Hamilton Townsip, NJ

                                            http://www.hamiltonnj.com/content/83855/889/891/default.aspx

• Covering nearly 40-square miles, we are very much a community of neighborhoods nestled with over 64 public parks and playgrounds that include Veterans Park, the beautiful Sayen Gardens and acres of preserved open space. Our residents enjoy numerous sports and recreational opportunities and come together throughout the year to celebrate our special community events, such as at our annual Azalea Festival, Independence Day Fireworks and Concert celebration, September Fest Community Day, Fall Harvest and Winter Wonderland. And we are also home to a nationally renowned Senior Center that holds many programs throughout the year.
• Located in central New Jersey, we enjoy a prime location that is within an hours drive of New York City, Philadelphia, and the Jersey Shore. The New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate Highways 195 and 295, U.S. Highways 130 and 206 and State Highways 33 and 29 all pass through Hamilton Township. Our fully developed infrastructure is highlighted by a very convenient and attractive train station.Americas Favorite Hometown enjoys a deep-rooted history dating back to 1686, when our community was organized as the Town of Nottingham. We are home to several historic sites that provide us with an appreciation of the past while reminding us of our historical significance, such as the Sayen House, Kuser Mansion and the Grafton House. Not only can visitors enjoy these beautiful homes, but they can also host special events, such as wedding receptions, celebrations, business meetings or special gatherings. Also in Hamilton Township is a Civil War and Native American Museum that features Civil War exhibits and Delaware Indian artifacts.

In 1954, Helen Almy West documented the earliest days of our municipality when she authored “A History of Hamilton Township.”  Copies of this 120 page hard bound book are scarce.  The Hamilton Library is the best place to find one.  Two decades later, a group of locals organized the Hamilton Historical Association and a special committee from that organization accepted the task of publishing a 36 page brochure updating Ms. West’s book.  They called it “Old Nottingham.”  We invite you to visit the Hamilton Library so that you might enjoy a comprehensive tour through our colorful past.  The following summary of these two historical offerings are furnished as an incentive to anyone interested in our unique beginnings.  You may find that an understanding of our roots will provide a more vivid understanding of our current conditions and those we can look forward to in the new millennium.

John Abbott II House:

Situated in the shadow of Veterans Park, this elegant historic site still houses a secret involving patriot funds hidden from the British as they were advancing on Trenton in November of 1776.  Abbott, a bachelor 87 years old when he died in 1795 lived in the house built in 1730 by his father and located then on the North side of Crosswicks Creek.  The John Abbott House is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon to 5 pm.

Civil War and Native American Museum:

Located directly behind the Abbott House in Veterans Park, the museum has been in operation for three years.  The museum is showcasing exhibits dealing with the American Civil War as well as Delaware Indian artifacts.

Isaac Watson House:

Still beautiful with graceful architectural lines and thick walls and fireplaces, the Watson  House is one of the oldest homes in this area.  Park Avenue near South Broad Street Park was a wilderness when the house was built in 1708 on 800 acres of land.

Isaac Pearson House:

Elected several times to the State Assembly, Isaac Pearson was reported to have done much entertaining in this house until the rebellion broke out against England.  While riding on horseback to New Brunswick, he was killed either by robbers or Continentals who were angry with his siding with the British.  Hamilton Township recently took possession of the home and is now in the process of restoring the site and converting it for use as a tourist attraction.

Timeline of Hamilton Township: