where it’s made.
Princeton
Similar to Trenton, Quaker settlers first arrived in Princeton in 1675, according to visitprinceton.org. Not long after, the town became known for housing one of the first major universities in the country. Princeton University—originally called the College of New Jersey—was first founded in Elizabeth then moved to Newark, New Brunswick, and finally Princeton. In 1748, the first Commencement was held with only six graduates. Today, with roughly 9,000 students, it is considered the nation’s top-ranked university, according to U.S. News & World Report.
While more commonly known for historical landmarks like Princeton University’s Nassau Hall, homes of world leaders like Albert Einstein who lived in downtown Princeton where he worked on exploring the relationship between gravitation and electromagnetism, and battlegrounds from the Revolutionary War, one community holds significant landmarks that paved the way for Princeton.
The Witherspoon-Jackson community, now Princeton’s 20th historic district, and the WitherspoonJackson Historical and Cultural Society celebrate its rich legacy as a historic African American neighborhood in Princeton. According to the Cultural Society, a self-guided Heritage Tour will take you through 29 different spots within the community, including Dorothea’s House, The Original Witherspoon School for Colored Children, and the First Baptist Church of Princeton.
Established by her husband and father in 1913, Dorothea’s House commemorates Dorothea for her work in welcoming Italian immigrants to Princeton by providing education, employment, and housing. Built in 1907, the Original Witherspoon School for Colored Children provided education from kindergarten through eighth grade to African American students in the town. Finally, The First Baptist Church of Princeton, founded in 1885, initially congregated in the Frederick Jackson Home before expanding to its current location at the corner of Paul Robeson Place and John Street.
Montclair
First founded by English colonists in 1694, Azariah Crane and his family are known as the first settlers in the most southern part of Montclair, according to the township’s webpage. With years of commercial development and the construction of two railroads, Montclair became a commuter’s den for those traveling to larger cities for work. Built off the backs of these hard workers, Montclair has grown into a vibrant community with an enduring legacy.
To embrace its culture the Montclair History Center proudly displays its history within the walls of the Crane House & Historic Young Women’s Christian Association Museum in addition to self-guided tours in the area. The Montclair History Center’s mission is to share stories of Montclair’s diverse and complex history through research, education, and programs to connect the past with who Montclair is today.
According to the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission, some additional Montclair landmarks include the notable Clark House, a Queen Ann-style residence named after Dr. James Henry Clark, a Civil War Army surgeon; the Mountain Avenue Train Station, constructed in 1893, which served as a commuter destination but also as a two-bedroom residence after remodeled in 1935; and the Sigler Farm House, built by John Sigler in 1813 for his son and wife. The Siglers were among the most influential property owners in Montclair and the residence sat on a 64-acre farmland.
Lambertville
The historic Lambertville, purchased from the Delaware Indigenous peoples in 1703 is home to Washington’s Headquarters, a stone home used by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. According to the Lambertville Historical Society, during the 18th century, Lambertville was a popular midway stop for travelers journeying between Philadelphia and New York. Today, it’s known as the antique shop capital of New Jersey with several shops on Bridge, Main, and Union streets, according to Visit NJ. Those roots laid the groundwork for what is home to a town with a “progressive mindset and rich history of LGBTQ+ support,” said Carolyn Gadbois, resident and owner of Union Coffee in Lambertville. Filled with a lively downtown with visit-worthy spots in abundance, Carolyn’s coffee shop, Union Coffee, had to forge its own path and has now been part of Lambertville for less than four years. “The most rewarding part is how the community embraces the shop and shows up to make it better every day,” said Gadbois. “Known for its rich community of residents and business owners,” Gadbois couldn’t think of a better spot to call home and make her dream a reality.
She recommends walking along the canal path, biking to nearby town Washington Crossing, or visiting Bowman’s Tower just across the state line in Pa.
Cape May
Known for its picturesque beaches, Cape May’s deep-rooted history lies in its coastline. According to the City of Cape May, the English colonists purchased land from the Native Americans in the 1630s. What began as a fishing town, turned into a wellknown vacation spot for elites of the early 18th century with resorts, fresh seafood, and a beautiful sea to enjoy.
As New Jersey’s southernmost point, Cape May remains a premier vacation destination, where visitors can enjoy both natural beauty and a rich historical experience. It contains a multitude of historical landmarks to visit including the Cape May Lighthouse, John Holmes House home of the Cape May County Museum, and many trolley tours to show you all the stops.
Many historic homes in Cape May have been revitalized into stunning bed-and-breakfasts for travelers. The Southern Mansion, built in 1860 is one of the largest B&Bs in the area located in Cape May’s Historic District. The Mason Cottage Bed & Breakfast, built in 1871, seamlessly blends traditional Victorian architecture with modern sensibility, according to the webpage. Even businesses have stuck around since the late 19th century including Fralinger’s Original Salt Water Taffy, founded by Joseph Fralinger in 1885, and the Chalfonte Hotel, founded in 1876 as America’s first seaside resort, according to their webpage.
As one of the smallest states by square mile according to the World Atlas, New Jersey is filled with plenty of towns with deep-rooted history and culturally significant landmarks to make up the New Jersey we know today. From the colonial roots of Trenton and Princeton to the vibrant communities of Montclair, Lambertville, and Cape May, these towns offer a glimpse into New Jersey’s past while shaping its future.
