See Over 40 Historic Sites: 36-40

Time travel... powerful history is concentrated in Burlington. Try it for your next family vacation day trip, or bring your seniors group. Come and see...

Earliest house maintained by the Burlington County Historical Society.
Birthplace of America’s first novelist, James Fenimore Cooper.
Home of Cap’n. James Lawrence, who commanded, “Dont’t Give Up the Ship”.
Museum and Library of Burlington County Historical Society.
First a lecture hall, theatre hall, then City Hall, now...
Oliver Cromwell’s home, African American Revolutionary War soldier.

Scroll down to see sites 36 through 40. Click “See Sites x-y” numbers to navigate our list of 44 sites five at a time. Or, click <here> to see the entire list in text form.

Bard-How House

The Burlington County Historical Society complex Historic Sites from L to R: Bard-How House | Cooper House | Lawrence House

453 High Street
This building was probably constructed about 1743 by Bennett and Sarah Pattison Bard. It is among the earliest of the historic houses routinely open. It is open on a regular schedule, and provides vistors the opportunity to experience living conditions in the bustling City of Burlington during the mid-1700s. Samuel How, Sr. purchased the house in 1756. He was an Inferior Court of Common Pleas Justice, and a representative to the Provincial Congress of New Jersey. In 1782 the house was passed to his sons Samuel, Jr. and John. There are many antiques on display here, including a Tall Case Clock by Isaac Pearson, ca. 1740.

Part of the Burlington County Historical Society complex.

James Fenimore Cooper House

457 High Street
The Cooper House was the birthplace of America’s first true novelist, James Fenimore Cooper, author of “The Last of the Mohicans”, “Leatherstocking Stories”, and numerous other books about the American Wilderness. Cooper items are on display.

Upstairs, find furnishings and items that once belonged to Napoleon’s older brother, Joseph Bonaparte, who fled to Bordentown following the Battle of Waterloo.

Part of the Burlington County Historical Society complex.

Capt. James Lawrence House

459 High Street
Captain James Lawrence was the naval war hero of the War of 1812. As commander of the U.S.S. Chesapeake, he accepted the challenge of Captain Broke aboard H.M.S. Shannon. After taking a terrible battering, the Chesapeake was boarded and Captain Lawrence, who had been mortally wounded, shouted to his men,

“Tell the men to fire faster and not to give up the ship; fight her till she sinks!”.

This, paraphrased as, “Don’t Give Up the Ship”, was sewn onto a flag, becoming the motto of the U.S. Navy. There have been six American vessels commissioned in his honor. He is buried in New York City. Find more details about the gallant young Captain in Military Masters.

Part of the Burlington County Historical Society complex.

A note about the Burlington County Historical Society complex

Sites 36, 37 & 38 are part of the Burlington County Historical Society complex on High Street, open with admission T – Sat, 1 – 5 pm. These buildings contain significant historic collections, furniture and accessories, fascinating reminders of our colonial past. New displays and shows are mounted on an ongoing basis. Tours and programs are available year ’round. For details call (609) 386-4773.

The complex includes:

• the Bard-How House (Site 36),
• the James Fenimore Cooper House (Site 37),
• the Capt. James Lawrence House (Site 38),
• the Corson Poley Center containing the
• Delia Biddle-Pugh Library– a research library specializing in county and local histories, decorative arts, preservation and genealogical materials.
  and
• Aline K. Wolcott Museum Gallery– changing exhibit gallery highlights area manufacturing and craftsmanship. A permanent display of case clocks (“grandfather” clocks) and carriage is augmented by the current display, “The American Revolution: A Global Conflict”.

Herman T. Costello-Lyceum Hall

432 High Street
Originally called Lyceum Hall, the building was constructed for use by the public as a lecture hall, theatre and for other cultural purposes.

It became City Hall when the new City charter was adopted in 1851.

It was renovated in 1910 under the direction of Burlington architect, Henry Armitt Brown. Presently, it is once again undergoing restoration and renovation, perhaps to serve one day as an arts and cultural center.

Oliver Cromwell House

114 E. Union Street
Final residence of Oliver Cromwell, African American Revolutionary War soldier, one of the approximately 5,000 who served. Oliver crossed the Delaware with Gen’l. George Washington Dec. 25, 1776, and battled at

• Trenton, Dec. 25, 1776
  
• Princeton, 1776
  
• Brandywine, 1777
  
• Monmouth, 1778 and
  
• Yorktown, 1781.

George Washington personally signed Cromwell’s discharge papers, who was decorated for serving the entire conflict.

Tours vary from 1 ¹/2 to 3 hours (2 to 3 miles), depending on pace and route. Tours may be modified. Special Interest Tours are listed in Ready, Set, Tour. Some sites have stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Print our Map to Historic Sites to locate Sites by number. Call 609-386-0200 or 386-4773 to arrange a group tour guide, or request a free Tour Guide & Map Brochure showing all 44 sites with map.

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Come experience real American History on our tree-lined, sun-dappled streets.
Over 45 origins of state or national significance... get immersed in “firsts”.
History comes alive as you see and enter the oldest homes, and more.
INSIDE: Maps! Photos! Over 40 Historic Sites dating back over 327 years.
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