When people talk about the “Trial of the Century”, different things come to mind. Maybe they remember the OJ trial, or maybe they’re thinking of something a little more…current. However, in the first half of the 20th century, there was only one trial on everyone’s mind – the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. It was one of the infamous cases in American history, both for the brutality of the crime and the questions over the verdict. And it all played out feet from the most famous abandoned hotel in New Jersey – the Union Hotel in Flemington, then the hub of the town. The impressive building now stands vacant and its future is uncertain, but it’s a place many true crime and history buffs like to visit, just to stand where history was made.

The Union Hotel was the hub of Flemington for decades, operating as a hotel since 1814, with its historic exterior dating back to 1878. It was a restaurant for decades after, but closed in 2008.
Daniel Case/Wikipedia
Today, its glory days are well past - but it's found a second life as a destination for those who want to be near New Jersey history.
Yoanny Gil/Google Local
The Union Hotel is across the street from the Hunterdon County Courthouse, where a massive trial was held almost a century ago.
Daniel Case/Wikipedia

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The kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the son of the famous aviator, captivated the nation. And when the boy's body was found, people demanded justice.
Public Domain/Wikipedia
Bruno Hauptmann, a German immigrant, was quickly arrested and convicted despite limited evidence. Doubts about his guilt remain to this day.
Flemington Police Department/Wikipedia
The Union Hotel became a key gathering spot for spectators of the trial, hoping to gain a glimpse of the accused or the famous people involved.
The ties to the trial helped to get the building historic status, and it is currently in the middle of a restoration project, but its future is uncertain.
Bob H/Google Local
If you visit today, you're likely to see construction in process and many temporary facades and additions. No access is permitted, but the exterior is still a popular photo spot for true crime and history buffs.
Bob H/Google Local

Have you visited the Union Hotel in Flemington? Let us know about what you spotted at this abandoned hotel in New Jersey in the comments section! If you want to know more about exploring Flemington, make sure to visit the town’s website. Flemington isn’t just know for its true crime history – it’s known for its breweries, and you can have your own little beer crawl without ever leaving the town!

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The Union Hotel, 76 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822, USA