History
Nestled within the heart of Liberty Corner, an eighteenth-century farming hamlet served as the core of this historic town. While much of the built environment from that era has faded, the town’s rich past is evident in its rural village identity, which flourished in the late nineteenth century. During this prosperous period, Liberty Corner emerged as a hub for dairy farming in Somerset County, marking a specialized agricultural industry post-Civil War. It also became a favored retreat for city dwellers from New York and beyond, seeking leisure and health in the countryside.
The architectural tapestry of the district is woven with well-preserved examples of vernacular domestic architecture, primarily dating from 1865-1900. These historic structures grace Church Street, the town’s “Main Street,” as well as Valley Road and Lyons Road, historically significant routes connecting Liberty Corner to neighboring Basking Ridge. Among the notable landmarks is the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1868 by the local carpenter-builder James Goltra, renowned for his church designs in Somerset and nearby counties.
William Annin
Founder
In its early days, Liberty Corner, originally named Annan’s (or Annin’s) Corner, took root in 1722. Established by John Johnston of Annandale (Annin), a Scottish immigrant, the village traces its origins to a large tract of land purchased from William Penn. William, John’s son, honored his Scottish ancestry by adopting Annin as his surname.
LIBERTY CORNER
Historic district
Situated 3.8 miles south of Basking Ridge in Somerset County, the Liberty Corner Historic District boasts a collection of structures along the “Y” shaped street pattern formed by Church Street, Lyons Road, and Valley Road. The town exudes a crossroads hamlet charm, surrounded by gently rolling agricultural lands that preserve its strong rural character. The town center, marked by a tiny triangular green at the intersection of Church Street, Lyons Road, and Valley Road, is a testament to its history. This green, once graced by a “liberty pole” erected by patriotic colonists in the eighteenth century, now features a flagpole, embodying the town’s patriotic roots and providing a scenic focal point.
Church Street
Enduring Legacy
Church Street, Liberty Corner’s iconic “Main Street,” is adorned with mature shade trees and predominantly residential structures. Lining the street are single-family frame houses from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, standing at 1 1/2 to 2 stories in height. The shallow and mostly uniform setbacks contribute to the street’s cohesive aesthetic. Views of outlying farmland peek through the trees, especially on the north side of Church Street. At the heart of the street stands the Presbyterian Church (1868-69), an Italianate vernacular structure, complete with outbuildings and a cemetery, adding to the historical charm of Church Street. As an integral part of this historic town, Just Riding Along and Liberty Corner Coffee proudly stand among these preserved buildings, contributing to Liberty Corner’s unique and enduring legacy.