In 1714, William Trent bought 1600 acres along the Delaware River on what would later be Trent's Town, or as we know it, Trenton. In 1719, he built his summer country estate, of which the house still remains. This Scotsman was a successful merchant in Philadelphia, and also became a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice. He shifted to New Jersey concerns, notably building mills along the river and continuing his import trade, and eventually became Chief Justice of NJ.

The brick mansion, restored to 18th century glamour, still contains 80% of the original material. It is the earliest surviving structure of architect James Porteus, noted as the first architect in America.

The downstairs offers a dining room, living room, sitting room, and magnificent staircase going up to the second floor, as well as a staircase heading down to the cellar/kitchen area (at left) and small gift shop.

Upstairs is a series of bedrooms, from the master bedroom for the Trents to the maid's quarters. The entire house boasts William and Mary period furnishings, in large part painstakingly acquired over the years by the Trent House Association. Upon Trent's death, his lawyers filed a detailed inventory of its furnishings--a list used to refurbish the house. The core of the furnishings was purchased from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

At the time of the Open House, December 14, 1997, the house was decorated in period holiday fare. A Scottish bagpiper greeted us with a variety of musical numbers. Downstairs, the kitchen offered a collection of utensils, pots, and so forth, while holiday cookies and punch were available. The cookies were made with a recipe from the period, although the punch was something more contemporary.

Contact

Hours: 12:30pm to 4:00pm

Admission:

$1.50 adult
$0.50 children

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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