The centennial of the United States' entry into World War One (WWI) was marked with a huge celebration in 2017. Considered the first modern war, WWI brought millions of U.S. troops through New Jersey on their way to Europe. From Collingswood to Totowa, New Jersey's cities and towns commemorate WWI veterans with monuments and memorials that range from simple roll calls to "Doughboy" statues. This infographic highlights only a few of the 160+ WWI landmarks throughout the state. Read more about the state's significant role in WWI in New Jersey and the Great War from the United States World War One Centennial Commission.
Jersey City
Soldiers & Sailors Monument, America Triumphant and Black Tom Explosion Memorials
In addition to having two WWI monuments (at Leonard Gordon Park and Pershing Field), Jersey City was the site of a notorious act of sabotage. German agents attempting to destroy U.S.-made munitions blew up the depot on Black Tom Island in 1916. The explosion also damaged the Statue of Liberty, and, from this date, visitors are no longer allowed to climb up her arm to the torch. The three explosion memorials are located at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church (stained glass window), Pershing Field Park, and Liberty State Park.
Boonton
Dr. John Taylor House
Home of the Boonton Historical Society & Museum, this simple structure on Main Street was purchased by the town in 1921 as a WWI memorial. Open Sundays from 1 to 4 pm.
Hoboken
American Expeditionary Forces Memorial Boulder
Located at First Street and Pier A, this memorial boulder commemorates the over three million troops who passed through Hoboken's port during WWI.
Sea Girt
National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey
The Militia Museum preserves and explains NJ's military heritage and includes artifacts from WWI. This free museum is open daily (except state holidays) from 10 am to 3 pm.
Red Bank
Veterans Memorial, Handing Down Old Glory
Two of the men portrayed in this sculpture were Red Bank veterans. Located at Monmouth Street and Drummond Place.
Montclair
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Funded by popular subscription, this landmark WWI monument by Charles Keck in the city's Edgemont Memorial Park features a granite obelisk topped by a bronze Winged Victory and footed by figures of a WW1 soldier and sailor.
Morristown
WW1 Memorial Cenotaph
Featuring Winged Victory, this cenotaph (which is a tomblike monument) is displayed at the Municipal Building Plaza at 110 South Street.
Princeton
War Memorial
Located at Nassau and Mercer Streets, the memorial contains a plaque commemorating Princeton residents who served in the war.
Lawrenceville
National Guard Militia Museum - Artillery Annex
The Lawrenceville Annex of the Militia Museum displays weapons, uniforms and other equipment, including an outside exhibit of tanks and vehicles. Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Point Pleasant
WWI Honor Roll
Listing all of the names of residents who served, this monument stands at Freedom Lane and Baltimore Avenue.
Atlantic City
Liberty in Distress
Planned as a civic monument but delayed because of WWI, this monument was dedicated in 1922 to honor and remember city residents who served. Located at S. Albany and Ventnor Avenues.
Belmar
Spirit of the American Doughboy
E.M. Viquesney's statue honoring the "American Doughboy" is one of the most reproduced and recognizable sculptures in the U.S. Found in 38 states, this iconic statue stands in New Jersey in Belmar at Seventh Avenue and Route 35, as well as in Dover, Fair Haven, Frenchtown, Matawan, Perth Amboy, Roselle Park and Secaucus.
These are just a few of the landmarks throughout the state, see complete NJ WWI list of locations.
Learn more about them at the United States World War One Centennial Commission, New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, or go to VisitNJ.org for more information about destinations listed.
