Old Barracks Museum Trenton, NJ
The Old Barracks Museum is one of Trenton, New Jersey’s most notable landmarks. It was built in 1758 by the Colony of New Jersey during both the Indian War and the French War when the British used it. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Old Barracks Museum before you visit, then read on.
History of the Old Barracks
The Old Barracks was created as a response to petitions from local residents who were tired of the compulsory quartering of soldiers in their own homes. It was one of five buildings made in New Jersey just to house British soldiers and is the only one still in existence. When it was built it was the second largest public building in New Jersey. It was used until the end of the war in 1766.
In 1776, it stood in front of the Battle of Trenton which ended up being the turning point of the American Revolution. A couple of centuries later in 1902, it was bought by a few passionate women who then went on to create the Old Barracks Association and opened it as a museum in 1903. By 1914, the building was passed over to the State of New Jersey to keep up with the building and today it is funded by the city, private and personal resources.
You can visit it today as it serves as an educational center for Colonial and American history which is one of America’s last remaining structure of this time period. You can get a tour of the museum and get interpretations of what it was like to live as a colonial. You can also explore the museum’s artifacts and weapons and check out some stuff at the gift shop. It is also a State and National Landmark.
Revolutionary War
During the Revolutionary War, the Barracks had their shining moments. They were used for both the British and American soldiers during the war. In 1777, it became an army hospital for the Continental Army. Dr. Bodo Otto was in charge of smallpox inoculations for the Army. That disease ended up killing more soldiers than the war itself and was the biggest enemy of the Army.
The Barrack’s in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Once the wars were over, the Barracks were destroyed to extend Front Street for the new State House. The final two structures somehow escaped destruction and served many different purposes such as The Indigent Widows’ and Single Women’s Home Society of Trenton and also the first Mayor of Trenton and eventually a boarding school throughout the 19th century.
During the 20th century, the members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames started a campaign to save the Barracks and won. In 1902 the bought the southern part of the original Barracks to house artifacts and items from the Revolution and the colonial period.
Progressing through the 20th century in 1914 the State of New Jersey bought the north end of the Barracks and the Old Barracks Association turned their ownership over to the city and an agreement was made to turn it all into a museum. They went on to restore the middle section of the barracks as well. In 1985 to 1998, the building was restored for the second time and millions of dollars which give it the look we know today which is closer to its original condition.
Today the Old Barracks is an iconic building with a rich history that educates the public and provides unique programming for individuals and children alike. Visitors across the world visit the Barracks for a unique look at America’s history.
History of the Old Barracks
The Old Barracks was created as a response to petitions from local residents who were tired of the compulsory quartering of soldiers in their own homes. It was one of five buildings made in New Jersey just to house British soldiers and is the only one still in existence. When it was built it was the second largest public building in New Jersey. It was used until the end of the war in 1766.
In 1776, it stood in front of the Battle of Trenton which ended up being the turning point of the American Revolution. A couple of centuries later in 1902, it was bought by a few passionate women who then went on to create the Old Barracks Association and opened it as a museum in 1903. By 1914, the building was passed over to the State of New Jersey to keep up with the building and today it is funded by the city, private and personal resources.
You can visit it today as it serves as an educational center for Colonial and American history which is one of America’s last remaining structure of this time period. You can get a tour of the museum and get interpretations of what it was like to live as a colonial. You can also explore the museum’s artifacts and weapons and check out some stuff at the gift shop. It is also a State and National Landmark.
Revolutionary War
During the Revolutionary War, the Barracks had their shining moments. They were used for both the British and American soldiers during the war. In 1777, it became an army hospital for the Continental Army. Dr. Bodo Otto was in charge of smallpox inoculations for the Army. That disease ended up killing more soldiers than the war itself and was the biggest enemy of the Army.
The Barrack’s in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Once the wars were over, the Barracks were destroyed to extend Front Street for the new State House. The final two structures somehow escaped destruction and served many different purposes such as The Indigent Widows’ and Single Women’s Home Society of Trenton and also the first Mayor of Trenton and eventually a boarding school throughout the 19th century.
During the 20th century, the members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames started a campaign to save the Barracks and won. In 1902 the bought the southern part of the original Barracks to house artifacts and items from the Revolution and the colonial period.
Progressing through the 20th century in 1914 the State of New Jersey bought the north end of the Barracks and the Old Barracks Association turned their ownership over to the city and an agreement was made to turn it all into a museum. They went on to restore the middle section of the barracks as well. In 1985 to 1998, the building was restored for the second time and millions of dollars which give it the look we know today which is closer to its original condition.
Today the Old Barracks is an iconic building with a rich history that educates the public and provides unique programming for individuals and children alike. Visitors across the world visit the Barracks for a unique look at America’s history.
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