Welcome to Somerset County's fourth "Weekend Journey Through the Past", a perfect opportunity to take your family on a weekend outing to visit and immerse yourself in the past. We invite you to take this opportunity to feed your curiosity and expand your knowledge through the discovery of many fascinating aspects and oral histories surrounding the twenty-five significant historic sites open for touring all weekend-long. You will learn much about their former occupants, some among which were quite distinguished statesmen and national leaders; how they occupied their day to day lives, from daily work responsibilities and pleasurable pastimes to the difficult hardships endured during the American Revolution.

All participating sites are open free of charge for visitors on Saturday, October 10 from 10 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and on Sunday, October 11 from noon until 5:00 P.M. You will find, herein, suggested tours - North, Central and South, grouping sites logically by area and winding you through scenic by-ways in hopes of making your journey more pleasurable.

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Northern Tour - The Watchung Mountains

The Northern Tour consists of eight historic sites lying in the Watchung Mountain area of northeastern Somerset County. Because the area was never heavily industrialized, it still retains much of the charm from its colonial farming roots. Driving along the county roads, it is easy to imagine what the area would have been like during the time of the Revolutionary War.

You can start your journey through the Watchung Mountains from any one of the participating sites and travel in either direction. Maps and guides will be available at each of the sites.  The total diving distance of the Northern Tour is approximately 25 miles round trip.

Central Tour - The Old York Road

The Central Tour consists of twelve historic sites, but only ten stops. Two of the sites are part of the Somerset County Court House Green; and the Wallace House and the Old Dutch Parsonage, share the same parking area and visitor center. All twelve sites lie within a short distance from one of Somerset County's first primary roads - the Old York Road.

The road, which predates the Revolutionary War, was one of the main routes for transporting goods overland between Somerset County and Philadelphia. After the war, the Swift-sure stagecoach line used the road to provide scheduled passenger service – it departed Newark at 6 AM, passing through Elizabeth, Bound Brook, Somerville, and reached Philadelphia the next evening.

While the name and alignment has changed in many areas, there are numerous segments where the original road remains intact. Even a few of the historic buildings that once dotted the route can still be identified. You can start your journey along the Old York Road from any one of the participating sites and travel in either direction. Maps and guides will be available at each of the sites.  The total diving distance of the Central Tour is approximately 15 miles each way.

Southern Tour - The D&R Canal

The Southern Tour consists of five historic sites connected by some of Somerset County's most scenic roads. The route parallels both sides of the Millstone River and D&R canal - from Millstone Borough to Rocky Hill. You can enter the tour at any of the five sites and follow it in either direction. Maps and guides will be available at each of the sites. The total diving distance is approximately 23 miles.

There are numerous picturesque spots along the route where you can stop and take short hikes along the D&R tow path. The D&R Canal is very popular with hikers, recreational boaters, bicyclists, and photographers. Because the roads are narrow, please watch out for cyclists and pedestrians.