“A Monument to Fallen Royalty": Rediscovering Point Breeze

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a not-to-be-missed informative presentation given by Dr. Richard Veit about the D&R Canal State Park's most recent property acquisition - Point Breeze where Joseph Bonaparte once called home. The former estate was located on the bluffs above Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. While little of Bonaparte's estate remains, the property where it once stood does and is now jointly owned and managed by the State of New Jersey, Bordentown City and the D&R Greenway Land Trust; it is now called "Point Breeze at D&R Canal State Park" and open for public access.

Richard Veit, Ph.D. is Professor of Anthropology and Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Monmouth University. A North American historical archaeologist, his research focuses on the colonial Middle Atlantic Region. He is the author, co-author or editor of eight books and has been the recipient of Monmouth University’s distinguished teacher award. He is a long-time member of the Archeology Society of NJ.

Saturday, May 11: “A Monument to Fallen Royalty”: Rediscovering Joseph Bonaparte's Point Breeze Estate in Bordentown, New Jersey

Dr. Veit's recent archaeological excavations at the site have unearthed the remains of Joseph Bonaparte’s palatial estate. Joseph, the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte and former King of Spain and Naples, fled to the United States in 1815. He lived in New Jersey from 1816 until 1839. During this period he built two palatial homes, laid out a 1900-acre picturesque landscape, and acted as an unofficial cultural attaché. His home was a center for French refugees in America. His library and art collections were the largest in the country. At Point Breeze, he entertained many of the leading intellectuals, politicians, artists, and military figures of the day. Bonaparte’s passion was landscape architecture, and on his property he created one of the first purposefully-designed picturesque landscapes in America.

Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of Joseph’s first mansion and recovered an intriguing collection of artifacts that provide a unique glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous in 19th century New Jersey. Mark those calendars and do plan to join us to learn about this national and internationally significant historic site!

This afternoon presentation is co-sponsored by the Rockingham Association and will be held at the Rockingham Historic Site at 1:00 pm. Seating will be limited. Registration IS required. Please DO NOT hesitate to add your name to our wait list as we will open up more seating if possible. CLICK FOR MAP.