If you’re looking for a fun and surprisingly informative way to explore New Jersey’s capital city, lace up your sneakers and walk the “Revolutionary Mile” — a one-and-a-half-mile route through downtown Trenton that connects more than 30 historic landmarks.
The course follows the same streets where George Washington’s troops once marched, weaving past centuries-old churches, homes, and monuments that tell the story of the city’s vital role in America’s founding. Last month, the Trenton Downtown Association sponsored an event which featured a run that started at Warren and Front Streets at the sound of a musket firing. For those of us that wanted to savor all the history at a slower pace, a walking group left after the runners, so we could take our time, studying the sites, asking questions, etc. No matter which group you joined, however, this mile (1.5 miles to be exact), blends exercise and history, inviting participants to experience Trenton’s revolutionary and even earlier past, one step at a time.
For the event, the course was well marked with large yellow umbrellas marking historic sites, and a docent was on hand at each site, but even without the docents, you can certainly look up each site on your phone as you go, learning its history, and imagining a day in the life. Using the map at the end of the article will allow you to plan the sites you want to see, but here were some of my favorite
- The First Presbyterian Church in Trenton is at 120 East State Street. The first congregation got together at that location in 1712, and their first church was built in 1726. It’s quite a site, and I can imagine the singing that has taken place inside that space.
- The Douglass House. This house, at the corner of Front and Montgomery Streets, in Mill Hill, served as Washington’s headquarters prior to the Battle of Princeton in 1777. I have to say it is very cute.
- Old City Hall. Located at 319 East State Street, the “Old City Hall” is a Beaux-Arts style building, made of Vermont marble, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Trenton Battle Monument. Located at 348 North Warren Street, this monument marks the site of the American artillery emplacement at King and Queen Streeets, now known as Warren and Broad. The Monument, made of granite, was designed by John J. Duncan, in the Beaux Arts style. It commemorates the first Battle of Trenton. The decorations include acanthus leaves and a ring of stars. It’s fabulous!
- Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church has quite a unique style! Established in 1703, St. Michael’s is a founding parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. Its present building, located at 140 North Warren Street was built in 1747–1748, and was renovated in 1810 and then again in 1847–1848.
- The Masonic Temple Hall. This is a beautiful building. The first professional basketball game was played here on, on November 7, 1896. The Trenton YMCA team defeated the Brooklyn YMCA team.
- John Fitch’s Gun Shop. There is a marker on North Warren Street on North Warren Street commemorating John Fitch’s Gun Shop, which obviously no longer exists. Fitch manufactured guns for the Continental Army. He also built the first steamboat in America.
- And finally, the Old Barracks. Erected during the French and Indian War, the Old Barracks were constructed after locals became tired of housing soldiers in their homes. During the Revolutionary War, the Barracks were used by both sides! The Old Barracks are located at 101 Barrack Street. The Docent at the Barracks is VERY knowledgeable.
But this is your tour to create! Check out the list of sites on the map below and create your own route. Then walk in the paths of history. It is amazing how much history one can find within one mile.
