Place Category: Museum

Though Ellarslie Mansion was built in 1848—decades after the Revolutionary War—it now serves as the Trenton City Museum and plays a key role in preserving the city’s Revolutionary heritage. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that highlight Trenton’s pivotal role in the war, including the Battles of Trenton, local patriot leadership, and the city’s transformation during the fight for independence. As the cultural heart of Cadwalader Park, Ellarslie connects modern-day audiences with the spirit of 1776 through art, artifacts, and immersive storytelling rooted in Trenton’s Revolutionary past.

Morven was once the home of Richard Stockton, a New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence who was imprisoned by the British for his patriotism. The mansion reflects both the prosperity and the sacrifice of America’s Revolutionary-era elite. Today, the museum showcases exhibits on the Revolutionary period and beyond, surrounded by beautifully restored gardens once enjoyed by New Jersey’s founding families.

Situated within the area of Washington’s daring Delaware River crossing, the Johnson Ferry House played a quiet yet vital role in one of the Revolution’s most defining moments. Believed to have sheltered troops or stored supplies on that frigid December night in 1776, the house stands as a tangible link to the strategy and sacrifice behind the surprise attack on Trenton. Today, its preserved colonial architecture and period furnishings immerse visitors in the tense, determined atmosphere of that pivotal turning point in America’s fight for independence.

Built in 1708 by Isaac Watson, the Isaac Watson House is believed to be the oldest home in Mercer County and a rare survivor from the early 18th century. Though not the site of direct conflict, its preservation offers a window into colonial life and the resilience of those who lived through the Revolutionary era. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the New Jersey Daughters of the American Revolution, continuing its legacy as a steward of New Jersey’s history.

Drumthwacket, now the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey, originated as an 18th-century colonial farmhouse once owned by Charles Smith Olden, whose family lived through the Revolutionary War. The estate embodies the architecture, landownership, and political influence of New Jersey’s Revolutionary-era elite. Today, its preserved grounds and historic structure provide a window into the lives of colonial patriots and the state’s early leaders.

Built in 1766, Bainbridge House stands as one of Princeton’s oldest and most historically significant landmarks. During the Revolutionary War, it served both civic and residential roles before becoming the birthplace of Commodore William Bainbridge, a celebrated naval hero of the early American republic. Today, the house is home to the Historical Society of Princeton, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone for preserving and sharing the town’s Revolutionary heritage.

The Old Barracks Museum preserves the history of a building constructed in 1758 as a French and Indian War military barracks, used as winter quarters for British soldiers. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Barracks was used for a variety of purposes by both the British and the Americans. British prisoners of war were held in the Officers’ House, four companies of the Second New Jersey Regiment of the Continental Line were raised here, and in 1777 the Barracks became an army hospital under Dr. Bodo Otto, who oversaw smallpox inoculations for the Continental Army. It also stood witness to Washington’s crucial victory at the Battle of Trenton.

At the beginning of the 20th century, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames organized The Old Barracks Association and spearheaded a campaign to purchase the building. The building has been a museum for over a century, and has frequently been used as a symbol for the state of New Jersey.