USA Today, February 2026
An 18th century traveler through the southern part of New Jersey might stop at the Indian King, a respite on a long journey along Kings Highway, then and now a main thoroughfare connecting several towns. At the Indian King, that traveler could find a hot meal and a pint of beer or hard cider. They could read the local newspapers, at a time before they were delivered to people’s homes. A bed for the night ‒ cozy and warm, even if though they might find themselves sharing it with a stranger if the inn was particularly busy. And, if it was the mid-1770s, that traveler might also hear talk of Revolution, men recruiting others to join the militia fighting the British, and for a time, the newly-formed state Legislature as members met in secret in an upstairs room, safe from the occupying forces further north.
