The 10 most endangered historical sites in the Garden State, according to Preservation New Jersey

Preservation New Jersey has released its 20th annual list of the most endangered historical sites in the Garden State.

The list includes geological features such as the Palisades cliffs, churches, historic mansions and the entire hamlet of Fortescue, which is part of Downe Township in Cumberland County.

Mayor Bob Campbell, who said the area is still recovering from Superstorm Sandy, said he hopes Fortescue’s inclusion on the “endangered list” will help the community secure historic preservation funds.

“Most of the people there have been there for three, four generations. They’ve been involved in the fishing industry, the oystering industry, the farming industry. There’s local businesses that are involved,” he said. “So, just in general, it’s a part of New Jersey that just doesn’t exist anywhere else.”

There’s almost no money left in the state’s Historic Preservation Trust, and advocates say it needs a stable source of funding so endangered historic sites don’t fade from existence.

Michael Hanrahan, president of Preservation New Jersey, said he fears the state’s distinctive places and properties could be lost.

“New Jersey has this wonderful stock of buildings and sites that very few states have, properties that go back to the 1700s,” he said Thursday during a news conference to announce the list. “I have children. I’d like to see these properties be here for my children and generations to come so we can all learn from the past.”

The list raises awareness about the endangered sites and could help gain support for the funding to preserve them,. Hanrahan said.

The full list of 10

1. The New Jersey Palisades (Bergen and Hudson counties)

2. Asher Woolman Homestead (Westampton Township, Burlington County)

3. Community of Fortescue (Downe Township, Cumberland County)

4. Maplewood Post Office (Maplewood, Essex County)

5. Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Union City, Hudson County)

6. Giordano Diner (Lawrence Township, Mercer County)

7. Trenton Savings Fund Society (Trenton, Mercer County)

8. Suydam House (Piscataway, Middlesex County)

9. Romer Shoal Light (Highlands Borough, Monmouth County)

10. Horton Mansion (Newton, Sussex County)