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 in 2024
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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 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| 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 is a very old and important building. It is located at 101 Barracks Street in Trenton, New Jersey. This building was constructed in 1758. Its main purpose was to house soldiers from the British Army.
It is the only colonial barracks building still standing in New Jersey. It is also one of the few remaining parts of the 1776 Battle of Trenton. The Old Barracks was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1971. It became a National Historic Landmark on November 28, 1972. This was because of its important role in military history. Today, it is a special historic site and museum run by the state.
Contents
History of the Old Barracks
The Old Barracks was built in 1758. It was made to house British soldiers during the French and Indian War. Colonists had complained about soldiers being forced to live in their homes. This was due to laws called the Quartering Acts.
Building and Early Use
The barracks was built from stone in a U-shape. It could hold about 300 soldiers at one time. In the fall of 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, German soldiers called Hessians used it as their winter home.
The Battle of Trenton
George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River. They surprised the Hessian soldiers during the Battle of Trenton. This famous battle happened on the morning of December 26, 1776. Much of that battlefield is now part of downtown Trenton.
Later Military Use
For the rest of the Revolutionary War, the Old Barracks was used by whichever army controlled Trenton. Both British and American Continental Army troops stayed there. Later in the war, the Continental Army used it as a military hospital.
After the Revolution
After the war, the building was sold. It was changed into several private homes. In 1813, one part of the barracks was taken down to make way for Front Street. From 1855 to 1899, it served as a home for older women.
Preservation and Museum
In 1902, a group called the Daughters of the Revolution bought part of the building. They wanted to save it. Beulah A. Oliphant led this effort. The state of New Jersey bought the other part. In 1914, they opened a museum. The museum is still open today and is supported by the state.
The museum welcomes visitors all year round, from Monday to Saturday. It is well-known for its yearly Battle of Trenton Reenactments.
Gallery
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This shows the building date, 1759, and the royal coat-of-arms of King George II of Great Britain.
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This is 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
