historic places
in & around cape may

• The 18-room Emlen Physick House is the only authentically restored Victorian house museum in the National Landmark City of Cape May. Tours of both the house and the City's Historic District are offered year 'round. For information, call 609-884-5404.
• The City of Cape May is a National Historic Landmark. With over 600 wooden Victorian structures (circa 1850-1910), it boasts the greatest concentration of such buildings in the country. Cape May is also said to be the "Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort."  The Greater Cape May Historical Society, located at the Colonial House Museum behind City Hall, is open June through October with changing exhibits of local historical interest.  653 1/2 Washington Street
• The United States Coast Guard Base was a Naval base in World War II. Today it is the only coast Guard "boot camp" in the country, as well as an active "search and rescue" center. Summer Sunset Parades on the base stir the patriot in all of us. Pennsylvania & Buffalo Avenues, Cape May
• The World War II Bunker on the beach in Cape May Point State Park reminds us that, as in previous wars, the entrance to the Delaware Bay was a strategic military position in the 1940s.
• World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) is part of the massive Fort Miles defense system of the Delaware Bay during World War II. The newly restored Tower is open and equipment and interpretive panels illustrate its important role in homeland defense. Open year-round. Sunset Boulevard, Lower Township. For information, call 609-884-5404
• The Cape May Lighthouse  was built in 1859 and is said to be the second oldest continually operating lighthouse in the United States. Climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Jersey Cape or visit the museum shop in the Lighthouse's Oil House.  Open year-round.  County Route 629 & Lehigh Avenue, Cape May Point State Park. For information, call 609-884-5404.
• HMS Martin, a British sloop, blockaded the Delaware Bay in the War of 1812. Following an attack and grounding on the shoals, it was burned in 1813 and drifted to Cape May Point. Hurricane Hazel exposed what are believed to be the Martin's remains in 1954. County Route 629 & Coral Avenue, Cape May Point
• The Concrete Ship, U.S.S. Atlantus, broke loose from her moorings during a 1926 storm and sank where you see her remains today, just off of Sunset Beach.
• The Fishing Creek Schoolhouse (19th Century) is listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers. Bayshore Road, Villas.  Lower Township Historical Society is a non-profit community group dedicated to the investigation of the history of Lower Township. A major project of the Society is the restoration of the Fishing Creek School in Villas.  (609) 886-7717
• "Old Brick" Presbyterian Church in Cold Spring, opposite Historic Cold Spring Village, was built in 1823 and is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. Its cemetery is the resting place for many early County residents. 780 Seashore Road, Cold Spring
• Historic Cold Spring Village captures Cape May in the 1840's. This shaded, 22-acre, recreated farm community boasts nearly 25 structures from the 18th and 19th Centuries, moved here from their original sites throughout the County. 720 Route 9, three miles north of Cape May City.
• The Cape May County Airport, formerly a US Naval Air Station, built during WWII, is operated by the County as a general aviation airport. Located 6 miles form Cape May in Lower Township, the airport is active year 'round, offering food, fuel, tie downs, and events such as Fly-Ins and Warbird & Vintage airplane shows.  A World War II hangar serves as the site for our Aviation Museum containing over 15 airplanes and helicopters, exhibits, displays etc. beginning with WWII though present day. The museum is open 7 days from 9-5 pm and may be reached at 609-886-8787.