Legend of an Underground Tunnel
By Bob Fertsch
Richard Somers appreciated a waterfront view like most people today. Perched on a bluff overlooking the bay, he picked an excellent location when he built his homestead back in the 1700’s. The Somers Mansion still stands as a prominent fixture in the town that bears his name. It is the oldest house in Atlantic County. Built between 1720 and 1726 by Richard Somers, the three-story brick building and two-acre property has remained the same while the area around it has changed, including a traffic circle (come and gone) and a bridge (and then another) to Ocean City.
Richard Somers operated the first ferry across Great Egg Harbor Bay. During the War of 1812, residents of Somers Point, including 12 members of the Somers family, formed an infantry unit of the New Jersey Militia to protect the coast. A memorial now stands nearby on the Somers Point beach, at the site of the fort they built to memorialize the men who defended the shores of Somers Point during the years 1812-1815.
The Somers Mansion property remained in the Somers Family until 1937 when it was deeded to the Atlantic County Historical Society for the purpose of creating a permanent memorial to the Somers Family. In 1941, the State of New Jersey acquired the property, and it was dedicated as a State Historic Site on September 26, 1942. Today, the Mansion is furnished in eighteenth century period pieces and features original furnishing used by the Somers Family. The Mansion also hosts a collection of local historical objects and textiles including local quilts, woven coverlets, and early samplers. It is open for tours on Saturday, and Sunday from 9am to 3:30pm.
The Patriots For The Somers Mansion was established to preserve the site, encourage heritage tourism, and expand opportunities for locals and tourists alike to learn about the history of Atlantic County’s oldest building. Founded by concerned citizens in 2018, it is a registered non-profit organization. Events and fundraising have helped with renovations. One such event will take place Saturday, December 3. Shore Local in partnership with the Patriots for the Somers Mansion will present the second annual “Christmas at the Mansion”, a holiday festival including local merchants, food trucks, live music and kids activities. The event culminates with a tree lighting at 5 pm by Somers Point Mayor Jack Glasser.
The Somers Point tunnel, according to legend, ran from the basement of the Somers Mansion south to the water. It was said to have been used by smugglers and was supposed to be a secret exit for those in the house if visited by pirates or the British during the Revolution. In 1923, a report in the New York Times wrote about the discovery of a brick tunnel that began in the old Braddock House, that sat on the hill behind the property. The headline read “Much Interest in Somers Point Concerning Mysterious Passageway”. A few years later Philadelphia newspapers rushed staff photographers to Somers Point to get pictures of the mysterious cavern uncovered by heavy seas which dislodged a section of the bluff along the bay front after a storm. Great excitement prevailed, as there was a story that a tunnel had been used as a “cache” by pirate Captain Kidd when he sailed off the coast. These reports brought treasure hunters to the site. Their shovels and picks turned over piles of dirt. But, alas, romance and mystery were dispelled when nothing was found. The land in front of the property was excavated during reconstruction of the Somers Point Circle. No artifacts were found or any sign of the legendary tunnel.
