Ward's Point

Ward's Point is an archaeological site at the southernmost tip of New York State, featuring extensive shell deposits and prehistoric remains scattered along the shoreline of Raritan Bay. The 33-acre complex displays layered settlement evidence spanning thousands of years of human occupation.

Indigenous communities established permanent settlements at this location roughly 8000 years ago and occupied it for thousands of years afterward. The site gained scientific attention in the mid-1800s when early archaeological discoveries were recorded, leading to ongoing research.

The site served as a long-term settlement and burial place for indigenous peoples who left behind layers of shells, tools, and remains that tell the story of their lives here. This heritage remains central to understanding the region's first inhabitants and their connection to the bay.

The site sits within Conference House Park and is accessible to visitors with educational programs and occasional guided tours available. The grounds are protected and naturally vegetated, so sturdy footwear and attention to uneven terrain are advisable.

Excavations uncovered skeletal remains with distinctive trauma marks, including evidence of multiple arrowhead injuries that suggest prehistoric conflicts. These rare discoveries provide insight into the dangers and struggles faced by the site's earliest inhabitants.