The Inn’s Early History

The inn as we know it today was originally built in two stages, with the first tavern constructed in 1750 and a second in 1765. In 1780, after the colonies declared their independence, the business officially became The Cranbury Inn. In 1800, a local couple, Hannah Disbrow Dey and Peter Perrine, married and made the inn their home. They expanded and improved the property by building across the front of the original taverns, blending their home and business into a thriving establishment.

Connections to the Underground Railroad

The inn’s history is rich with ties to the Underground Railroad, with an alleged slave hiding space discovered in the wall of the oldest tavern. Enoch Middleton, an agent on the Underground Railroad, recalled using the inn as a stop on the road to freedom in Canada. The inn also holds historical significance as a resting point for George Washington’s troops in 1778, just before the Battle of Monmouth.

Cranbury Towne Becomes Cranbury

The village itself, initially known as Cranberry Towne, underwent a name change in 1886 to Cranbury, aligning with English traditions of naming towns. The Cranbury Inn continued to evolve over the years. In the early 1900s, after a devastating fire in 1902, the inn rebuilt with a large seven-bay Dutch barn, now part of the current structure. The inn’s evolution continued with the addition of a dance pavilion in 1926 and a miniature golf course in 1930.

Ownership and Notable Guests

In 1930, ownership passed to Adrian and Marge Van Ravesteyn, who made significant improvements to the inn. The Van Ravesteyns, including a frequent guest, Albert Einstein, transformed the inn, adding murals and wood paneling. Through the years, many notable figures, including Mme. Chiang Kai-Shek and the Prince and Princess of the Netherlands, have visited.

A National Historic Landmark

The Cranbury Inn remains an integral part of New Jersey’s history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and today, it continues to thrive under new ownership. The inn has undergone updates to preserve its legacy while providing modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a meal in the dining room, visit the new NJWineseller, or book private celebrations in the historic spaces. The Cranbury Inn stands as a testament to the past, blending history with a welcoming future for all who visit.

Turkey and Cranberry at the Cranbury Inn

The Cranbury Inn is a gorgeous historic building and I’d recommend walking around a bit to look at the various rooms. I stopped there for an early Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and green beans, but was pleasantly surprised by the structure itself, which features a number of displays antiques and information about the inn’s past. The dinner was excellent: everything felt like it was “made from scratch”, versus the instant mashed potatoes, canned gravy and cranberry sauce, and processed frozen turkey one might expect to find at a diner. It definitely would be a great place to go with your family if nobody felt up to cooking the meal at home, or if you’re just looking for a comparable substitute. The service was great, and the inn certainly has the ambience for a special night out. The Cranbury Inn is worth going a bit out of your way to visit on your Route 1 journey, especially if you appreciate good food and historic sites!