By Erin McFeeters
New Jersey has a unique combination of farmland, beaches, and downtowns. For being the 5th smallest state in the country, it has a lot to offer. New Jersey is also one of the 13 original colonies giving it a rich history and historical destinations. Even if you’re a New Jersey native, there are places throughout the state you may have yet to see. Here are five landmark places to add to your list:
Liberty State Park
Located in Jersey City, this park has sights like no other. Lady Liberty herself is in perfect view from the park and so is an unparalleled view of the New York City skyline. The park features a 2-mile walkway connecting the beautiful picnic area with the ferry terminal. The “Empty Sky” 9/11 Memorial is also on the park’s property, featuring two stainless steel walls that glimmer in the natural light and honor the 749 New Jersey lives lost on 9/11.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
This historical destination is at the northern end of Sandy Hook located on Fort Hancock, a former United States Army fort. The fort played a crucial role in harbor defense since 1764, when the lighthouse was first built. Now, the lighthouse is known as the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, only going dark during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I and II. Today, many of the fort’s artillery buildings are abandoned. However, some have been converted into offices.
Lucy the Elephant
Standing 65 feet tall in Margate, Lucy the Elephant is unlike any other attraction in the world. She was built in 1881 by James Lafferty and has been an eye-catching tourist destination ever since. At her height, Lucy could be spotted pre-skyscraper era by seamen during their voyages along the New York Harbor. Various families owned Lucy throughout her lifetime, but she is now operated as a museum, with a café area and gift shop.
Princeton University
Princeton University is the fourth oldest college in the United States. Established in 1746 the university’s history spans from colonial times to the 21st century. Fun fact: the college was initially named the College of New Jersey and was located in Newark. The college didn’t move to Princeton until 1756 and wasn’t officially known as Princeton University until 1896. In 1933, Albert Einstein’s office was located on the Princeton University campus, and his classroom can still be visited today by taking the campus tour. His home on Mercer Street is also still in tact and owned by the university’s Institute for Advanced Study. Other historical places to visit in Princeton include the Governor’s Mansion, Princeton Battlefield State Park, and the Princeton Cemetery.
Paterson Great Falls
Paterson’s claim to fame is pioneering methods for harnessing water power for industrial use. As America’s first planned industrial city, Paterson is known as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Paterson was established by the Society for Establishing Useful Manufacturers, S.U.M. for short, an organization co-founded by Alexander Hamilton. His goal with the organization was to bring industry into the United States, operated by private interests, but with the support of the government. Today, Paterson Great Falls is a national park that people near and far visit daily, and Hamilton’s statue stands tall near the entrance.