The Oldest Road In America, The King’s Highway, Passes Right Through New Jersey

New Jersey is overflowing with history! Just last week, I shared the story of the world’s largest lightbulb, located along the Lincoln Highway. The Lincoln Highway is one of the oldest transcontinental highway routes in America designed for automobiles. Over a century old, it once ran from Times Square in New York to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. While the Lincoln Highway has a fascinating history, New Jersey is home to a road that’s even older.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The Kings Highway was an approximately 1,300-mile road constructed between 1650-1735. O World Of Photos/Flickr It was built on the order of King Charles II of England and ran through his American Colonies. TastyCakes/Wikipedia Once used by post riders to deliver mail, it was eventually widened and smoothed to accommodate horse-drawn wagons and stagecoaches. Herman Moll/Wikipedia As the U.S. highway system grew, much of King's Highway became Route 1. Jack Boucher/Wikipedia However, parts of the original route can still be enjoyed. Every New Jerseyan should take a road trip along the King's Highway Historic District. KForce/Wikipedia The highway once ran through towns including Newark, Elizabeth, Rahway, Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, Princeton, Lawrenceville, Trenton, Bordentown, and Burlington. Though fragments remain in many of these towns (and others), you can enjoy an entire segment of it... Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Along Route 206 between mile markers 48.30 and 53.90 and along New Jersey Route 27 from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 4.10! Famartin/Wikipedia The King's Highway Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. It's home to a host of important sites, including the Kingston Bridge which was built 1798. It replaced one destroyed by George Washington's troops to prevent British pursuit. Zeete/Wikipedia The road passes through 8 different historic districts and 6 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kforce/Wikipedia These include: Drumthwacket (the governor's mansion), Morven (now a museum & garden), the Maclean House, the Lawrenceville School, Nassau Hall (now part of Princeton University and once the United States' capitol building), and the Joseph Henry House.

It’s a fun drive, great for photographers and explorers. Both Drumthwacket and Morven are open for tours!