The barracks is a survivor of the colonial and Revolutionary War periods, being the last of five built in New Jersey during the French and Indian War in response to local complaints about forced quartering of British troops in private homes.

The Trenton barracks was constructed in 1758, along with barracks in Elizabeth, Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, and Burlington. Between then and the Revolution, soldiers and refugees were quartered in the barracks.

On December 26, 1776, Washington's attack into Trenton routed the 1400 Hessian soldiers in the city, of which approximately 50 would have been quartered in the barracks. From 1777 to 1781, a military hospital for the Continental army occupied the site, set up by Dr. Bodo Otto. After the war, the building was sold, repaired, and whitewashed. Wear and tear through the 1800s, plus the demolition of a 40-foot center section, threatened the structure.

In 1902, a group of patriotic Trenton women bought the south wing, which was then a widows' home, and opened up the first Old Barracks Museum. In 1917, the state of NJ bought, restored, and opened the entire building as a museum.

Today

Today, the barracks is undergoing extensive renovation. A visit on December 14, 1997, when the museum, in cooperation with other historic buildings in Trenton held an open house, saw most of the building closed and scafolding along its length. A small corner of the barracks remained open, staffed by re-enactors in Hessian uniforms. This is the officers' lodgings, as the rooms were separate and included single beds.

On the first floor, a gift shop is to the left and a dining area is to the right. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms fitted in Revolutionary War decor, a third room for general office, and an open room with TV and VCR, and information panels detailing some of the building's past and a quick overview of the Battles of Trenton. The decor is set up circa 1759, when eight officers of the Royal Regt. arrived with troops.

The attic and basement, as well as virtually the entire length of the baracks proper, is closed at this time. In addition to restoring and refitting the barracks, computer information stations will be included in the re-opening.

During the open house event, it was "Hessian Occupation Day." Guests were encouraged to ask questions of the troops, partake of some light refreshments at the state capitol building, and visit some other historic buildings--if they signed the loyalty oath reaffirming their allegience to the king.

The museum runs programs throughout the year, including a lecture series, Washington birthday celebration, and more. Annual re-enactments of the Battle of Trenton are also provided, with the barracks serving as the focus of preparation.

Contact

Old Barracks Museum
Barrack St.
Trenton, NJ 08608
609-396-1776

Hours: 10 am - 5pm daily

Fees:

Adults: $2
Senior Citizens, Students: $1
Children 12 and under: $0.50

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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