Old Barracks Museum facts for kids
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Old Barracks
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Old Barracks, photo from the Historic American Buildings Survey
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 Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, New Jersey |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1758 |
| Part of | State House Historic District (ID76001161) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000506 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | November 28, 1972 |
The Old Barracks Museum, also known as Old Barracks, is a historic building located at 101 Barracks Street in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey. It is the only remaining colonial barracks in the state and is now used as a history museum. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1971 and listed as a National Historic Landmark on November 28, 1972, for its significance in military history.
History
It is the last of five such barracks authorized by the colonial legislature in 1758 to house soldiers in the French and Indian War. It housed about 300 soldiers at a time. During the American Revolution, George Washington crossed the Delaware River to catch the Hessian garrison by surprise during the Battle of Trenton on the morning of December 26, 1776. Following the American Revolution, the Trenton Barracks were used as a military hospital specializing in smallpox inoculations.
In 1902, members of the Daughters of the Revolution, under the leadership of Beulah A. Oliphant, bought part of the building to preserve it. The state bought the other part and formed a museum in 1914 which continues to be open and supported by the State of New Jersey.
The Museum is open to visitors year round, Monday - Saturday, and is known for the annual Battle of Trenton Reenactments.
Gallery
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Building date, 1759, and royal coat-of-arms of King George II of Great Britain
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Old Barracks Museum
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Officers' House
