Cedar Bridge Tavern Country Historic Site – Historically Bound in Barnegat

On Jul 15, 2021

George Washington slept many places, but the strategically located Cedar Bridge Tavern, deep in the Pine Barrens along a stagecoach route between Camden and the Jersey Shore, reportedly was a regular stop for Washington on the way to his headquarters. Built in 1740 as a hotel and restaurant, Cedar Bridge Tavern also is close to where the last skirmish of the American Revolution took place in 1782 – an event re-enacted annually – and is believed to be the oldest intact bar in the US. 

The tavern’s historic significance prompted Ocean County to purchase the property in 2008. As the tavern had fallen into disrepair, the county committed to restore it before this historic treasure was beyond saving. The $2.2-million project, partially funded by grants, would refurbish the site to its former glory while celebrating Ocean County’s Colonial history. 

 The extensive restoration included the refurbishing and adaptive use of the historic building’s 4,300 square feet and adding an outdoor classroom facility and caretaker’s cottage. The building’s original section includes a bar room, dining room and bedrooms. Wherever possible, original moldings, windows, doors and fireplaces were saved, and period wall coverings and architectural details restored. The traditional framing, masonry, cedar shakes, and metal roof systems were restored, as were doors, windows and hardware, with attention paid to interior historic finishes, including plaster, wood, floors and painting. New HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems were carefully installed to minimize damage to historic elements, and state-of-the-art cameras and an alarm system were installed for security. 

The site includes on-site parking, restrooms, ADA and wheelchair-accessible first floor and grounds, and interpretive signage for self-guided tours. The first floor features historical exhibits, while a rotating display on the second floor showcases the tavern’s significance in the American Revolution. Recognized with a State of New Jersey Historic Preservation Award, Cedar Bridge Tavern is considered one of the most authentic of its kind in New Jersey and is on the US National Register of Historic Places. 

ARCHITECT 

Historic Building Architects LLC Trenton 

BUILDER 

Dell-Tech Inc.
Trenton 

NOMINATOR 

Kristopher Krzyston, 
Vice President 
and Regional 
Practice Leader,
T&M Associates

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