Nature lovers already flock to New Jersey because of the expansive shoreline and the plentiful mountains — and now they have a new reason to be excited. An estate that once belonged to European royalty is about to become New Jersey’s newest state park.
Remember Napolean Bonaparte? He tried to conquer all of Europe back in the 1800s.
François Gérard via Wikimedia Commons This isn’t him. It’s actually his older brother, Joseph Bonaparte, who at one point was the king of Spain and Naples.
After Napolean was defeated, he was forced to spend the remainder of his days exiled on an island. Joseph, meanwhile, headed to New Jersey.
Public domain via Art Institute of Chicago One of them definitely got the better deal. Joseph lived on a 60-acre estate in Bordentown, New Jersey by the Delaware River. It’s known as Point Breeze.
New Jersey is known for its stunning state parks — and now the land once belonging to this former Spanish king will be added to New Jersey’s ranks.
New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites/Facebook
Much of the estate has crumbled as the years passed, but several ruins still remain. One of the highlights is a gardener’s house that’s still standing.
Zeete via Wikimedia Commons They might turn this property into a museum this year!
History lovers and nature fans alike will enjoy Point Breeze. It’ll be an opportunity to learn about one of New Jersey’s fanciest residents and there will be plenty of nature to soak up, too.
Wikimedia Commons The plans for what the park will look like are still vague, although they do want to have historical signage and gardens on the property.
And if it’s anything as beautiful as the state parks that already exist in New Jersey, we’re in for a real treat!
New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites/Facebook
Point Breeze may be open to the public as early as this fall — so keep an eye out!
François Gérard via Wikimedia Commons
This isn’t him. It’s actually his older brother, Joseph Bonaparte, who at one point was the king of Spain and Naples.
Public domain via Art Institute of Chicago
One of them definitely got the better deal. Joseph lived on a 60-acre estate in Bordentown, New Jersey by the Delaware River. It’s known as Point Breeze.
New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites/Facebook
Zeete via Wikimedia Commons
They might turn this property into a museum this year!
Wikimedia Commons
The plans for what the park will look like are still vague, although they do want to have historical signage and gardens on the property.
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