Following a visit to the Washington Crossing Historic Park, we made our way towards the historic town of Princeton, New Jersey (trying to follow the path Washington and his army would have marched). Known for the American victory against British regulars on January 3, 1777, the town possesses an unmatched pastoral charm while preserving history and cultivating higher education at its prominent university.
History
After re-crossing the Delaware River and occupying a defensive position south of the Assunpink Creek in Trenton, Washington’s army awaited British General Cornwallis to take the offensive. They did not have to wait long for the aggressive enemy commander to make his move.
On January 2, 1777, the Battle of Assunpink Creek (Second Battle of Trenton) was fought along the banks of the modest creek. Thanks to delaying action conducted by a detachment of American troops, Cornwallis’ force did not reach Trenton until the day was almost over. The dwindling winter daylight limited action to three repulsed British assaults and an exchange of artillery fire; however, the superior British force had discovered a ford in the river north of Washington’s position and were confident that they could turn the American right flank and achieve victory in the morning (General Cornwallis supposedly remarked that he would “bag the old fox” in the morning).
In the late hours of January 2, General Washington and his staff huddled in the Alexander Douglass House for a war council to decide their next move. If they remained until morning, the Continental Army would likely face defeat and the war could essentially be ended. After discussions, a decision was made: the army would secretly withdraw in the dark of night and maneuver to attack the British garrison approximately 16 miles away in Princeton. Some soldiers were left behind to keep campfires raging, which gave the illusion of the army’s presence (although the British were aware of movements in the American lines, they likely believed that the Americans were shifting positions to better defend the fords).
A local guide led ~4,500 man American army towards Princeton and at the junction of Quaker and Sawmill Roads, Washington split his troops to approach the town in three divisions. One such division was ~1,800 men under command of General Hugh Mercer, which continued down Sawmill Road for a bit and then broke off to approach Princeton as the center attacking force. These men would be the first to meet the enemy on the morning of January 3, 1777.
Just after dawn on January 3, a British contingent under command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood was on its way towards Trenton to reinforce Cornwallis’s army when they witnessed the approach of American troops. Mawhood wheeled his troops about and marched to meet the coming threat led by General Hugh Mercer and his men- the clash of arms occurred in the orchard of Thomas Clarke.
During the initial phases, the British led a fierce bayonet charge that sent the American force in retreat while the brave and sword-wielding General Mercer was knocked off his horse and eventually overcome by British regulars. With shouts of “surrender you damn rebel!” the regulars surrounded Mercer, but he refused to surrender and was stabbed at least seven times by British bayonets. Due to his high rank and lavish uniform, some British soldiers reportedly believed that they had killed General George Washington!
Around 1,500 soldiers under command of General Cadwalader arrived on the scene, but were thrown into disarray by General Mercer’s retreating troops. General Washington realized the intensity of the fight and personally led two brigades into the melee. The Americans rallied to Washington’s cry, “parade with us my brave fellows! There is but a handful of the enemy and we shall have them directly!” The energized American force pressed forth and flanked the British left, sending them into retreat (a new sight for Washington and his men). The Americans pursued as Washington supposedly shouted, “it’s a fine fox chase my boys!”
The fighting shifted north towards the College of New Jersey (Princeton University) where a faction of British soldiers were routed at Nassau Hall, which marked the end of the Battle of Princeton. There were approximately 25 Americans killed and 40 wounded in the battle, while the British reported 18 killed and 58 wounded (the actual number of British casualties is likely over 200). Additionally, about 200 British soldiers were captured.
The American victory in the fields and streets of Princeton was their first victory against British regulars and crucial in reinvigorating the American war effort.
5 Historic Sites – The Battle of Princeton
1 – Stony Brook Meeting House
As we approached Princeton Battlefield State Park from the south (coming up Quaker Road), we made sure to first stop by the Stony Brook Meeting House (470 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ 08540). The Quaker meeting house that stands there today was built in 1760 (the first was built in 1726 but was severely damaged by fire and rebuilt). This was one of the “witness” structures of the Battle of Princeton- on January 3, 1777, it had a clear view of the fighting at Thomas Clarke’s orchard.
The Stony Brook Meeting House (which is still in use today), was occupied by British troops when they were garrisoned in Princeton and later used for wounded soldiers after the battle. There is also a small and historic cemetery adjacent to it- be sure to visit here. There are notable burials that include Richard Stockton (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) and soldiers killed in the battle (all with unmarked graves).
2 – Princeton Battlefield State Park
Princeton Battlefield State Park (500 Mercer Road, Princeton, NJ 08540) was established as a 681-acre memorial to preserve the location of the Battle of Princeton.
While there is parking along the sides of Mercer Road (which is convenient for visiting the colonnade and other portions of the battlefield), we recommend parking in the designated lot near the Thomas Clarke House (turn in at the “Princeton Battlefield State Park” sign). This parking lot is a safer option and puts you in a great spot to begin exploring the battlefield (there is also a walking trail to the Stony Brook Meeting House from this area).
The first recommended stop on the battlefield is the circa 1772 Thomas Clarke House, which was witness to the fierce fighting of that day (be sure to read the information signs as you walk towards the house). Following the battle, the Thomas Clarke House was used as a field hospital for the wounded and is also where the mortally wounded General Hugh Mercer was brought. Despite care from doctor Benjamin Rush, Mercer succumbed to his wounds and died nine days after the battle on January 12, 1777. The two-story Georgian-style house is open for tours Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday & Tuesday).
After visiting the house, turn and face the open expanse before you. This was the Clarke Orchard and where most of the day’s fighting took place (you are looking northwest, which is the direction that the American troops faced and first saw Mawhood’s British regulars approach). You will also notice that you are on a slight rise/hill- off to your right is another informative sign that marks the site of Moulder’s Battery, where two American cannon were positioned during the battle. These two pieces of artillery were crucial in supporting the American troops and allowing time for General Washington to ride into the fray.
Next, we walked through the field towards the large fenced-in tree towards the center of the field- this tree is known as the “Mercer Oak.” The Mercer Oak was an old white oak tree that was believed to be present during the Battle of Princeton and possibly near the location of where Mercer was wounded (hence the name). In 2000, the old oak collapsed; however, an offspring tree was planted next to the original stump in 2001 (that is the tree that stands there today).
Next, we crossed Mercer Road to another portion of the preserved battlefield. In this section of the park you will not be able to miss the commanding presence of a stone colonnade in the distance.
The stone portico was originally part of Mathew Newkirk’s home in Philadelphia, PA. In 1900, it was moved to Princeton and became the entrance to the Mercer Manor (which formerly stood near the battlefield, but was destroyed in 1957). In 1959, the colonnade was dedicated on the battlefield and now stands as the solemn entryway to those unknown soldiers buried amongst the trees beyond.
After walking between the pillars, we arrived at the hallowed grounds of a Revolutionary War gravesite. The memorial marks the final resting place of 21 British and 15 American unknown soldiers who died during the Battle of Princeton.
3 – Princeton Battle Monument
The imposing Princeton Battle Monument (55 Stockton Street) was designed by sculptor Frederick MacMonnies and dedicated in a 1922 ceremony that was attended by President Warren G. Harding. The monument depicts two of the most iconic moments from the Battle of Princeton: General George Washington on horseback leading his troops to victory and the tragic death of General Hugh Mercer.
The grandeur of the monument forces one to take pause and think about the sacrifices made by Washington and his men on that winter day in 1777. Be sure to walk around the monument to admire the beautiful and symbolic details as well as the timeless inscription etched on the back, written by Andrew Fleming West. There are also a few other small monuments on the grounds, to include one dedicated to Colonel John Haslet, who was killed during the battle.
4 – Nassau Hall, Princeton University
After visiting the Princeton Battlefield State Park, it is a short drive into town to visit the beautiful and historic Princeton University campus. We found street parking on Nassau Street (right near all the shopping) and began to explore.
Founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, Princeton University is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. The oldest building on campus (and the largest building in the colonies during the American Revolution), is Nassau Hall, which played a central role on January 3, 1777.
During the closing actions of the battle, the fighting was centralized near Princeton’s campus where nearly 200 British troops had occupied Nassau Hall. American artillery, of which Alexander Hamilton was a part, was forced to fire upon the academic building to clear out the enemy. Only three shots were fired- one glanced off Nassau Hall (the damage can still be seen), a second shot missed, and a third allegedly passed through a window and took the head off of a King George II painting (although there is no concrete evidence supporting this). At any rate, the fortified British regulars eventually surrendered.
Even after the Battle of Princeton, Nassau Hall served an important role in our nation’s history. From June 30 to November 4, 1783, the Continental Congress met within the building (making Nassau Hall the capital for a few months). This brief respite from Philadelphia was due to a group of restless and mutinous Continental soldiers that plagued the politicians (along with Pennsylvania’s unwillingness to assist in their defense).
While on campus, be sure to check out The President’s House, which is right by Nassau Hall. From 1756 to 1878, every president of Princeton University would occupy this house (including Aaron Burr Sr., the university’s second president and father of Vice President Aaron Burr Jr.). After centuries of history and reflection, it is important to remember the (at least) sixteen enslaved men, women and children who lived and served in the President’s House throughout its history.
5 – The Princeton Cemetery of Nassau Presbyterian Church (Est. 1757)
The Princeton Cemetery (29 Greenview Avenue) is owned by Nassau Presbyterian Church and was established in 1757. It is still currently an active cemetery and is home to some very notable burials. This includes Paul Tulane (founder of Tulane University in New Orleans), former President Grover Cleveland (who served two non-consecutive terms- the only U.S. President to do so), signer of the Declaration of Independence and 6th Princeton University president John Witherspoon, and numerous other university presidents.
Also within the older portion of the cemetery lies a man that is often considered a villain in American history: the infamous Aaron Burr. While serving as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken on July 11, 1804; however, the man deserves a more well-rounded history and remembrance of his life (I recommend the book Fallen Founder – The Life of Aaron Burr by Nancy Isenberg).
Buried nearby is Aaron Burr Sr. (his father, who served as the 2nd president of Princeton University) and minister Jonathan Edwards, both men who were big influences in Aaron Burr’s life.
Walking around this historic cemetery offers a peaceful opportunity to pay respects to the many Americans that have come before us and is a must see when visiting Princeton!
If you’re looking for a place to grab lunch or dinner, we recommend Alchemist & Barrister (they offer a great selection of drinks and outstanding burgers). If you just need a coffee fix before leaving town, there is a Starbucks and Dunkin’ on Nassau Street; however, we recommend a local student favorite, Small World Coffee.
Book recommendation: The Road to Assunpink Creek by David Price