Old Barracks Museum 🇺🇸

Step into living history at the Old Barracks Museum, located at 101 Barracks Street in Trenton, New Jersey. Originally constructed in 1758 to house British soldiers during the French and Indian War, this historic site stands today as New Jersey's only remaining colonial barracks. When you visit this state-run museum and National Historic Landmark, you are exploring one of the very few tangible surviving physical elements of the pivotal 1776 Battle of Trenton. As you tour the site, you will discover a fascinating story of military struggle and preservation.

The original U-shaped stone structure once housed up to 300 soldiers at a time and served various roles throughout the American Revolutionary War. It housed Hessian troops, British forces, Continental Army soldiers, and even operated as a military hospital. After the war, the building served as private residences and a home for elderly women before being preserved and converted into a public museum in 1914. By visiting, you will experience a critical piece of military heritage right in downtown Trenton.

You can explore the historic stone architecture and learn how this unique structure survived centuries of change. It offers you a direct connection to George Washington's famous surprise attack and revolutionary history.

What to see at Old Barracks Museum

• The only remaining colonial barracks in New Jersey, built in 1758.
• A tangible surviving site connected to the 1776 Battle of Trenton.
• Historic stone architecture built to house up to 300 soldiers.
• Former Revolutionary War military hospital and Hessian winter quarters.
• Annual Battle of Trenton Reenactments held at the historic site.

Visiting tips

Plan your visit Monday through Saturday to explore the museum year round, or time your trip to witness the annual Battle of Trenton Reenactments.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Monday–Saturday

How to get there & what’s nearby

Old Barracks Museum is easy to reach on Trenton’s public transport, and pairs naturally with New Jersey State House and Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Trenton travel guide.