Posted in New Jersey Abandoned January 25, 2023 by

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 offbeat attraction in New Jersey for many visitors. Exactly how much of the Cape May 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.
Flickr/he who shall
While the battery is not hidden today, it was once covered in sand and sod.
Flickr/Adam Kuban
Greenery still grows atop the battery.
Flickr/Chris Kelley
The harbor defense battery, built to help protect America's coast, was completed in 1943.
Flickr/Cavalier92
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.
Flickr/Kellan
The 6-inch guns had a 9-mile range!
Flickr/Sneakerdong
Battery 223's guns were never fired at an enemy, though there were drills and live fire tests. It was decommissioned in 1944.
Flickr/Stephen Harris
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.
Flickr/Stephen Harris
All entrances were sealed but a sign gives us some insights as to what was once inside.
Flickr/OliverK
We know that the facility contained powder rooms, latrines, shell rooms, shower rooms, a switchboard and radio room, generator room, and more.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM

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 the Cape May bunker? 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, check out our coverage of the S.S. Atlantus.

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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:

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.

Is there another wartime relic 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 18th-century New Jersey to life via demonstrations, tours, and an incredible collection of artifacts.