State House Historic District

Trenton City, Mercer County, NJ

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Photo: Old Barracks Museum, circa 1758. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Photographer: wikipedia username: Kenneth C. Zirkel, 2024, [CC-4.0], accessed July, 2025.

The Trenton State House Historic District [†], located in Trenton, New Jersey, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and 1992. The district, roughly bounded by Capital Plaza, Willow, State, and Lafayette Streets, covers approximately 25 acres. It is significant for its architecture, education, military, and politics/government, representing two centuries of American life.

Architectural Significance

The district showcases a variety of architectural styles from the 19th century, including late Federal, Greek Revival, mid-century eclecticism, Richardsonian Ashlar, and Georgian Revival, culminating in early skyscrapers. These buildings, primarily found on West State Street, contrast with the larger public buildings like the State Capitol and State Cultural Center, housing law and medical offices, small businesses, and apartments.

Key Structures

• The State House

  The second oldest State House in continuous use in America, its history dates back to 1792. It has undergone numerous building programs and reflects a multi-chaptered history of governmental architecture, predominantly in the Classical Revival style. Notable architects involved in its development include Jonathan Doane (original 1792 structure), John Notman (who Italianized the Doane structure and added a dome), Samuel Sloan (who extended the South wing), and Lewis Broome (who designed the present pedimented state house).

• The Kelsey Building

  Designed by Cass Gilbert and built around 1911, this five-story brick building with decorative tile details dominates the eastern intersection of the historic district. Gilbert adapted a Florentine Palazzo type for modern classroom and office use, focusing on color effects with extensive use of Trenton-made tile, brick, and wrought iron.

• Residential Homes

  West State Street features a comprehensive collection of residential buildings reflecting diverse architectural phases. Examples include:

  • 107 and 109 West State Street: Ionic order Greek Revival three-story townhouses from circa 1830-1840, retaining many original details like plaster ceilings and Greek Revival ornamentation.
  • 128-134 West State Street: A Richardsonian ashlar group from circa 1880-1885, characterized by heavy stonework and contrasting colored brick and terracotta. These were likely built as real estate investments by Ferdinand Roebling Sr.
  • 198-210 West State Street: A block of seven joined houses, nicknamed "a Pride of Lions," also linked to Ferdinand Roebling Sr.'s real estate ventures. Built in the second half of the 1870s under Richardsonian influence, they feature rusticated stone, dark brick patterning, and unique details like wrought iron basement grates and stained glass transoms.

• The Barracks

  The last remaining of five English-built Colonial soldiers' quarters, a U-shaped structure with a steep-pitched slate roof, built in 1758.

• The Masonic Lodge (Old Masonic Temple)

  Built in 1793, this Federal-style masonry building originally stood on Barrack (now Willow) Street. It was moved and restored in 1915. A New Masonic Temple, a Neo-Classical Revival structure, was built in 1927.

Historical and Cultural Importance

The district is notable for retaining its individuality and character, unlike many other 20th-century cities.

† Adapted from: Maureen Ferrazzi and Channing Blake, Princeton Department of Environmental Studies, Trenton State House Historic District, nomination document, 1976, National Register of Historic Places, Washington, D.C., accessed July, 2025.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Street Names
Calhoun Street • Front Street • Lafayette Street • State Street West • Willow Street