Explore Princeton Battlefield State Park: American Revolutionary History, Preservation Efforts, and Travel Tips
Princeton Battlefield State Park is located just a mile southwest of Princeton University. It’s well worth a visit for those interested in history, especially the American Revolution. This New Jersey State Park interprets the scene of George Washington’s 1777 victory. We filmed at Princeton Battlefield State Park for our PBS and streaming series and to create this podcast. Read about what you can learn about by listening or watching and get travel tips for a visit.
Podcast episode:
In this episode of the “Travels with Darley” podcast, host Darley Newman explores Princeton Battlefield State Park, a historical site that marked a turning point in the American Revolution. Joined by historian Larry Kidder and interpreter Will Krakower, Darley uncovers the ways in which this New Jersey battleground served as key victory that shifted momentum for George Washington and the Continental Army.
David Duncan from the American Battlefield Trust also joins the conversation to share the group’s ongoing efforts to preserve Princeton Battlefield State Park and create a more immersive experience to attract travelers to this landmark destination. This episode provides an in-depth look into a crucial piece of American history. Listen to the episode here!
The journey begins as Darley Newman introduces listeners to Princeton Battlefield State Park. As she strolls through this monumental battleground, Darley is joined by historian Larry Kidder, author of “Ten Crucial Days: Washington’s Vision for Victory Unfolds.” Together, they discuss how the Battle of Princeton shattered beliefs that the British would swiftly defeat the Continental Army and instead inspired six and a half more years of battle that led to the birth of a new nation.
The Battle of Princeton occurred on the 200-acre farm owned by Thomas Clarke. Inside the Thomas Clarke House Museum, travelers can walk through the home that remains in the style of the Revolutionary period. Darley steps inside the Thomas Clarke House with Will Krakower.
David Duncan of the American Battlefield Trust joins Darley’s Princeton podcast to discuss the importance of not only preserving these historical sites but also interpreting them for visitors to learn the incredible stories of America’s past. The Battlefield Trust’s exciting project, “Washington’s Legacy,” plans to create a more interactive experience for visitors by installing new interpretive signs and creating engaging exhibitions to attract more travelers eager to connect with living pieces of American history.
While speaking with Darley at the Thomas Clarke House Museum, interpreter Will Krakower emphasizes the significance of understanding how these revolutionary battles affected the people who lived on those properties. He provides details about the days following the Battle of Princeton, explaining that Thomas Clarke and his family were compelled by their Quaker beliefs to remain neutral and care for wounded soldiers from both sides. Most notably, the Clarke family took in Brigadier General Hugh Mercer at their farm turned field hospital after he was mortally wounded in battle. Standing in the room where General Mercer succumbed to his wounds, Darley and Will reflect on the scene of his death depicted in the background of the Charles Wilson Peale portrait of George Washington, currently housed at the Princeton University Art Museum.
The episode concludes with a deep dive into the Ten Crucial Days of the American Revolution, a formative period that reignited hope for the Revolution’s success. As Darley takes a final stroll through Princeton Battlefield State Park, listeners are reminded that the spirit of the American Revolution lives on through those who are passionate about discovering and preserving its history.
Learn more about Princeton Battlefield State Park and preservation efforts at battlefields.org.
Princeton Battlefield State Park Travel Facts and Tips:
- Take a guided tour of Princeton Battlefield State Park and The Thomas Clarke House Museum to learn fascinating stories from the American Revolution. Learn about the Battle of Princeton as the climax of a period known as the “10 Crucial Days.”
- The Thomas Clarke House contains seven rooms that are fully furnished in the style of the Revolutionary Period with many of the original flooring, moldings, and windows.
- Be sure to check out the tree stump of the Mercer Oak at Princeton Battlefield State Park. This tree is believed to have been present during the Battle of Princeton, and next to it, you’ll find an offspring of the original tree.
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