Old Barracks Museum

The Old Barracks Museum is a restored stone military building in Trenton that displays weapons, uniforms, and personal items from soldiers of the 1700s. The building is arranged so visitors can walk through rooms set up as they were during wartime, with period furnishings and explanations of soldier life.

The building was constructed in 1758 as housing for British troops and served that purpose until the Battle of Trenton in 1776, when General Washington seized it for the Continental Army. This moment marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The building takes its name from its original purpose as soldier housing and now displays how basic life was for troops in the 1700s. Visitors can see the simple sleeping quarters and common areas to understand daily routines of soldiers from that era.

The museum is located in downtown Trenton and visitors can explore multiple rooms across different levels, so comfortable walking shoes and time to look around are helpful. Some stairs are narrow, and the stone building can feel cool inside.

The building was the site of a groundbreaking medical experiment where hundreds of soldiers were inoculated against smallpox between 1777 and 1783. This program was the first large-scale attempt to prevent disease through inoculation and helped protect the Continental Army during the war.

Location: Trenton

Inception: 1914

Phone: +16093961776

Email: info@barracks.org

Website: https://barracks.org

GPS coordinates: 40.21972,-74.76861

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08