Somerset, New Jersey was visited by General George Washington and the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War. During this time, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson and Elias Boudinot traveled through the area.

The Old Dutch Parsonage was erected in 1751 for the Dutch Reformed Churches. This building was demolished for the purpose of railroad expansion. However, it was reconstructed in 1775.

In 1768, Lord Stirling built his manor. Today, it is used for a 1770s festival held each October. Somerset’s Washington Rock observation post was built during 1777. The Van Horne House was utilized by not only George Washington but also Abraham Lincoln, Stirling, Generals Lee and Cornwallis.

Somerset’s Van Veghten House was inhabited by Nathanael Greene. The Abraham Staats House served as Baron Von Steuben’s military training camp during 1779.

The oldest white oak tree still stands within Somerset, New Jersey soil.

Somerset’s annual events include the Maple Sugaring, Woodland Walks, Sprint Plant Sale & Earth Day Celebration, Family Fun Day, Wildlife Art & Carving Exhibition, Rose Day, Family Fun Festival, Somerset County 4-H Fair, the 1770s Festival, Turkey Trot and Festival of Trees.

Other annual events are the Somerset County 4-H Association Doll Show, Big Apple Circus, Somerset County Teen Arts Festival, Easter Egg Hunt, Sciencesational Day, NASA Space Exhibit, Memorial Day Parade, the John Bailone Parade, Heritage Trail Storytelling Festival and the Halloween Parade & Costume Contest.