The History of Yardville Heights, New Jersey

The experienced Yardville Heights DWI lawyers at Levow DWI Law, P.C. are excited to share this article about the amazing history of Yardville Heights, NJ.

Yardville Heights Before The Arrival Of European Settlers

Like all of the New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania area before the Europeans arrived, the area that is now Yardville Heights was first inhabited by the Lenape tribe. This semi-nomadic tribe would build a small settlement and live on the land until tribal elders felt the land had been "exhausted". Then the settlement would be moved to a new location.

In the early 1600s, the first European settlers arrived on American shores.

Quakers Settle In New Jersey

When the Quakers arrived in American they purchased land, including Yardville Heights, from the Lenape. Farms sprouted up all over the land and small towns were built.

Ownership of the land changed several times, from the Swedish and Dutch to British, and then finally, at the end of the Revolutionary War, New Jersey became American. Yardville Heights survived many battles during the Revolutionary War and, later, the Civil War.

Historical Areas Residents Can Still Visit Today

History buffs have several places to visit in and near Yardville Heights:

John Abbott II House

Built in 1730, the John Abbott II House is famous. According to legend, a man named Samuel Tucker who happened to be the state treasurer decided to hide the state money and his own from the British. He took around 2,500 pounds to the house of John Abbott. A woman named Mary Pointing learned about Tucker's actions and reported him to the British who brought 500 troops to ransack the Abbott House.

Luckily for the American rebels, Abbott had the forethought to make it look like the family was leaving and hid the funds in tubs, then covered it with household goods. The British never found the money.

In 1969, the house was scheduled for demolition but the Hamilton Township Historical Society.

Today visitors can see this now museum:

John Abbott II House
2200 Kuser Rd,
Hamilton Township, NJ 08690

Issac Watson House

The Issac Watson House was built in 1708 and is the oldest house in Mercer County. The Daughters of the American Revolution have restored the house and tours are available. Be sure to check tour times in advance.

Issac Watson House
151 Westcott Ave,
Trenton, NJ 08610

Our Yardville Heights DWI attorneys hope that you have enjoyed learning more about the history of our area. For more information, read our post on the best things to do in the area!