13 Historic Sites and Memorials In New Jersey That One Must Not Miss (2024)

The Garden State in America, one of the original 13 colonies, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and wanderers. New Jersey is home to plenty of interesting history ranging from the unforgettable American revolutionary war to George Washington, the Continental Army, as well as the individual stories. Being one of the oldest provinces, the history of New Jersey dates back even earlier than the 16th century.

History buffs can walk through the streets of Cape May and get clicked in front of the bright-colored Victorian homes. Further, take some time and explore the State and National Historical parks to learn about the early times of New Jersey. Tourists can visit the old homes and historic houses and learn about the famous personalities who helped in forming the State of New Jersey.

13 Historic Sites and Memorials In New Jersey That One Must Not Miss

Here is the list of Historic sites and memorials to visit in New Jersey. Have a look:

1. Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a prominent and must-visit landmark in New Jersey. It is home to Thomas Alva Edison’s former home, library, and laboratory, which dates back to the year 1887. His famous laboratory operated for over 40 years and has been one important site for the existence of several technologies and inventions, including movie cameras, sound recordings, and batteries. History buffs today can explore the Queen Anne-style 29-room mansion or take a close look at the laboratory along with several original artifacts and vintage movies. Image Source:

2. Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial

Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial in New Jersey is a museum dedicated to the former U.S. president Grover Cleveland. Grover’s former house today is turned into a one-of-a-kind museum exhibiting an interesting piece of American history. From family memorabilia to furniture, paintings, and items related to Grover’s personal life, there are many interesting things to see and learn about. Even though the house is small, tours here are extremely interesting and good enough to smoothly engage 1 to 2 hours.

3. Barnegat Lighthouse

One of the most popular historic landmarks in New Jersey, Barnegat Lighthouse, is celebrated since 1859 amongst visitors of all interests and kinds. It is 163 feet tall and is situated amidst the 32 acres of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. What makes it popular amongst regular tourists is the view from the top. Visitors can climb the 217 steps and grab beautiful vistas of the surrounding regions, including the long beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Even though the State Park is operational throughout the year, Barnegat Lighthouse can only be visited from Memorial Day through Labour Day.

4. Victorian style painted houses in Cape May

If you want to explore the 18th and 19th-century architecture in New Jersey, then there’s isn’t a better place than that of the streets in Cape May. This fashionable resort town is so beautiful that several U.S. presidents choose it as their summer destination. Every home here features bright and bold colors, wooden detailing on the façade, and pure Victorian architecture, making them stand out amongst the lot. The town has several historical landmarks to visit, including Emlen Physick Estate and Cape May Point Lighthouse (19th-century landmarks).

5. High Point Monument

Known to be the highest point in New Jersey, the High Point Monument is dedicated to honoring war veterans. It was built by Kuser and master mason Michael Maddalena from 1928 to 1930. The Monument is basically a 220-foot tower with a base of 34 sq. ft. From its base to the highest viewing point, it features 291 steep stairs that though take some extra effort to climb; however, the view from atop is worthwhile. The Monument has four small windows that offer excellent views of the Pocono Mountains (at the west), Wallkill River (at the Southeast), and the Catskill Mountain (at the North). It is a part of High Point State Park and if you have some extra time in hand, make sure you explore around.

6. Historic Bridgeton

Bridgeton is a historic district added to the National Register of Historic Places for its rich heritage. It is the largest historic district in New Jersey, housing over three centuries of American history. From sawmills to historic houses, bridges, and industrial buildings, there are hundreds of structures to explore in Bridgeton. Over 1000 of prominent buildings here are listed in the list of National historic register most of which dates back to the Colonial, Federalist, and Victorian era. Here you can explore the Hall of Fame All Sports Museum, George Woodruff Indian Museum, or be a part of several events and festivals going on all throughout the year.

7. Historic Batsto Village

Historic Batsto Village is famous all throughout the United States for its historical significance and beauty. The Batsto Village is a part of Wharton State Forest and thus is one of the frequently visited sites in New Jersey. From iron to glassmaking, this small village has seen and evolved a lot in the past years. Visitors today can explore over 40 historic structures, including a 19th-century ore boat, a charcoal kiln, a Batsto mansion, a sawmill, a carriage, an ice and milk house, a wheelwright shop, blacksmith shops, and more. Batsto-Pleasant Mills Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the still-operating buildings in the village.

8. Hunterdon Historical Museum

One of the must-visit Historic sites in New Jersey, the Hunterdon Historical Museum is known for its huge collection and scenic settings. The Museum is located next to Clinton’s waterfall, across the antique iron bridge, and is home to 180 years of Hunterdon County history. The collection here features over 40,000 artifacts in the form of photographs, pictures, display pieces, sculptures, and art pieces. The most prominent attraction here is 1810, showpiece Red Mill and the Carriage Sheds display. It also hosts several tours, concerts, living history re-enactments, educational programs, craft shows, and other events throughout the year.

9. Heritage Glass Musuem

Heritage Glass Museum is one of the most popular historic sites in new Jersey that dates back its existence to 1779. The Museum, though, was founded in 1979 but carries forward the rich heritage of glass making, blowing, and art which started two centuries back in Glassboro. The Museum today exhibits an extensive library on glass blowing and education and is committed to retrieval, preservation, and exhibition of historical products. The collection here includes historic bottles, glass, animal glass art figurines, along unique glass art pieces. It is a great site to learn about Glassboro’s local history.

10. Jacobus Vanderveer House

Jacobus Vanderveer House is an excellent example of Dutch–American house and has grabbed its spot in the National Register of Historic Places. It was America’s first military training academy and has served as headquarters as well. Also, during the second Middlebrook encampment, it served as the headquarters for General Henry Knox. This 18th-century house is today serves as a museum and is a part of 218 acres River Road Park. It is a prominent example of U.S. federal architecture and is an interesting place to visit.

11. Monmouth Battlefield State Park

The most popular and prominent historic site in New Jersey, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, is a must-visit location when in the State. The Park is spread over 1818 acres and is known to preserve the historic battlefield where the largest battles of the American Revolution took place. The 1778 Battle of Monmouth was waged here in the fields and forests, which today are noted as the State Park region. Though not much of the structures today are preserved but seven farmhouses from the battle times, including Sutfin Farmhouse, the Craig House, Rhea-Applegate House, Conover-Perrine House, etc., are still standing here. For history buffs who are interested in knowing about America’s revolutionary war, the battlefield is a great place to visit.

12. Paulsdale

Paulsdale is a house museum and a historic estate build in the year 1840. It is the birthplace and former home of Alice Paul, who worked for gender equality all her life. The house can be reached in the South of New Jersey off Hooton Road and is one of the worth checking historical landmarks in the region. Paulsdale hosts tours of the historic estate where visitors can learn that how Alice Paul became the personality of who she was. The main attraction here is the In Pursuit of Ordinary Equality exhibit featuring memorabilia and photos of Alice and her home from the early days.

13. Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum

Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum is a 1690 house located in Clark, New Jersey. It is notedly one of the oldest buildings in New Jersey and a rare attraction that shows how houses and buildings used to be framed earlier in the 17th century. The Museum today features a small collection of artifacts along with a massive fireplace foundation in the cellar, rubble stone foundation, chamfered and carved summer beams, crenelated chimney, broad overhanging corner pendants, and several other worthy features.