Port Mercer Canal House 4278 Quaker Bridge Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
About the Business
The Port Mercer Canal House, located at 4278 Quaker Bridge Road in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, is a historic institution that was built in the 1830s next to a swing bridge over the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Originally constructed to house the bridgetender and his family, the Canal House has been restored by the Lawrence Historical Society to reflect the time period of 1890-1920.
The Delaware and Raritan Canal, which opened in 1834, provided a vital waterway for transportation of goods between Philadelphia and New York City until its closure in 1932. Central New Jerseyans were isolated before the canal's construction, and the labor of thousands of Irish immigrants helped create this important transportation route.
During its heyday, the Port Mercer area was a bustling community with barges, ferries, and pleasure boating along the canal. However, as railroads took over the shipping business, the canal ceased to show a profit after 1892 and was eventually closed to commercial navigation in the 1930s.
Today, the Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Port Mercer Canal House are recognized as a state park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the history of the canal and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of this important piece of New Jersey's past. The institution is easily accessible from major highways such as Route 1 and Interstate 295, making it a convenient destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Photos
Location & Phone number
4278 Quaker Brg Rd, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, United States
Reviews
"Very nice setting. Some great old photos placed to allow u to imagine what it used to look like."
"I road the D&R Canal- Main Branch on a Sunday morning. I used this area for parking. Plenty of parking ( there is parking lots on both sides of the canal. The trail is pretty busy, but once you get above Princeton the crowds thin out."
"One of the best kept secrets in Central New Jersey! Great way to get some exercise and enjoy the Labor Day Weekend!"
"This is an excellent place to find waterfowl especially in the Spring and Fall.The 2 small lakes hold birds both in the water and on land year round. This may have the highest density of bird species of any place I go to."
"Beautiful location along the scenic D&R Canal Trail, great for walking, running, and biking."
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