Travel:
by Russ Lockwood
The second oldest state house just received a $43 million renovation and restoration. Althought the dome is in need of work, and is being worked on, the interior is now an amazing mix of colonial architecture and modern convenience. The state house was built in 1792, two years after Trenton was made capital of the state. Originally a rectangular rubblestone building, it was enlarged as the state grew. The front wing was destroyed in an 1885 fire, but chambers were built for the Assembly in 1891 and the Senate in 1903. Additional work is currently being done in the entryway. Portraits of past governors, including American Civil War general George McClelland, hang on the walls of the first floor. Flags from every county in NJ also line the main hall. During the open house, a 1777 bill of pardon (abbreviated version) was given to visitors--no doubt to correct the wrong done back at the Old Barracks Museum when visitors has to sign a loyalty oath to the King. AmnestyDuring the Open House, the State House was the site of the "signing" of a bill allowing amnesty for those who had "been seduced from their Allegience, and prevailed upon by delusive Promises to leave their Families and join the Army of the King of Great Britain, and since become sensible of their error and Desirous of returning to their Duty." An abridged version of the "Free and General Pardon" bill that was passed June 5, 1777 was given to all who entered the state house. The oath reads:
And if you did not take the oath?
The State House is around the corner from the Museum and down the street from the State Museum. Tours are available at noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Info: 609-633-2709. More Trenton
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) Back to List of Battlefields Back to Travel Master List Back to MagWeb Master List of Magazines © Copyright 1998 by Coalition Web, Inc. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. |