Strolling through Cranbury, New Jersey

Strolling through Cranbury, New Jersey

The Village of Cranbury, located in southern Middlesex County, New Jersey, is a small but charming community. The earliest records of the town date back to March 1, 1698, when a deed of sale for land “with all improvements” was recorded between Josiah Prickett and John Harrison. However, it is believed that there were settlers in the area as early as 1680.

Cranbury was established along what would later become George’s Road, one of the main roads between New York City and Philadelphia. Since it was roughly half-way in between these two major cities, it would see many travelers and thus necessitated the building of inns. It was roughly a day’s trip in each direction to either city by stagecoach and was a logical location to stop and change horses or spend the night. The present Cranbury Inn, was built circa 1800 by Peter Perrine as his home. It was converted in 1808 by Captain Timothy Horner, who named it the United States Hotel. In 1920, it was renamed the Cranbury Inn.

During the Revolutionary War, Cranbury temporarily became headquarters for the American army. Both Alexander Hamilton and Marquis de Lafayette quartered in Cranbury on June 25, 1778 and General George Washington and his staff set up a headquarters on June 26^th. Washington and his army arrived at Cranberry Town (sic) at 9:00 am on Friday, June 26^th, having marched the night from Kingston. From Cranbury, Washington issued many orders related to the Battle of Monmouth, approximately fifteen miles away. After sundown on June 26^th, Washington sent his last dispatch at 9:30 pm and left Cranbury.

After the Revolution, Cranbury remained a mostly agricultural town, with a grist mill, tanneries, blacksmiths, carriage manufacturers, and wheelwrights. A number of homes and churches dotted Main Street. The first schools were organized in 1850. In 1896, a large brick schoolhouse was built to consolidate the smaller one-room schools. Today, the Old School serves as Cranbury’s Town Hall.

The Camden and Amboy Railroad came through Cranbury in 1832. A stop was established at Cranbury Station. The route stretched from South Amboy to Camden.

Cranbury has been spelled many ways throughout its history. On maps dating to the mid 1800s, the name appears as Cranberry, Cranberry Town, or Cranbury. In 1857, Reverend Joseph G. Symmes argued that Cranberry was an improper spelling and that the "Bury" was more appropriate and in the manner of Old English. By 1869 the name permanently changed to Cranbury. On March 7, 1872, Cranbury Township was officially established from parts of South Brunswick and Monroe Townships.

In 1979, Cranbury’s special characteristics were recognized when over 200 buildings were entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. The village was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Today as you walk down Main Street, passing by many homes that were built over 200 years ago, along the same streets that Revolutionary troops marched down when heading toward the Battle of Monmouth, you gain a feeling of nostalgia because of the care and passion the homeowners put into their properties, preserving the architecture and elements that make Cranbury a window into the past.

Additional photos of my trip to Cranbury on Pinterest

For More Information

Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society

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