On December 14, 1997, a collection of historic structures in Trenton, NJ cooperated in a city-wide 18th Century open house for the afternoon. Many of the events centered on the American Revolution (or American War of Independence, as you prefer) battle of Trenton, with the Old Barracks Museum boasting a Hessian "garrison" for the day--a preliminary event before the December 27, 1997 re-enactment. Indeed, to gain access to the houses, you had to sign a "loyalty oath" to King George.

However, other historic structures were also open, including the Alexander Douglass House, where Washington held a Council of War after the 2nd Battle of Trenton; the William Trent House, whose wealthy merchant owner turned a country estate into a town; the New Jersey State House, fresh from a $43 million renovation; and the Old Masonic Lodge, now headquarters for the Trenton Visitors Center.

Trenton is an eminently walkable city to see the above houses, plus the battlefield monument, and boasts a wonderful section called Mill Hill (site of the 2nd Battle of Trenton) filled with renovated houses, as well as a section (across State Highway 1) called Chambersburg, which is filled with a wide variety of Italian restaurants. Other restaurants are scattered through the city, especially around East State Street and the Trenton Commons.

With ample parking spaces on the weekend and a bright and sunny--if a tad cold--day, it was a lovely afternoon that ended with a holiday concert (required tickets) by the Trenton Symphony Orchestra.

And by the way, at the State House, you were able to help pass a bill offering amnesty to those who aided and abetted the King in trying to suppress the revolution.

More Trenton

Introduction
Old Barracks Museum
Alexander Douglass House
Trenton Battle Monument
William Trent House
NJ State House
Mill Hill Section
War Memorial, Old Masonic Lodge
Trenton Map (Large: 141K)

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