Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Princeton Bell
(One of the very few relics left of the famous war vessel)
Photographed By Gary Nigh, August 2008
1. The Princeton Bell Marker
This bell was especially cast for the U.S.S. Princeton, which was commanded by our late fellow-townsman, the illustrious Captain Robert F. Stockton, under whose patronage “The Princeton” was built. On February 28th, 1844, she was taken for a pleasure trip down the Potomac River, having on board President Tyler and his cabinet and other distinguished guests, invited by Captain Stockton to witness the performance of the vessel and her machinery. One of the guns, called “The Peacemaker” exploded, injuring many people, among them Captain Stockton himself, and killing Hon. Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of State, Thomas W. Gilmer, Secretary of the Navy, Captain Beverly Kennon, of the Navy, Virgil Maxcy, and Colonel David Gardner.By special invitation of Captain Stockton the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Princeton attended the launching of “The Princeton” on Thursday, September 7, 1843.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #10 John Tyler
this page online
Location. 40° 20.91′ N, 74° 39.911′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. This marker, and the bell it describes, are mounted on a a stand in front of Princeton Borough Hall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Princeton NJ 08540, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Albert Einstein (within shouting distance of this marker); The Princeton Battle Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Princeton Battle Monument (about 300 feet away); Colonel John Haslet (about 300 feet away); Campsite of The Army of Louis XVI, King of France (about 300 feet away); New Jersey Patriots (about 300 feet away); Marines in the Revolution (about 300 feet away); Princeton War Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for USS Princeton (1843). “The Princeton’s reputation in the Navy never recovered from a devastating incident early in her service. On February 28, 1844, during a Potomac River pleasure cruise and demonstration of her two heavy guns for dignitaries, one of the guns exploded and killed Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the
Photographed By Harold Colson, June 13, 2015
2. The Princeton Bell Marker and Bell
Lithograph by N. Currier, Currier & Ives, via Wikimedia Commons, December 31, 1843
3. Awful explosion of the "peace-maker" on board the U.S. Steam Frigate Princeton ...
... on Wednesday, 28th Feb. 1844. By which melancholly accident, the Sect. of State Mr. Upshur, the Sect. of the Navy Mr. Gilmer, Cmd. Dennon, Mr. Gardner of N.Y. and Mr. Marcy were instantly killed; - Capt. Stockton & 12 of the Ships Company wounded.
Photographed By Gary Nigh, August 2008
4. The Princeton Bell
Photographed By U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph, 1907
5. Bell of USS Princeton (1843-1849)
On exhibit at the Jamestown Exposition, Hampton Roads, Virginia, 1907.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Lithograph by N. Currier via Wikimedia Commons
6. U. S. Steam Frigate Princeton
Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,706 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 2. submitted on June 21, 2015, by Harold Colson of San Diego, California. 3. submitted on February 28, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 5. submitted on February 11, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 6. submitted on February 27, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
