History of the Bayberry Inn, Cape May, New Jersey
The Bayberry Inn, formerly the Joseph Q. Williams House, is one of the oldest homes in Cape May. The original house, which is the back portion and includes the dining room was built circa 1800. The front of the house, was built in 1856, by Joseph Q. Williams, a young carpenter and mayor of Cape May during the Civil War. He and Sarah raised their children and entertained in this elegantly simple home.
In 1878, much of Cape May was devastated by a fire that began just down the street, in the Ocean House Hotel. The Williams house narrowly escaped damage.
Now, the home is a Cape May bed and breakfast, known as the Bayberry Inn, welcoming guests from around the world.


