Historic Sites
The need to preserve the historic resources of Colts Neck has both local, state and national significance. The National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior has expressed the opportunities of local communities to preserve districts, sites buildings and structure significant in American history or culture. This would include such things as Indian burial woods, factories, private homes, forts, schools, and battle fields based upon contributions to American history or a distinctive architectural style. The National Park Service for example, identifies nine major themes to categorize historic and cultural resources within a community.
Among the themes appropriate to Colts Neck include the following:
- Original Inhabitants
- European Exploration and Settlement
- Development of the English Colonies
- Major American Wars
- Political & Military Affairs
- Americans at Work
- Society & Social Conscience (American Ways of Life, Social, Humanitarian, and Others)
The vast historic background of Colts Neck, in particular as it relates to revolutionary era culture, make Colts Neck rich in historic assets. The Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee lists ninety eight (98) individual historic areas within the township, including homes, school, commercial buildings, battle sites, cemeteries, etc The map lists all currently known historic sites of the township.
In many communities, historic and cultural resources face the threat of destruction through demolition for new development. Even if they are not destroyed directly, their value as a resource can be diminished through nearby new development altering the environment, and through badly done renovation. The Federal Government attempted over the years to help communities preserve these resources through such efforts as the Historic Sites Act of 1935, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (which included the National Register of Historic places) for the preservation of historic sites, building or districts), and the Tax Reform Act of 1971. It appears that many of the historic resources of Colts Neck should be preserved, and may also qualify for some of the indicated federal programs. Among the ninety eight (98) historic sites of Colts Neck are various homes, cemeteries, schools, and sites of various revolutionary battles. The Township is clearly identified by the Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee as one rich in historic and cultural assets. Among the historic assets are many buildings which are relics of the past which should be preserved. Currently, these buildings are scattered throughout the Township, with some in need of repair, or more importantly protection from vandals who would have easy access to these facilities.