The Oldest Road In America, The King’s Highway, Passes Right Through New Jersey

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.

It was built on the order of King Charles II of England and ran through his American Colonies.

Once used by post riders to deliver mail, it was eventually widened and smoothed to accommodate horse-drawn wagons and stagecoaches.

As the U.S. highway system grew, much of King's Highway became Route 1.

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.

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...

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!

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.

The road passes through eight different historic districts and six buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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.