Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site

St. Paul's Church is a religious gathering place like no other in America. How many churches can boast they helped start the American Revolution?

A restoration effort in 1942 refurbished the interior to its 1787-era glory. That's the year the 13 states ratified the U.S. Constitution. The original wooden church, which is no longer present, dates back to 1665. St. Paul's is one of the oldest church sites still in use in the United States. Not bad for a place that sowed seeds of the revolution.

It was the adjacent village green that hosted a key election in 1733. Called the Great Election, voters here discussed freedom of religion and the press. Those tenets exist today in the First Amendment. Perhaps you've heard of it.

During the American Revolution, British, and Hessian (German) troops tore down the original wood structure. They used it for firewood. As if to spite to the Brits, Americans simply rebuilt the church in stone.

Special events and tours, many of which are led by people in period costumes, let you step back in time more than 300 years.

The history here is immense. Gravestones date back to 1704. Surrounding industrial sites seem ultra-modern compared to this stone megalith.