- Currently closed due to COVID-19
- Grounds open daily
- Guided and self-guided tours
- Street parking
- Free
Somers Mansion
1000 Shore Road , Somers Point , NJ 08244
609-927-2212
Somers Mansion is the oldest house in Atlantic County. It was built between 1720 and 1726 by Richard Somers, the son of John Somers and first of the Somers family to be born in New Jersey, Richard Somers operated the first ferry across Great Egg Harbor Bay. During the War of 1812, residents of Somers Point, including 12 members of the Somers family, formed an infantry unit known as the 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, New Jersey Militia to protect the coast. A memorial now stands at the site of the fort they built to memorialize the men who defended the shores of Somers Point during the years 1812-1815.
The three-story brick home was constructed in Flemish Bond Pattern and sits overlooking Great Egg Harbor Bay. The Somers Mansion property remained in the Somers family until 1937 when it was deeded to the Atlantic County Historical Society for the purpose of creating a permanent memorial to the Somers family. In 1941, the State of New Jersey acquired the property, and it was dedicated as a State Historic Site on September 26, 1942. Today, the Mansion is furnished in eighteenth century period pieces and features original furnishing used by the Somers family. The Mansion also hosts a collection of local historical objects and textiles including local quilts, woven coverlets, and early samplers.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
- Tour the Mansion to learn more about the Somers family legacy
- Take a self-guided tour of Somers Point to see famous sites in the area relating to the Somers family including the Somers Family Cemetery and the Colonel Richard Somers Tavern
- See the War of 1812 Marker honoring the 117 men who defended the shores from 1812 – 1815
Journey through Jersey strives to have the most up-to-date information, but always check with the site itself before planning a visit.
