Colonial Houses

The William Trent House - built 1719 as the Trent's summer home. Mr. Trent laid out a street plan on his land which became Trent's Town now known as Trenton, New Jersey. It was explained that the cupola on top of the house was not only a convenient place to see the ships on the river but was also colonial air conditioning. By opening the windows in the cupola and the front and back doors of the house the heat from the house escaped which drew a breeze in through the doors.

This is the Craig Farmhouse. The farm was acquired in 1720. The center part of the house was built in 1746.   This was a big farmhouse in those days. This house was not far from the Revolutionary War Battle of Monmouth. The house was not fired upon but retreating British soldiers passed it. There is a story that the house was used as a hospital and that British soldiers were buried out back.

The Covenhoven House was built in 1752. This also was a farmhouse in a similar size and design as the Craig house but the interior is a little fancier.  Prior to the Battle of Monmouth Mrs. Covenhoven heard that the British were approaching. The British soldiers burned and/or plundered all the belongings of the houses of rebel sympathizers so she packed up her furniture into several wagons and sent them off to be hidden. When the British General Clinton arrived he decided to stay in the house. He asked his "hostess" where her furniture was. She explained why it wasn't there. He told her that, of course, her home and belongings would be safe. She sent men off to retrieve the wagons...shortly before the General locked her in her milk room. However, when the wagons arrived it was night so they decided to unload the furniture in the morning. At sunrise, they discovered the wagons had been stolen in the night. At least, they didn't burn the house.

Morning temperature: 56 degrees

Steps: 10,417