9 Towns in New Jersey With Rich History

New Jersey’s historic appeal lies in its settlement history, cultural scene, and geographical setting on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Settled by Dutch and Swiss explorers in the 1660s, New Jersey was first home to the Delaware Indians long before settlements. One of the Original 13 colonies of America, The Garden State combines history with a vacation atmosphere, making a family trip or weekend getaway both entertaining and educational.

From the historic experience beautified by artistic galleries and cultural displays like in Hackensack to Cape May, one of the oldest beach towns in America, the towns in New Jersey with rich history are a well-rounded blend of various atmospheres.

Princeton

Located halfway between the bustling metropolises of New York City and Philadelphia, Princeton stands out as an exceptional destination for those seeking a retreat from urban life. Named after Prince William of Orange and Nassau, this charming city offers a blend of historical significance and contemporary allure. Experiencing economic prosperity due to its location, Princeton's main historic attractions include the central business district of Nassau Street and Palmer Square, built in the 1900s.

Highlights of any visit to this historic town also include well-preserved structures such as the Grover Cleveland Home, Prospect House and Gardens dating back to 1851, and Drumthwacket, a mansion that once served as the primary residence for the governor of New Jersey. In addition to being a historical society, Princeton is also one of the best college towns in America for its University, founded in 1746, which now ranks as the single best University in America according to the USA News and World Report.

Hackensack

Hackensack stands out as one of the larger historic communities in New Jersey, located 17.6 mi from the major metropolitan city of New York, and is a popular touristy small town for being the filming spot of multiple Hollywood classics like the Sopranos and the Brewster’s Millions. The historic element in Hackensack is emphasized by important war landmarks like the Site of the Burned Courthouse and Jail, the Hackensack War Memorial statue, the Bergen County Court House, and The Civil War Drill Hall Theatre.

Aside from historic buildings and landmarks, Hackensack is also distinguished by its exceptional dining experience and artistic displays like the Edward Williams Gallery, Hackensack Cultural Arts Center, and Riverside Gallery. Visitors can enjoy fine dining at locally renowned restaurants like Rosa Mexicano at Riverside Square, The Crow’s Nest, and White Manna hamburgers (initially built for the 1939 World Fair). Wrap up your visit to Hackensack with an upscale shopping experience at The Shops at Riverside.

Cape May

The first vacation town in New Jersey ranks for its status as a famous resort town from the 1700s and played a significant role in protecting New Jersey during World War II. Adorned with beautiful Victorian homes and locally renowned for its boardwalk and entertainment-focused businesses, visitors to this small historic town can learn about early American history while enjoying family-friendly activities emphasized by waterfront vistas.

From the iconic Cape May Lighthouse built in 1859 to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts that showcases the historic creative efforts of locals and The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, a visit to Cape May is a well-rounded experience that tailors to all interests. A visit to Cape May offers historic lodging options that set it apart from other small towns in New Jersey. Some of the top-rated options include The Chalfonte Hotel, built in 1876, the Queen Victoria Building on Ocean Street, and the Victorian Congress Hall, which has served as a resort since 1816.

Bordentown

Bordentown, with a founding history that dates back to 1678, served as an essential riverport town along the Delaware River, connecting Philadelphia and New York. Today, the small village ranks for its many events and shows like the fall Cranberry festival, summer Garden Tours, and the annual Street Of Dreams classic car show. To learn more about the town’s history, visitors can stop by the Bordentown Historical Society Museum and browse galleries and antique shops of the town’s historic downtown district, like The Artful Deposit and The Firehouse Gallery, built in 1970.

Additionally, quirky local businesses complement the town’s historic allure, with some of the must-visit places being The Record Collector vinyl shop and The Old Bookshop, along with historic buildings like the First Bank on Farnsworth Ave, and home of the American Congressman Joseph Hopkinson with purchasing history that extends all the way back to 1820.

Allentown

The small historic community of Allentown has founding roots that can be traced back to the 18th century and was built around the town’s mill as an agricultural village. Today, Allentown attracts visitors for its untouched historical attractions of homes and more and stands out as one of the only places in New Jersey that still cherishes the slow life and simple living.

The historic district of Allentown features over 219 buildings, with its famous mill now functioning as a coffee house where visitors are allowed an insight into the town’s most iconic landmark. Other must-see attractions in the city include the John Imlay Mansion and the Ashford Estate, which now hosts local weddings.

Haddonfield

Located a short drive from Philadelphia, sitting 13.2 mi away, Haddonfield is the perfect historical and contemporary balance of atmospheres. Settled in 1682, Haddonfield is one of the oldest and most sought-after towns for small-town living. The Indian King Tavern Museum stands as one of the town’s most famous landmarks for playing an essential role as a meeting space in the 1700s during the American Revolutionary War, while other buildings like the Greenfield Hall housing the town’s historical society and the guard house also contribute to the historic element. Contemporary art dots the streets of Haddonfield, making for a memorable art-hopping itinerary, with some of the most notable sculptures being the Haddonfield Militiaman and the newly added Baby Hippo.

History in Haddonfield is also experienced through flavorful itineraries through the town’s most popular coffee shops, dining spots, and mom-and-pop shops. When browsing the historic downtown, visitors can find a savory experience at the old chocolate shop of Duffy’s Fine Chocolates that dates back to 1922, the Italian Il Villaggio Restaurant, and Crust N Fire for authentic American grub.

Clinton

Famed for its iconic Red Mill, Clinton is one of the less popular historic escapes in New Jersey, but is one of the best destinations to experience a laidback countryside living escape. Established in 1865 and located 31 mi from Allentown, some of the must-see attractions in Clinton include the Hunterdon Art Museum and the walkable historic district featuring buildings like Dunham’s Mill and multiple historic churches such as the Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church, and the former Baptist Church.

Clinton spans 1.4 sq mi, making it hard to miss its main shopping district of staple locally owned businesses like the Clinton Bagel Company, Dickens Jewelers that dates back to 1989, and Designer Dawgs, renowned as one of the quirkiest businesses for turning Hot Dogs into a gourmet dining experience.

Montclair

Montclair is an upscale community that balances a well-rounded, entertainment-centric experience of museums and art exhibits. With its mountainous setting, the small town of Montclair rests near the Watchung Mountains and was originally part of Bloomfield, New Jersey, before officially becoming its own community in 1868. The perfect family escape and weekend getaway, Montclair boasts world-class events like the Montclair Film Festival and Wellmont Theater, founded in 1921.

A visit to Montclair is also emphasized by outdoor experiences thanks to its many parks and recreation areas, with some of the most notable being the Presby Iris Gardens, established in 1927, and the Alonzo F Bonsal Wildlife Preserve, that makes for an excellent hiking destination.

​​Morristown

Morristown, settled in 1715, was named after Governor Lewis Morris and established as an independent town in 1865. The city served as a base for George Washington’s continental army, with some of the most notable locations being the Jockey Hollow and the Ford Mansion. Today, Morristown stands out for being one of the best places to learn about history thanks to its museums and preserved buildings like the Morris Museum showcasing artifacts of household items, instruments, and more, and the Speedwell featuring over seven buildings and a hydraulic-powered forges that were once main producers of industrial and agricultural machinery.

Visitors can step back into history when visiting Morristown National Historical Park, once housed by American troops, to indulge in a nature-centric historical experience and explore the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, which blends art and nature-promoting horticulture through nonprofit creative efforts.

While many visit New Jersey for its natural abundance and diverse eco-rich settings, some of its most popular vacation spots are also historical hubs to embrace the cultural heritage and learn about historically significant events that shaped America. From the historic college town of Princeton and the riverport of Bordentown, to Cape May, the oldest seaside resort, the rich history of New Jersey's towns await your next vacation.