Posted in New Jersey Creepy October 16, 2021 by Kristen

10 Staggering Photos Of An Abandoned WWII Bunker Hiding In New Jersey

There are tons of abandoned places in New Jersey, some of which are truly fascinating. For prime exploring, many head to the Pine Barrens. The woods are filled with remnants of former milling and mining towns, several of which are hidden and others that are like well-preserved attractions (i.e. Batsto Village). However, you can find abandoned barns up in Sussex County, abandoned factories in Essex County, and abandoned bunkers in Cape May County…formerly vibrant buildings that have played an important role in New Jersey history. And while the abandoned WWII bunker, Battery 223 in Cape May, that we’re referring to may not be considered hidden to locals, it’s certainly an unexpected surprise for many visitors. Exactly how much of the bunker you can see at any given time depends on the tides.

This is the iconic WWII bunker, Battery 223 in Cape May. When it was built in the 1940s, it was approximately 900 feet from the shore.

While the battery is not hidden today, it was once covered in sand and sod.

The harbor defense battery, built to help protect America's coast, was completed in 1943.

Designed to host a 6-inch battery and survive a direct hit from battleships and aircraft, the structure was built with 6 to 7-foot thick reinforced concrete walls and a thick blast proof roof.

Battery 223's guns were never fired at an enemy, though there were drills and live fire tests. It was decommissioned in 1944.

By 1950, the Army had dismantled all of the fixed gun harbor defenses. At some point after 1958, Battery 223 was used for radio communications by the Navy. By 1962, it became part of the Cape May Point State Park.

All entrances were sealed but a sign gives us some insights as to what was once inside.

We know that the facility contained powder rooms, latrines, shell rooms, shower rooms, a switchboard and radio room, generator room, and more.

For a closer look at this abandoned WWII bunker in New Jersey, check out the short video below by YouTube user, Abandoned Walkthroughs.

Have you visited Battery 223 in Cape May? Were you familiar with this abandoned WWII bunker in New Jersey? Ready to explore it for yourself? You can find it by parking at Cape May Lighthouse (215 Light House Ave., Cape May Point) and walking towards the ocean for a few hundred yards. To discover an equally intriguing attraction at a nearby beach, click here.

Address: Battery 223, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Abandoned WWII Bunker In New Jersey

October 19, 2021

Daniella DiRienzo

What are some other abandoned places in New Jersey?

There are lots of interesting abandoned places in New Jersey, including the Brooksbrae Brick Factory in Manchester Township. The factory was owned by William Kelly, who died in 1908, prior to the factory being completed. In the years following Kelly’s death, disputes related to his will kept the factory closed. Eventually, the property was sold – incomplete factory and all. Over the years, the unfinished factory has fallen further into disrepair, something that’s been aided by graffiti artists and vandals. Today, the abandoned site continues to attract the curious.

What other state sites played an important role in New Jersey history?

When it comes to sites that played an important role in New Jersey history, there are lots to choose from, including Fort Mott State Park. Located in Pennsville, Fort Mott was constructed after the Civil War as part of a three-fort coastal defense system for the Delaware River. Sparing no expense, the fort was outfitted with modern weaponry, including guns that could fire up to eight miles. The fort wasn’t in use for long, though. By the end of WWI, it was deemed obsolete due to advances in military technology. Visit today and you can wander through the old gun batteries, while learning all about the fort, thanks to interpretive signs.

Aside from Battery 223 in Cape May, what other wartime relics are in New Jersey?

Battery 223 in Cape May isn’t the only wartime relic in New Jersey. There are actually several others, including the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton. Offering a history lesson like no other, the museum is housed in the Old Barracks, a historic building that was used during the American Revolution as a holding area for British prisoners of war as well as a hospital for injured American soldiers. A great visit for all ages, the museum brings 18^th century New Jersey to life via demonstrations, tours, and an incredible collection of artifacts.

Address: Battery 223, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA