Learn about Point Breeze, where Joseph Bonaparte once called home.
D&R Canal State Park and the Rockingham Association are co-sponsoring “A Monument to Fallen Royalty:” Rediscovering Joseph Bonaparte’s Point Breeze Estate in Bordentown from 1-3 p.m. May 11 at the Rockingham State Historic Site, 84 Laurel Ave., Kingston.
Dr. Richard Veit will discuss 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. The event is free. Due to limited seating, participates will be required to register via Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-monument-to-fallen-royalty-rediscovering-point-breeze-tickets-838898557167?aff=oddtdtcreator
Veit, a professor of anthropology and currently serves as interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs for Monmouth University, will discuss his recent archaeological excavations at the site, which have unearthed the remains of Bonaparte’s palatial estate.
Joseph Bonaparte, 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 Bonaparte’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.
Veit is 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 New Jersey.