New Jersey is the residence to the allure of history, fortresses, that make it deserving of a visit. The historic fortresses in New Jersey are accessible for exploration and educational investigations to the general public. Moreover, there are fortresses in New Jersey for weddings and other celebratory occasions on a grand scale. Both men and women who imagine a fairy tale wedding with sovereignty and splendor as the principal aspect, have been known to select the state of New Jersey as their favored location.
Besides just festivities and visits, there are castles to reside in New Jersey, for which one must make advance reservations. Every year, thousands of tourists travel to the Garden State to witness firsthand these marvelous structures. Everything that one reads in books appears to come to life when visiting these places.
10 Spectacular Fortresses In New Jersey
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of ten of the finest fortresses in New Jersey that you should explore when you are here.
1. Lamberts Castle (Belle Vista)
The Lambert Castle was constructed in 1892-1893, by Catholina Lambert in Paterson, NJ. The castle was named Belle Vista by the lady herself. It is known that noteworthy individuals would frequently visit this place, including President William McKinley. In the year 1934, the Lamberts Castle was transferred to the Parks Commission. The Passaic County Historical Society then established it as a museum and library.
Location: 3 Valley Road, Paterson Avenue, New JerseyTimings: Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 4pmEntry Fee: NA (Not Applicable)
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2. Liberty Hall
Liberty Hall is now a part of Kean University. It was erected in the year 1772 in Elizabethtown, NJ by lawyer William Livingston. After William Livingstone retired, he relocated to his immense home with his family permanently. Soon, he emerged from his retirement and proceeded to serve in the First and Second Continental Congress. In the year 1811, Peter Kean acquired the building after Livingston’s demise and transformed the structure into a 50-room mansion. Consequently, the incorporation of the structure into Kean University.
Place: 1003 Morristown Avenue, Union, New JerseyWorking hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pmAdmission fee: Not applicable
3. Alnwick Hall: The Abbey
Located in Morristown, during the prosperous period of the town, only a few properties were constructed between 1880 and 1929. The castles in and around this area are remnants of the states’ Tudor Gothic rebirth. This castle belonged to Rosalie Meany, who had an affection for hosting extravagant gatherings for the most elite members of society. Constructed in 1904, Alnwick Hall was inspired by the Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England. This 32-room residence has served as the filming location for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.
Place: 355 Madison Avenue, Morristown, New JerseyWorking hours: Open during ‘Open House’Admission fee: No entry fee as it is up for sale
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4. Skylands Manor
The design and construction of the manor drew inspiration from various European countries. Each and every material used in the house was selected personally by McKenzie, who enlisted the finest experts to bring his vision to life. In 1953, McKenzie sold the entire 1117 acres of the meticulously cared-for property to the National Bible Institute. In 1966, the state of New Jersey acquired the property and two decades later, Governor Tom Kean designated the 96 acres surrounding the manor as the official state garden. It is a popular venue for weddings in modern times, managed by Frungillo Caterers.
Place: 5 Morristown road, Ringwood, New JerseyWorking hours: Not availableAdmission fee: Not available
5. Iviswold Fortress
This is a fascinating piece of building history that embodies a inquisitive tale. David B. Ivison, a book publisher, purchased a stone residence on a Rutherford hilltop in 1887. He employed New York based architect William H. Miller, who expanded the stone house into a 25-room high-Victorian fortress. It was complete with towers of brownstone quarried in Belleville. Until the crash of the stock market in 1901, Miller resided there. After several bankruptcies, Peter and Sally Sammartin persuaded several investors to support their plan and established the Fairleigh Dickinson University. But soon tragedy struck them hard and the fortress was once again forgotten until Felician College acquired the campus and initiated the restoration led by Historic Building Architects.
Location: Rutherford, New JerseyOperating hours: NAAdmission: Open to student body only.
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