New Jersey Historic Trust Affiliated with the Department of Community Affairs

Isaac Watson House

Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund
Historic Site Management Grant
Capital Level I
Grant Award: $53,400 (2024); $40,200 (2024)
Grant Recipient: The Founders Committee
County: Mercer
Municipality: Hamilton Township

Constructed in 1708, the Isaac Watson House exemplifies English house construction and showcases the varied roles of its owner, Isaac Watson, as a farmer, surveyor, constable, and Overseer of the Highways. Additionally, archaeological findings indicate past Leni-Lenape presence, revealing a Native American village and pottery. This historical site encapsulates diverse aspects of colonial settlement and Indigenous heritage, offering insights into architectural styles, colonial life, and pre-colonial communities. Through its structural and archaeological significance, the Watson House provides a window into the rich tapestry of human history and cultural interaction in the region.

The 2024 HSM Trust grant will help fund the creation of a Historic Structures Report (HSR) and the 2024 Capital I grant will help fund the restoration of the wood shingle roofs.