New Jersey is overflowing with history! For instance, the Lincoln Highway is one of the oldest transcontinental highway routes in America designed for automobiles. Over a century old, it once ran from Times Square in New York to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. While the Lincoln Highway has a fascinating history, New Jersey is home to a road that’s even older. Let’s take a look at the oldest road in America, the King’s Highway in New Jersey.

The Kings Highway was an approximately 1,300-mile road constructed between 1650-1735.
O World Of Photos/Flickr
It was built on the order of King Charles II of England and ran through his American Colonies.
TastyCakes/Wikipedia
Once used by post riders to deliver mail, it was eventually widened and smoothed to accommodate horse-drawn wagons and stagecoaches.
Herman Moll/Wikipedia
As the U.S. highway system grew, much of King's Highway became Route 1.
Jack Boucher/Wikipedia

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However, parts of the original route can still be enjoyed. Every New Jerseyan should take a road trip along the King's Highway Historic District.
KForce/Wikipedia
The highway once ran through towns including Newark, Elizabeth, Rahway, Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, Princeton, Lawrenceville, Trenton, Bordentown, and Burlington. Though fragments remain in many of these towns (and others), you can enjoy an entire segment of it...
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Along Route 206 between mile markers 48.30 and 53.90 and along New Jersey Route 27 from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 4.10!
Famartin/Wikipedia
The King's Highway Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. It's home to a host of important sites, including the Kingston Bridge which was built in 1798. It replaced one destroyed by George Washington's troops to prevent British pursuit.
Zeete/Wikipedia
The road passes through eight different historic districts and six buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kforce/Wikipedia
These include Drumthwacket (the governor's mansion), Morven (now a museum & garden), the Maclean House, the Lawrenceville School, Nassau Hall (now part of Princeton University and once the United States capitol building), and the Joseph Henry House.

Enjoy this flyover of the King’s Highway:

Have you been on the King’s Highway in New Jersey? It’s a fun drive, great for photographers and explorers. Both Drumthwacket and Morven are open for tours! Now that you’ve explored the oldest highway in New Jersey, take a look at its oldest town.

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More to Explore

Amazing Attractions in New Jersey

William Suphan | April 26, 2023

What are the weirdest attractions in New Jersey?

The weirdest attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Lucy. Located in Margate, Lucy is a six-story elephant constructed of wood and has served as a restaurant, an office, a cottage, and a tavern.
  • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum. This is the ultimate museum for the strange and unusual with all kinds of weird exhibits.
  • Insectropolis. This is a museum dedicated to insects and has exhibits like the Caterpillar Cafe, The Mud Tube, and Bug University.
  • Martian Landing Site. This is a memorial to the radio broadcast that caused a mass panic in 1938, The War of the Worlds.

Find out more about the weirdest attractions in New Jersey. 

What are the most amazing day trips in New Jersey?

The most amazing day trips in New Jersey include:

  • The Tuckerton Seaport. This is a museum where you can take part in hands-on exhibits to learn all about maritime history.
  • Wharton State Forest. This is a gorgeous natural area with hiking trails, kayaking, ghost town ruins, and a historic village.
  • Wildwood. This is a beachfront amusement park with rollercoasters, arcade games, waterparks, and more.
  • Cape May. This is a wonderful family day trip with Sunset Beach and tons of amazing restaurants and shops.

Learn more about the most amazing day trips in New Jersey. 

What are the most unique attractions in New Jersey?

The most unique attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Wild West City. Located in Netcong, this Wild West-themed park has over 20 live-action shows and rides on trains, stagecoaches, and ponies.
  • Elsie The Cow Memorial. Borden Dairy had a mascot called Elsie the Cow which was represented for a while by a real cow named Lobelia, who rests here.
  • Hadrosaurus Monument. This stature remembers the finding of the first complete dinosaur skeleton in the world.
  • United States War Dogs Memorial. This memorial commemorates the dogs that served in the Vietnam War and other wars.

Discover more about the most unique attractions in New Jersey. 

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Featured Addresses
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA