Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bordentown, NJ
May 12, 2001
Captions are taken from the tour booklet. Text in parentheses are my comments. At the end I've included a map that will hopefully provide you with some spacial context for these landmarks.
Captions are taken from the tour booklet. Text in parentheses are my comments. At the end I've included a map that will hopefully provide you with some spacial context for these landmarks.
Old City Hall
11 Crosswicks Street
Headquarters of the Bordentown Historical Society and Official State Visitors Center. This brick Romanesque like building was the City's second city hall; a town landmark with the Queen Anne clock tower and Seth Thomas clock. The clock is dedicated to the late Bordentonian William F. Allen designer of standard time.
11 Crosswicks Street
Headquarters of the Bordentown Historical Society and Official State Visitors Center. This brick Romanesque like building was the City's second city hall; a town landmark with the Queen Anne clock tower and Seth Thomas clock. The clock is dedicated to the late Bordentonian William F. Allen designer of standard time.
Old City Hall Clock Tower
St. Mary's Catholic Church
45 Crosswicks Street
On land purchased from Francis Hopkinson the Catholic Parish erected this Gothic Revival building in 1870. The rose window, heavy buttresses and elaborate tracery are evidences of the Gothic Revival style. Money was raised from a parish fair and special collections. Because surrounding properties could not be purchased at the time of construction, the building
was angled from the street line.
(This is the church I attended from time to time.)
45 Crosswicks Street
On land purchased from Francis Hopkinson the Catholic Parish erected this Gothic Revival building in 1870. The rose window, heavy buttresses and elaborate tracery are evidences of the Gothic Revival style. Money was raised from a parish fair and special collections. Because surrounding properties could not be purchased at the time of construction, the building
was angled from the street line.
(This is the church I attended from time to time.)
St. Mary's Catholic Church Rectory
Newer construction...
Newer construction...
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Memorial to the unborn due to abortion...
Memorial to the unborn due to abortion...
Clara Barton School House
Crosswicks & Burlington Streets
The first successful tax-supported school in NJ, it was here that Clara Barton demonstrated in 1852 and 1853 that free public schools would work. The simple gabled building houses many interesting items including Miss Barton's original desk. Open by appointment.
Crosswicks & Burlington Streets
The first successful tax-supported school in NJ, it was here that Clara Barton demonstrated in 1852 and 1853 that free public schools would work. The simple gabled building houses many interesting items including Miss Barton's original desk. Open by appointment.
Monastery of St. Clare
Crosswicks Street
Originally the Mother House of the Sisters of Mercy, its cornerstone was laid in 1885. The convent was called St. Joseph's and for many years a Roman Catholic School, open to all creeds, was conducted here. Eventually the property was turned over to the Poor Clares, a cloistered order. The Byzantine type Chapel was added in 1931.
(Undergoing massive renovation, Monastery is the darker building, chapel is the center building.)
Crosswicks Street
Originally the Mother House of the Sisters of Mercy, its cornerstone was laid in 1885. The convent was called St. Joseph's and for many years a Roman Catholic School, open to all creeds, was conducted here. Eventually the property was turned over to the Poor Clares, a cloistered order. The Byzantine type Chapel was added in 1931.
(Undergoing massive renovation, Monastery is the darker building, chapel is the center building.)
432 Farnsworth Avenue
Built in the Federal period this handsome 18th century Philadelphia style brick dwelling features a cental entrance with sunburst fanlight and glass side panels common in that period. Odd is its absence of window surrounds.
Built in the Federal period this handsome 18th century Philadelphia style brick dwelling features a cental entrance with sunburst fanlight and glass side panels common in that period. Odd is its absence of window surrounds.
Presbyterian Manse, "The Julian House"
433 Farnsworth Avenue
Site of one of the early private schools in Bordentown, the Adelphi Institute 1866-1878, run by Professor Julian (A.K.A. Black Strap Jack). The house was given to the church by Mahlon Hutchinson in 1893. Items of interest include the picket fence which is a copy of one in Williamsburg, Va. and roof over the side door taken from Washington's Headquarters at
Valley Forge. The Julian House has a beautiful Greek Revival door surround with a square transom and sidelights. The facade is perfectly symmetric with its original panelled shutters and delicate panelled cornice.
433 Farnsworth Avenue
Site of one of the early private schools in Bordentown, the Adelphi Institute 1866-1878, run by Professor Julian (A.K.A. Black Strap Jack). The house was given to the church by Mahlon Hutchinson in 1893. Items of interest include the picket fence which is a copy of one in Williamsburg, Va. and roof over the side door taken from Washington's Headquarters at
Valley Forge. The Julian House has a beautiful Greek Revival door surround with a square transom and sidelights. The facade is perfectly symmetric with its original panelled shutters and delicate panelled cornice.
428 Farnsworth Avenue
This home is a heavy Italianate Villa style with bold window surrounds on the second floor and heavy cornice and door pediment. Unfortunately it's original clapboard siding was covered with stucco in later years. Do not miss the gorgeous iron fence and hitching post.
This home is a heavy Italianate Villa style with bold window surrounds on the second floor and heavy cornice and door pediment. Unfortunately it's original clapboard siding was covered with stucco in later years. Do not miss the gorgeous iron fence and hitching post.
First Presbyterian Church of Bordentown
Farnsworth Avenue
This church is a twin tower basilica with 5 bays. Dedicated on January 15, 1869 it was the first building in town to house a pipe organ. A tall steeple once crowned the bell tower until 1914 when it was removed for safety.
Farnsworth Avenue
This church is a twin tower basilica with 5 bays. Dedicated on January 15, 1869 it was the first building in town to house a pipe organ. A tall steeple once crowned the bell tower until 1914 when it was removed for safety.
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
36 East Burlington Street
Organized in 1841 and after occupying many locations the congregation built thie building in 1955. Like the larger churches in town, Mount Zion has a side tower and articulated stucco facade above the front stained glass window.
36 East Burlington Street
Organized in 1841 and after occupying many locations the congregation built thie building in 1955. Like the larger churches in town, Mount Zion has a side tower and articulated stucco facade above the front stained glass window.
Granite Monument
Corner of Hopkinson and East Burlington Streets
Commemorates William F. Powell eminent black educator and US Minister to Haiti from 1905 to 1907.
Corner of Hopkinson and East Burlington Streets
Commemorates William F. Powell eminent black educator and US Minister to Haiti from 1905 to 1907.
Old Friends Meeting House (center)
302 Farnsworth Avenue
Bordentown's first house of worship built in 1740 by the town's original Quaker settlers on land deeded from Joseph Borden. The Quaker's desire for simplicity is strongly reflected here in the two story plain building with a single cornice and simple post porch. Look closely at the brick markings reveal that at one time the second level was merely a knee wall and not a full story.
(The historical society is trying to raise money to restore this building. The building to the right is the Bank of Mid Jersey. It's
constructed in the Vault style.)
302 Farnsworth Avenue
Bordentown's first house of worship built in 1740 by the town's original Quaker settlers on land deeded from Joseph Borden. The Quaker's desire for simplicity is strongly reflected here in the two story plain building with a single cornice and simple post porch. Look closely at the brick markings reveal that at one time the second level was merely a knee wall and not a full story.
(The historical society is trying to raise money to restore this building. The building to the right is the Bank of Mid Jersey. It's
constructed in the Vault style.)
The Hilton House
100 Walnut Street
The original part of the house (showing) was built about 1750 of bricks brought from England. William Hilton conducted a private school here. Another example of the 2 1/2 story side hall floor plan.
100 Walnut Street
The original part of the house (showing) was built about 1750 of bricks brought from England. William Hilton conducted a private school here. Another example of the 2 1/2 story side hall floor plan.
The Frazer House
201 Prince Street
Home of Thomas Frazer captain in the British Army operating against the Colonists. His daughter Caroline married Prince Lucien Murat in 1831. Murat was the nephew of Joseph Bonaparte and spent 20 years in Bordentown. This a a perfect example of the 2 1/2 story side hall plan with gabled room end and simple raised entranceway that is common throughout
Bordentown.
201 Prince Street
Home of Thomas Frazer captain in the British Army operating against the Colonists. His daughter Caroline married Prince Lucien Murat in 1831. Murat was the nephew of Joseph Bonaparte and spent 20 years in Bordentown. This a a perfect example of the 2 1/2 story side hall plan with gabled room end and simple raised entranceway that is common throughout
Bordentown.
Christ Episcopal Church
130 Prince Street
The Episcopal church is a romantic English country stone church complete with lychgte. Although strongly Gothic from its steep roofline, pointed entrance and rose window and pyramid spire, the decorative stone string courses, window surrounds and heavy slate roof weigh the structure back to earth. The present Church was dedicated in 1879 when this building was
completed.
(This building is my favorite church building in the whole town, well, at least from the outside.)
130 Prince Street
The Episcopal church is a romantic English country stone church complete with lychgte. Although strongly Gothic from its steep roofline, pointed entrance and rose window and pyramid spire, the decorative stone string courses, window surrounds and heavy slate roof weigh the structure back to earth. The present Church was dedicated in 1879 when this building was
completed.
(This building is my favorite church building in the whole town, well, at least from the outside.)
The Swift Mansion
2 Prince Street
Built around 1850 this late Victorian Italian Revival home has a commanding view of the Delaware River valley. George W. Swift, Jr., inventor, purchased the property in 1911 for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations of lawful money of the US of A". He installed an elevator between the first and second floor, possibly the only private elevator in the area. Originally the
house was similar to 1 Prince Street but was given its Italianate look in the late 1800's.
2 Prince Street
Built around 1850 this late Victorian Italian Revival home has a commanding view of the Delaware River valley. George W. Swift, Jr., inventor, purchased the property in 1911 for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations of lawful money of the US of A". He installed an elevator between the first and second floor, possibly the only private elevator in the area. Originally the
house was similar to 1 Prince Street but was given its Italianate look in the late 1800's.
1 Prince Street
This house designed by John Notman in a transitional Federal/Italianate style. Originally the house was 3 bays square with a central entrance. This was altered when a fourth bay was added as well as the exquisite ironwork porches to hide the lack of facade symmetry. Other buildings Notman designed include the Trenton State Prison and The State Capitol.
This house designed by John Notman in a transitional Federal/Italianate style. Originally the house was 3 bays square with a central entrance. This was altered when a fourth bay was added as well as the exquisite ironwork porches to hide the lack of facade symmetry. Other buildings Notman designed include the Trenton State Prison and The State Capitol.
Marker Commemorating the Battle of the Kegs
"Water of the Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River join below. 22 vessels at Bordentown and 4 at White Hill were among the 44 that were destroyed in a British raid on May 8, 1778. All were trapped in the upper Delaware when the British took Philadelphia in September 1777. Sites in Crosswicks Creek containing the remains of two vessels are listed in the National Register of Historic Places."
"Commemorated May 20, 1990 by Rancocas Valley Chapter National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century"
"Water of the Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River join below. 22 vessels at Bordentown and 4 at White Hill were among the 44 that were destroyed in a British raid on May 8, 1778. All were trapped in the upper Delaware when the British took Philadelphia in September 1777. Sites in Crosswicks Creek containing the remains of two vessels are listed in the National Register of Historic Places."
"Commemorated May 20, 1990 by Rancocas Valley Chapter National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century"
[View of (from background to foreground) Pennsylvania, Delaware River, I-295 freeway bridge, Crosswicks Creek, Bordentown marina.)
From the Prince Street Overlook, near the Battle of Kegs Memorial.]
From the Prince Street Overlook, near the Battle of Kegs Memorial.]
Thomas Paine Statue
Front inscription from Thomas Paine Statue, above
"THOMAS PAINE 1737-1809
Father of the American Revolution"
"THOMAS PAINE 1737-1809
Father of the American Revolution"
Right side inscription from Thomas Paine Statue, above
"Paine's words and deeds put the concepts of independence, equality, democracy, abolition of slavery, representative government, and a constitution with a bill of rights on the American agenda."
"Paine's words and deeds put the concepts of independence, equality, democracy, abolition of slavery, representative government, and a constitution with a bill of rights on the American agenda."
Left side inscription from Thomas Paine statue, above
"I had rather see my horse button in his own stable, or eating the grass of Bordentown, than see all the pomp and show of Europe -- Letter from Europe 1789"
"I had rather see my horse button in his own stable, or eating the grass of Bordentown, than see all the pomp and show of Europe -- Letter from Europe 1789"
Rear inscription from Thomas Paine statue, above
"Paine considered Bordentown his home. It is here he invented his bridge.
Dedicated to the people of Bordentown from the Bordentown Historical Society, 6-7-97."
"Paine considered Bordentown his home. It is here he invented his bridge.
Dedicated to the people of Bordentown from the Bordentown Historical Society, 6-7-97."
(An interesting home along the route...)
10 Farnsworth Avenue
This is an excellent example of high victorian Italianate architecture. It features massive heavily carved doors, a sweeping porch with an ornate roof line, heavy balustrade, elaborate window hoods and a cornice space with huge paired brackets incorporating the attic windows to add to its enormity. Victorian opulence at its best.
This is an excellent example of high victorian Italianate architecture. It features massive heavily carved doors, a sweeping porch with an ornate roof line, heavy balustrade, elaborate window hoods and a cornice space with huge paired brackets incorporating the attic windows to add to its enormity. Victorian opulence at its best.
Joseph Borden House
32 Farnsworth Avenue
The present structure was built on the ruins of the original home of Colonel Joseph Borden. The first homestead was burned in June 1775 by the British as a retailiatory measure. The house features heavy Georgian details in the treatment of the doorway, window lintels and roof cornice. It is very symmetrical. The most notable feature on the property is the
ironwork "wheat sheaves" fence (not showing), one of the finest examples in the State. The side porch has cast iron columns.
32 Farnsworth Avenue
The present structure was built on the ruins of the original home of Colonel Joseph Borden. The first homestead was burned in June 1775 by the British as a retailiatory measure. The house features heavy Georgian details in the treatment of the doorway, window lintels and roof cornice. It is very symmetrical. The most notable feature on the property is the
ironwork "wheat sheaves" fence (not showing), one of the finest examples in the State. The side porch has cast iron columns.
Old Firehouse
36 Second
Another good example of sensitive adaptive reuse, it is now a private residence.
36 Second
Another good example of sensitive adaptive reuse, it is now a private residence.
Hilltop Park Entrance
Second Street
Franklin Carr Memorial Iris Garden
Second Street
Franklin Carr Memorial Iris Garden
Hilltop Park
Franklin Carr Memorial Iris Garden Plaque
"International Prize Winning Iris Hybridizer"
Franklin Carr Memorial Iris Garden Plaque
"International Prize Winning Iris Hybridizer"
Hilltop Park Walkway
(In the back of the park, there are homes, and in some cases, there are no fences to delineate the private property from the park.)
(In the back of the park, there are homes, and in some cases, there are no fences to delineate the private property from the park.)
Hilltop Park Overlook
Overlooks Crosswicks Creek, Bordentown marina, and Raritan (?) railroad.
Overlooks Crosswicks Creek, Bordentown marina, and Raritan (?) railroad.
Thompson Street
Behind Park Street between Second and Third Streets
This narrow street was believed to be created to accomodate the influx of working class in the early 1800's. This theory is supported by the small size and common age of the houses and the proximity to the riverfront. In the middle to late 1800's with the building of the canal and railroad Thompson Street became known as "Irish Town". Saturday nights local magistrates would close down the street because of the rowdy parties. The street today is a pure sampling of 19th Century wood-frame architecture and boasts a very active and proud neighborhood.
Behind Park Street between Second and Third Streets
This narrow street was believed to be created to accomodate the influx of working class in the early 1800's. This theory is supported by the small size and common age of the houses and the proximity to the riverfront. In the middle to late 1800's with the building of the canal and railroad Thompson Street became known as "Irish Town". Saturday nights local magistrates would close down the street because of the rowdy parties. The street today is a pure sampling of 19th Century wood-frame architecture and boasts a very active and proud neighborhood.
Joseph Hopkinson's House
63 Park Street
Once owned by Joseph Hopkinson author of "Hail Columbia" and son of Francis Hopkinson. The home was also owned by Joseph Bonaparte's physician in 1820 and served as part of the Bordentown Military Institute campus.
At one time the house was whitewashed to hide the alterations of later years. Look closely now because the bricks tell the story of the building's changes from a smaller side hall house to its present day appearance. Also worth noting are the decoratively laid Flemish bond bricks on the earliest sections of the house.
63 Park Street
Once owned by Joseph Hopkinson author of "Hail Columbia" and son of Francis Hopkinson. The home was also owned by Joseph Bonaparte's physician in 1820 and served as part of the Bordentown Military Institute campus.
At one time the house was whitewashed to hide the alterations of later years. Look closely now because the bricks tell the story of the building's changes from a smaller side hall house to its present day appearance. Also worth noting are the decoratively laid Flemish bond bricks on the earliest sections of the house.
Linden Hall
47-53 Park
Home of Prince Lucien Murat who with Madame Caroline Murat operated a world famous boarding school at this location. Now a row of separate private homes of many styles.
47-53 Park
Home of Prince Lucien Murat who with Madame Caroline Murat operated a world famous boarding school at this location. Now a row of separate private homes of many styles.
Francis Hopkinson House
101 Farnsworth
Built in 1750, this house became the home of Francis Hopkinson and his bride Anne Borden in 1768. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and author of the poem "The Battle of Kegs", Francis Hopkinson was also the first student enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. The house was spared burning by the British in 1778 because of a Hessian Officer's appreciation for Hopkinson's library. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Like many houses in town it has undergone numerous changes. The 18th Century Hopkinson house was originally only two stories with a
gable roof. Flemish bond brick, a pent roof and patterned end wall were added in 1850. The construction date is visible on the side wall facing Park Street (on the left in the picture). The mansard roof was added in 1902. The entrance however remains unaltered.
(Joseph Borden house is across the street on the opposite, diagonal corner. Patience Wright House is across the street.)
101 Farnsworth
Built in 1750, this house became the home of Francis Hopkinson and his bride Anne Borden in 1768. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and author of the poem "The Battle of Kegs", Francis Hopkinson was also the first student enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. The house was spared burning by the British in 1778 because of a Hessian Officer's appreciation for Hopkinson's library. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Like many houses in town it has undergone numerous changes. The 18th Century Hopkinson house was originally only two stories with a
gable roof. Flemish bond brick, a pent roof and patterned end wall were added in 1850. The construction date is visible on the side wall facing Park Street (on the left in the picture). The mansard roof was added in 1902. The entrance however remains unaltered.
(Joseph Borden house is across the street on the opposite, diagonal corner. Patience Wright House is across the street.)
Patience Wright House
100 Farnsworth Ave
Home of the first woman sculptress, Patience Wright was also an American spy in London during the Revolution. This building through the years has been a private residence, a fashionable boarding house and a doctor's office. Its roof cornice and dormers are unaltered and maintain their elegant Federal details.
100 Farnsworth Ave
Home of the first woman sculptress, Patience Wright was also an American spy in London during the Revolution. This building through the years has been a private residence, a fashionable boarding house and a doctor's office. Its roof cornice and dormers are unaltered and maintain their elegant Federal details.
Masonic Hall
119 Farnsworth Avenue
At one time this building was the first movie house in town, it later housed the Post Office. The Masons moved into the building in 1856.
119 Farnsworth Avenue
At one time this building was the first movie house in town, it later housed the Post Office. The Masons moved into the building in 1856.
Bordentown Honor Roll
Memorial to Veterans near Bordentown Honor Roll stucture.
Thomas Paine Plaque
"Thomas Paine Pamphleteer for American Independence, bought this house in 1783, and lived in it periodically until his death in 1809"
"Thomas Paine Pamphleteer for American Independence, bought this house in 1783, and lived in it periodically until his death in 1809"
Thomas Paine House
2 West Church Street corner of Farnsworth and Church
Although radically altered and sided this simple 3 bay 2 1/2 story side hall plan of this house is still visible on the second story attic levels of the Farnsworth Avenue facade.
2 West Church Street corner of Farnsworth and Church
Although radically altered and sided this simple 3 bay 2 1/2 story side hall plan of this house is still visible on the second story attic levels of the Farnsworth Avenue facade.
Horse Trough
Center of Crosswicks Street at Farnsworth Avenue
Erected in 1914 by the Alumni of The Bordentown Female College (1851-1891), the trough has recently been placed on the small island to protect it against modern day transportation.
Below you'll find a map of some of the streets that are mentioned in this tour. I include it here in hopes that it'll provide some context for the location of the landmarks. The marker on the map is at 119 Farnsworth, the Masonic Hall.
Center of Crosswicks Street at Farnsworth Avenue
Erected in 1914 by the Alumni of The Bordentown Female College (1851-1891), the trough has recently been placed on the small island to protect it against modern day transportation.
Below you'll find a map of some of the streets that are mentioned in this tour. I include it here in hopes that it'll provide some context for the location of the landmarks. The marker on the map is at 119 Farnsworth, the Masonic Hall.
There are more sights to see along this walking tour that are not chronicled in this picture portfolio. If
you ever find yourself in this area, I highly recommend doing this tour!
you ever find yourself in this area, I highly recommend doing this tour!
Designed by Joyce P. Simkin
Last updated in HTML: July 28, 2006
Last updated in Weebly: December 29, 2016
Last updated in HTML: July 28, 2006
Last updated in Weebly: December 29, 2016