Historic New Jersey

Historic Morristown Historic Speedwell Historic Chester

New Jersey is a state that is rich in history and heritage - from Washington’s Revolution War Headquarters in Morristown and grand Colonial mansions to the birth of the telegraph and the Industrial Revolution. Experience New Jersey’s colorful past and fascinating history - that dates back to the early 1700s - with visits to charming historic towns, such as Historic Morristown, Historic Chester, Historic Speedwell and Waterloo Village

Historic Morristown, NJ. Visit the historical sites and museums in Historic Morristown, including Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown Green, Washington's Headquarters, Jockey Hollow and Fosterfield's Living Historical Farm, a turn of the century farm life display at a restored farm. Visit the Morristown Historic District, where Acorn Hall, Morris County Courthouse, MacCulloch Hall Museum and Gardens, Schuyler - Hamilton House and Historic Speedwell conjure images of Colonial New Jersey. Local lore and legend include the tales of the "Morristown Ghost," and Tempe Wick and reports of Masonic meetings during the Revolution and the court martial of Benedict Arnold.  [Top]

Historic Speedwell and Vail House. Experience life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution and dawn of a new era in communications. A 7.5-acre National Historic Landmark, Historic Speedwell preserves the restored estate of Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Iron Works from the early to mid-1800s and is considered the birth of the telegraph. See the mid-19th century through guided tours, special events, programs and exhibits. The most significant building at Historic Speedwell is the Factory where Stephen Vail's son, Alfred, worked with Samuel F.B. Morse to perfect the telegraph.  [Top]

Historic Chester, NJ. Established in the early 1700’s, Historic Chester, NJ found prosperity with iron in the latter half of the 1800’s. The majority of the buildings erected along Main St. during this boom period were used as shops for the merchants. Many of these buildings still house unique retail shops featuring crafts, collectibles, clothes, gifts, eateries and numerous antique stores. Today, Historic Chester is a diverse shopping area offering a selection of specialty stores, excellent antique and memorabilia stores and over 100 shops including jewelry, unique gifts, furnishings, pets, confections, restaurants, clothing and accessories. A visit to Chester allows you to go back in history for the day.   [Top]