Old Barracks Museum facts for kids
|
Old Barracks
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
.jpg)
Old Barracks, photo from the Historic American Buildings Survey
|
|
 Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1758 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | State House Historic District (ID76001161) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000506 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | November 28, 1972 |
The Old Barracks Museum, also known as the Old Barracks, is a very old building in Trenton. It was built in 1758 to house soldiers from the British Army. This building is the only colonial barracks left in New Jersey. It is also one of the few buildings still standing from the 1776 Battle of Trenton.
The Old Barracks is an important part of military history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1972. Today, it is a museum run by the state of New Jersey.
Contents
History of the Old Barracks
Built for Soldiers
The Old Barracks were built in 1758. They were made to house British soldiers during the French and Indian War. Colonists had complained about having to house soldiers in their own homes. So, these special buildings were made for the soldiers.
The barracks were built from stone in a U-shape. They could hold about 300 soldiers at one time.
A Role in the Revolution
In the fall of 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, German soldiers called Hessians used the barracks. These Hessians were fighting for the British.
On December 26, 1776, George Washington led his army across the Delaware River. They surprised the Hessians during the Battle of Trenton. Most of that battlefield is now part of downtown Trenton.
After this battle, the Old Barracks was used by whichever army controlled Trenton. Both British and American Continental Army troops stayed there. Later in the war, it became a military hospital for American soldiers.
From Homes to a Museum
After the Revolutionary War, the building was sold. It was changed into several private homes. In 1813, one part of the U-shaped building was taken down to make way for a new street.
From 1855 to 1899, the building served as a home for older women. In 1902, a group called the Daughters of the Revolution bought part of the building. They wanted to save it because of its history.
The state of New Jersey bought the other part of the building. In 1914, they opened it as a museum. The Old Barracks Museum is still open today. It is supported by the state of New Jersey.
The museum welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday all year. It is famous for its yearly reenactments of the Battle of Trenton.
Pictures of the Old Barracks
-
The building's date (1759) and the royal coat-of-arms of King George II
-
A view of the Old Barracks Museum
-
The Officers' House at the Old Barracks
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, New Jersey
- East Jersey Olde Towne Village, which has a copy of the New Brunswick Barracks
