Downtown in Trenton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Beulah A. Oliphant
Women’s Heritage Trail
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0)
The Old Barracks is recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its significance as the finest example of colonial barracks in the United States and because of its role in the Battles of Trenton during the Revolutionary War. It is also significant as one of the earliest sites in New Jersey preserved by women. The woman who organized the effort to preserve the Old Barracks was Beulah A. Oliphant, regent and founder of the Captain Jonathan Oliphant Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Patriotic organizations like the DAR were founded in the late 19th century to educate new immigrants about U.S. history and to preserve American historic sites. When the southern wing of the Old Barracks was put up for sale in 1899, Beulah Oliphant organized the local DAR to raise funds to purchase the building and preserve its important role in American history. Their efforts were successful, and the building opened as a museum in 1903. The Old Barracks is still operated as a museum and has recognized the important role of women in its preservation through its interpretive exhibits.
"Captain Jonathan Oliphant Chapter, Trenton, Mrs. Oliphant, Regent, are working with zeal for the accomplishment of their heart’s desire, the purchase of the 'Barracks'."
E.Ellen Batcheller, New Jersey State Regent National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, American Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVIII, Washington, D.C., June, 1901, No. 6. Annual Reports of State Regents to the Tenth Continental Congress of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in February 1901.
[Sidebar:]
Beulah Oliphant organized a local Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), to save and restore the Old Barracks, a significant historical site with an important role in the Revolutionary War. Because of their integral role as Women in Historic Preservation, Mrs. Oliphant and the DAR are on the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail.
The New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail highlights a collection of historic sites located around the state that represent the significant contributions women made to the history of our state. The Heritage Trail brings to life the vital role of women in New Jersey’s past and present.
Erected by Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey Historic Trust, Department of Environmental Protection, Historic Preservation Office.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1901.
Location. 40° 13.189′ N, 74° 46.101′ W. Marker is in Trenton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Barracks Street and W Front Street, on the left when traveling north on Barracks Street. Marker is located at the entrance to the Old Barracks Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Trenton NJ 08608, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Barracks Museum (here, next to this marker); Washington Elm (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Isaac Harrow’s Plating and Blade Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); General Zebulon Montgomery Pike (within shouting distance of this marker); Zebulon Pike (within shouting distance of this marker); Changing Landscapes Along Petty's Run (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trenton.
More about this marker. A portrait of Beulah Oliphant appears at the lower left of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 736 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 15, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3. submitted on December 29, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.