These 17 Historic Villages In New Jersey Will Transport You Into A Different Time
As one of the first states in America (New Jersey was the third state to ratify the Constitution), we have a lot of history. Our past is an important part of our present, and we don’t want to forget it. We’re very lucky to have historic sites and villages that help to preserve our heritage for future generations. You can find these gems scattered throughout the state; here are just a few historic villages in New Jersey that will immerse you in the past.
Please note that we’ve focused more on organized historic attractions than towns with historic merit like Princeton or Ringwood.
One of the most fascinating historic villages in New Jersey is tucked away in Byram. Open year-round, Waterloo Village is a restored 19th-century canal town. Explore a working mill complex with gristmills and sawmills, a general store, blacksmith shop, and several historic houses. The open-air museum is part of Allamuchy Mountain State Park. Educational tours are available. And while you're in the area, you might consider a trip to the beautiful Allamuchy Mountain State Park.
This South Jersey town centered around Cranberry production and thrived from the mid 18th to the early 20th century. It fell into disrepair, but the sawmill and cranberry packing house have been restored. You can explore the interiors of these buildings, and you can enjoy over a dozen others up close. Learn more about why you'll want to explore the remnants of this 100-year-old New Jersey village.
3. The Historic Village at Allaire, Farmingdale/Wall
A former bog iron furnace known as the Howell Works, Allaire Village is now a living history museum. There are many well preserved buildings to explore along with tours, gardens, exhibits, historic interpreters and interactive demonstrations. For more information, be sure to visit the Historic Village at Allaire online.
This historic village focuses on New Jersey's agricultural past, particularly between 1890-1910. It is very interactive, allowing visitors to harvest crops, care for animals and even make ice cream the old-fashioned way! Learn more by visiting the Hopewell Living History Farm website.
5. Historic Smithville and The Village Green, Smithville
A beloved place to spend the day, this charming village is reminiscent of days past. Shop for unique treasures both vintage and modern while enjoying classic arcade games, historic reenactments, and a wide range of events. Learn more about this wonderfully historic and eccentric New Jersey destination.
6. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
This fantastic attraction is open seasonally and was once owned by the grandson of Paul Revere. A working farm, Fosterfields uses the tools and techniques popular over 100 years ago. There are frequent events, living history programs and numerous exhibits to enjoy. Learn more by visiting the Fosterfields Living History Museum online.
Enjoy guided tours of numerous buildings including a working gristmill, post office, iron furnace, blacksmith and of course, the incredible owner's mansion. A former ironworks community, established in 1766, the property was bought by the state in the 1950s, though residents remained until 1989. Learn more about this village's fascinating and haunting history.
This 18th century Bergen Dutch village contains three original sandstone houses, a 19th century barn and a colonial out-kitchen reproduction. Foremost in the grouping are "The Bridge that Saved the Nation", which foiled British attempts to entrap the Americans in 1776 and inspired Thomas Paine, and the Steuben House, George Washington’s temporary headquarters in 1780. Open for tours on event days.
To find out more about this historic attraction in New Jersey, click here.
An early 20th century agricultural community, Whitesbog Village is the birthplace of the Highbush Blueberry. Home to several historic buildings, the grounds are open to the public year-round. Buildings are open seasonally, for special events and prearranged tours. When it comes to historic villages in New Jersey, Whitesbog Village is a must-visit.
East Jersey Old Town Village is a collection of original, replicated and reconstructed 18th and 19th century structures. Guests can explore the New Brunswick Barracks, Runyon House, Williamson Wheelwright Shop, Fitzrandolph House and Smalleytown Schoolhouse which are representative of life in Central Jersey centuries ago. The Village provides activities including exhibitions, displays, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, storytelling, lectures, tours and more, free of charge! Enjoy the Raritan Landing exhibit and learn more about an archaeological dig at Indian Queen Tavern.
Historic Cold Spring Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey between 1789-1840. A truly immersive experience, visitors can enjoy 26 restored buildings, interactive demonstrations and free carriage rides. Handmade goods reminiscent of the time period are also available for purchase. Children can enjoy games, costumes, crafts, and more. The historic Cold Spring Village may keep temporary hours, so be sure to visit the website before planning your trip.
Though this village is on the smaller side, it has a superstar attraction - The Red Mill. The mill is one of the most photographed buildings in America, but there are other buildings and events to enjoy. Visitors will find a schoolhouse, sheds and log cabin along with tours and historic reenactments. Without a doubt, the Red Mill Museum Village is one of the most fascinating and picturesque small towns in New Jersey.
In 1832 this land was bought as a grain farm, but expanded significantly by 1875. By 1880, the local mill had closed and the village began to decline. The land was purchased by the government in the 1960s and many buildings were restored or relocated to the area. You can find several homes and businesses with period decor. They offer events and historic interpreters. Learn more by visiting the Millbrook Village website.
Tuckerton Seaport’s 40-acre site includes 17 historic and recreated buildings connected by a boardwalk, a maritime forest and wetlands nature trail, two houseboats, a decoy gallery, a working boatworks building, decoy carving workshops and the recreated Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. The Jersey Shore’s rich maritime heritage is brought to life by historically accurate daily demonstrations. Visitors will enjoy the Baymen's Museum and numerous hands-on opportunities. Watch this video to learn more:
Operated by the Monmouth County Parks System, Historic Walnford is a former mill village and country estate located along the Crosswicks Creek Greenway, showcasing over 200 years of New Jersey history. Explore several buildings and a working gristmill at the site. Guests can tour the Waln House and enjoy special events year-round.
Wheaton Village, home to WheatonArts, celebrates the historic art of glass blowing. In addition to daily glass blowing and artist demonstrations, WheatonArts features special exhibitions, programs, workshops, performances and several weekend festivals throughout the year. The focus is less on historic buildings and more on authentic art.
This 7.5-acre site preserves several early and mid-nineteenth century buildings, the most notable of which is the Telegraph Factory. The telegraph was invented here by Alfred Vail and Samuel Morse, the Vail Estate also sits on the property. Guided tours and various exhibits are available for visitors to enjoy. Historic Speedwell may keep temporary hours, so be sure to check the website before visiting.
Have you been to any of these historic villages in New Jersey? Which was your favorite? Are there any others we forgot? Let us know in the comments, we love keeping New Jersey’s history alive!
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Address: Waterloo Village Rd, Byram Township, NJ, USA
Address: Double Trouble Road, Double Trouble Rd, New Jersey, USA
Address: 4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ 07727, USA
Address: 70 Woodens Ln, Lambertville, NJ 08530, USA
Address: Village Greene, 615 E Moss Mill Rd UNIT 96, Smithville, NJ 08205, USA
Address: 73 Kahdena Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
Address: Batsto Village Road, Batsto Village Rd, Washington, NJ 08037, USA
Address: 1205 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661, USA
Address: Whitesbog, Pemberton Township, NJ 08015, USA
Address: 1050 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
Address: 720 U.S. 9, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Address: Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809, USA
Address: Millbrook Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08724, USA
Address: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA
Address: 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501, USA
Address: Wheaton Ave, Millville, NJ 08332, USA
Address: 333 Speedwell Ave A, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
historic villages in New Jersey
April 15, 2021
Beth C.
What are the most interesting historic places in New Jersey?
If you love history, New Jersey will not disappoint. As you've learned from the above article outlining the best historic villages in New Jersey, the Garden State is brimming with history. Visitors and residents alike will agree that the Red Mill in Clinton is one of the most interesting historic places in New Jersey. To start with, it's simply stunning. In fact, it's the most photographed place in the state. However, many people don't realize that the Red Mill is also haunted. Learn more about this fascinating historical place in New Jersey.
Does New Jersey have any ghost towns?
There's something equally haunting and chilling about ghost towns. New Jersey has its fair share, and they're fascinating to experience. The most interesting ghost towns in New Jersey to visit are Waterloo Village, Feltville, Harrisville, Raritan Landing, Batsto Village, Amatol, Long Pond Iron Works, Gloucester Furnace, Pleasant Mills, and Walpack Center.
What are the best living history museums in New Jersey?
When it comes to unique living history museums in New Jersey, Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May is a wonderful resource. It's here that guests can travel back in time to the 1800s and learn about daily life. There are also frequent demonstrations of woodworking, pottery, and blacksmithing here.
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
