Revolutionary-Era Bayville Farm 1 Of NJ's Most Threatened Places

BERKELEY, NJ — A historic farm in Bayville is among the state's most endangered historic sites, according to Preservation New Jersey.

The non-profit released their annual 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in NJ on May 4, highlighting "irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural, and archeological resources in New Jersey that are in imminent danger of being lost," according to Preservation New Jersey.

"The act of listing these resources acknowledges their importance to the heritage of New Jersey and draws attention to the predicaments that endanger their survival and the survival of historic resources statewide," said Preservation New Jersey. "The list, generated from nominations by the public, aims to attract new perspectives and ideas to sites in desperate need of creative solutions."

In 2024, one of these sites is the Anderson Farm and House in Bayville, which has ties to the Revolutionary War and slavery.

The Sloop Creek Road property dates back to the early 1700s and was once part of a 600-acre tract, but has sat vacant for the past 20 years, surrounded by 10 acres of forest. Among its historic occupants include recognizable family names to those in Ocean and Monmouth counties - Anderson, Veeder, Chamberlain, Lawrence and Nobles.

Its nomination to the list comes from lack of plans to preserve and reuse the site for the benefit of the public, according to Preservation New Jersey. Nearby redevelopment for housing also poses a threat to the property.

"Preservation New Jersey supports those advocating for the restoration of the structure and its adaptive reuse," the non-profit said. "In addition, with the onset of America's 250th celebrations, Preservation New Jersey supports and strongly encourages new partnerships to save the site and to have further research compiled to explore the role the Anderson Farm and House played in New Jersey and America’s history."

See the full list of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey here.