The Ramsayburg Homestead

Ever drive by an old site on your way to work and wonder what it was or who inhabited it? I have and in my case, that place is called the Ramsayburg Homestead in Columbia, New Jersey. Everyday on my way to and from work I passed this site with its huge sign on the front lawn.

One day while in the car with my husband and kids I just couldn't ignore the temptation any longer and asked him to pull over on the side of the road so that he could read what the sign said since I am blind as a bat day or night.

As he did, an idea sparked to post a video on YouTube about this historical 1795 dwelling that played so many roles throughout its 216 years of existence. I wanted to somehow help this property that was abandoned and ignored by the community it served for over two centuries. Although it has not received too many views since posted, I have hope that the few dozen that did have contributed whatever possible to the site caretakers or have shared it with others to spread the word.

While researching this property, I discovered that it was listed in 2002 on the Preservation New Jersey's website of The Top Ten Most Endangered Historical Sites In New Jersey and before it was saved, was in rapid stage of disrepair and decay. How can a place of such enormous historical value and located on route 46 be ignored?

The Ramsayburg Homestead was purchased by brothers James and Adam Ramsay in 1795. Catering to both road and river traffic of the Delaware River, as well as commerce, the 50 acres with tavern located on the property in a prime location appealed to the brothers and held unlimited potential.

During its existence, a Post Office was established in 1827, as well as a tavern, a store, an Episcopal Church, and several homes by 1834. A hotel was shown as operating on the site in 1852 and the Ramsay and Swayze lumberyard was advertised as early as 1850. A blacksmith shop was also located on the Ramsayburg property. With so many roles played throughout two centuries, I always wondered why it was never registered as a National Historic landmark earlier.

Architecturally, this property has many features of importance. The English-style barn with gable roof and three bays dates back between 1850-1870 based on the Hemlock timber construction. Other structures remaining on the property are the cottage dating to 1860 and the smokehouse of the same era. A wagon shed dates slightly later to 1880 or so. The drained pond/damn ruins and the site of the burned down hotel also offer archaeological interest.

The site of the Ramsayburg Homestead retains buildings and ruins representing the activity that occurred during its heyday, from 1795 to 1874. Little modernization was done to the remaining buildings, leaving them as significant examples of early architecture.

This property is now being restored and cared for, although it still need a lot more work to be revived. For the total story about this wonderful relic, please watch the video on my channel Heaven Lee TV HD or visit The Preservation New Jersey website by clicking their logo below.

If you would like to contribute or visit this historical site, please contact Hal Bromm, Knowlton Township Historic Commission at  (908) 496-4819 or Dennis Bertland (609) 397-3380 for more information.