Heading south from the NJ Turnpike Exit 5 on the old Burlington Road, the landsacape changes dramatically after you pass the bypass light. Onto High Street, Historic Mt Holly envelopes in a canopy of trees and early american architecture. If you walk down the street, you can imagine a time when horse and carriages used the avenue.
If you look closely, you can still see posts for tying horses and steps near the curb so ladies wouldn't have to lift their dresses too high. In November of 1779, the New Jersey Legislature held a session here in town during the American War of Independence before Trenton became the permanent capital in 1790.
As you continue to stroll south on High Street, you will come upon the old Burlington County Courthouse, next to the imposing old County Prison, now a museum. Naturally, it would be here that the legislature met but examining the building closer , it can be seen that the building is marked as erected in 1796.
Continue a half block to the corner of Garden/Rancocas Streets on the southeast corner is the Quaker Friend's Meeting House built in 1775. In June 1778, the British Troops had occupied the town and used this building as a Kitchen and cafeteria for the troops. Signs of cleavers and knives of which can still be seen here. The Quakers in southern New Jersey were prominent in politics and certainly would allow the legislature to hold sessions here.
Continuing south on High Street to where it meets Mill Street a ornate fountain can be seen on the corner, it's larger original used to be in the intersection in 1878 and was great for the horses until it was removed in 1920 to make way for the automobile. Proceeding east on Mill Street, just past where Pine Street intersects is the Mill Street Hotel & Tavern. Originally known as the "Three Tuns Tavern" it is one of the oldest buildings in town and certainly "utilized" by the colonial legislative delegation.
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