Princeton Battlefield State Park

Princeton Battlefield State Park & Thomas Clark House
500 Mercer Road
Princeton NJ 08540-4810
(609) 921-0074

Princeton Battlefield State Park 

On January 3, 1777, the peaceful winter fields and woods of Princeton Battlefield were transformed into the site of what is considered to be the fiercest fight of its size during the American Revolution. During this desperate battle, American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars. Coming at the end of "The Ten Crucial Days" which saw the well-known night crossing of the Delaware River and two battles in Trenton, the Battle of Princeton gave Washington his first victory against the British Regulars on the field. The battle extended over a mile away to the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).

The famous Mercer Oak, once stood in the middle of the battlefield, not far from the spot where General Hugh Mercer fell during the Battle of Princeton.

Thomas Clarke House

After being wounded in the Battle of Princeton, American General Hugh Mercer was carried to this circa 1772 Quaker dwelling where he died nine days later.  The County was named in his honor. The original house is furnished in the manner of the 18th century and features exhibits and displays about the Revolutionary War. 

For more information please visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/princeton.html