Princeton Junction, New Jersey: Water Tower Mistaken for a Martian

A water tower shot at by terrified locals during Orson Welles' 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio drama.

Water Tower Mistaken for a Martian

The water tower is still standing, but almost impossible to see. It's hidden by thick tree overgrowth behind the back left corner of the house to the right of Grover's Mill. Could not see it from the road, or from the side street next to the house. Parked behind Grover's Mill, which has recently been sold and remodeled. A man drove up while we were there and told us (nicely) that we were on private property -- but then he showed us over the fence where the water tower was. I'd suggest visiting when leaves are not on the trees. You might also look at the photo/mural of the water tower at Grover's Mill Coffee House first, so you know where it is in relation to the house.

[Don Stevens, 08/20/2012]

1938 Martian Landing Site

This was the fictional site of the 1938 first contact of Martian invaders, as described in the infamous broadcast of War of the Worlds.

The water tower is standing as of 3/7/12; it is over the fence to the left facing the red Grover's Mill barn. I also heartily recommend the Grover's Mill Coffee Roasters a few miles away, as their shop is loaded with WotW memorabilia and has good coffee and souvenir stuff.

[Rick, 03/15/2012]

Water Tower Mistaken for a Martian

You can get a good look at the [1939 War of the Worlds] water tower from Bolfmar Avenue, a dead end street off Cranbury that runs adjacent to the right of the white house (the red Grovers Mill mentioned in a previous post is located to the left of the house).

[Ann Carden, 12/01/2008]

Water Tower Mistaken for a Martian

It is reported on your site that the famed water tower thought to be a Martian Tripod War machine, on the night of the Orson Wells "Panic" broadcast was taken down. That's the one that local farmers shot at thinking it was Martian Tripod. I am pleased to state that it's still up! I was there in June of 2006, and if you slip behind the red barn, with the name, Grover's Mill, you can still see the water tower in a stand of trees. It's hard to make out. But it's still there. (Note: Don't hop the fence, the owner of the property doesn't like that. It is private property.)

[Tom Cooley, 08/27/2006]