New Jersey History and Sites

Thomas Paine is best known for the published pamphlet, “Common Sense.” His writing helped drive the colonists in the fight for American Independence.

After the Revolutionary War, Thomas Paine bought a cottage in Bordentown in 1783. Bordentown is located in New Jersey but roughly an equal distance to Philadelphia and New York. Paine’s good friend, Colonel Joseph Kirkbride, also lived in Bordentown. Paine enjoyed having his friend close by. When Paine was in Bordentown, he often had meals at Kirkbride’s house. In addition to his friend, many other citizens of Bordentown loved Paine. He was well-respected and praised for his part in obtaining American’s freedom. Even when he was in France for years, he kept in touch with other residents of Bordentown. Sometimes Paine was out of town for an extended period of time or money was tight, he rented out the cottage, but he never gave it up. He lived there on and off until his death in 1809.

In 1997, the Bordentown Historical Society erected a statue of Thomas Paine to remember his legacy in the American Revolution and his ties to Bordentown. The statue stands on an embarkment at the Prince Street Carriage Turn and overlooks the Crosswicks Creek. The statue is one of two Thomas Paine Statues in New Jersey. The other statue is located in Morristown. The Bordentown location continues to be well-maintained and peaceful spot for both locals and visitors.

Resources

Bice, Arlene S. Images of America: Bordentown. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia, 2002.

Silver, Mae K. Finding Thomas Paine in Bordentown: a self-guided walking tour. Bordentown, N.J.: Hometown Printing Co. 2007.

“Thomas Paine Monument.” Crossroads of the American Revolution. Accessed May 17, 2026. https://revolutionarynj.org/sites/thomas-paine-monument/

“Thomas Paine Statue.” Visit South Jersey. Accessed May 17, 2026. https://visitsouthjersey.com/directory/thomas-paine-statue/

Wilk, Tom. “A Paine-full weekend in Bordentown.” NJ.com True Jersey. Accessed Mayb 17, 2026 https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/2014/12/a_paine-full_weekend_in_bordentown.html

Woodward, W.E. Thomas Pain: America’s Godfather 1737-1809. New York, N.Y.: E.P Dutton & Company, 1966.