Old Barracks (Old Barracks Museum) in Trenton, New Jersey, is a unique historical monument preserved from the colonial period. Located at 101 Barracks Street, this stone building was constructed in 1758 to house soldiers of the British army during the French and Indian War, when local residents complained about forced military conscription in their homes. The original building had a U-shaped layout and could accommodate up to 300 soldiers at the same time.
These barracks gained particular importance during the American Revolutionary War. In autumn 1776, they were used by Hessian soldiers—German mercenaries serving the British Crown. They camped here for the winter, and it was here that one of the most iconic events of the revolution took place—the Battle of Trenton. On the night of December 26, George Washington, with his troops, made a legendary crossing of the Delaware River to surprise attack the Hessians in Trenton who were in the barracks. The American victory in this battle was a significant morale booster for their army.
After the war, the building was sold and converted into private residential premises. In 1813, one part of it was demolished to make way for a new street, and another part served as a shelter for elderly women from 1855 to 1899. By the late 19th century, activists emerged advocating for the preservation of the Old Barracks as an important historical site. In 1902, members of the Daughters of the Revolution organization, led by Bula Oliphant, bought part of the building to preserve it. And in 1914, the state of New Jersey acquired another part and established a museum, which remains open to visitors today.
Today, the Old Barracks Museum is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday year-round. It offers an immersive experience into the past, providing the opportunity to learn more about soldiers' lives and the revolutionary events of the 18th century. The highlight of the museum's year is the annual reenactment of the Battle of Trenton, which attracts historians and enthusiasts from across the state and the country.
This museum is not only a place to study military history but also a monument of human resilience, national consciousness, and an important reminder of the fight for freedom that took place on these lands.
Current information:
Address: 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ 08608, United States
Contacts: +1 (609)-396-1776
