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Historic stone railroad sleepers sit on the corner of Rogers and Railroad avenues

(Courtesy of Connor Montferrat)

HIGHTSTOWN -- A portion of the roadbed that was laid for New Jersey's first railroad has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The right-of-way site on Rogers Avenue in Hightstown was built in 1832 for the Camden & Amboy Railroad. It has 22 sleeper stones -- precursors to wooden ties that supported the iron rails -- that have been deliberately exposed for interpretation by the public.

"Our town has a long and interesting past," Hightstown Mayor Larry Quattrone said. "I hope that this designation will lead more people to take the time to learn about our unique heritage."

The site was discovered after operations of the Penn-Central Railroad ceased in 1983. It had been buried beneath a foot or more of fill, allowing it to be preserved for more than 125 years.

Borough officials said the designation makes it eligible for grants and certain tax provisions. It also requires any federal project that would impact the roadbed to allow comment from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

The site was added to the state's register earlier this year.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.