Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Princeton’s Flag Man

Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 3, 2018

1. Princeton’s Flag Man plaque

Inscription.
In 1861
Capt. John H.S. Margerum
risked his life by
climbing to the dome of
Nassau Hall to erect
The Stars and Stripes of
the Union Jack

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 40° 21.228′ N, 74° 39.598′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. Marker can be reached from Princeton Cemetery north of Wiggins Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23 Greenview Ave, Princeton NJ 08542, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Betsey Stockton (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rev. John Witherspoon (about 500 feet away); Aaron Burr (about 500 feet away); Paul Robeson (about 700 feet away); Bainbridge House (approx. ¼ mile away); Washington’s Route from Princeton to Morristown (approx. 0.3 miles away); March of the Mill Children (approx. 0.3 miles away); Joseph Henry House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.

Regarding Princeton’s Flag Man.
This is a puzzling marker.
Other than his name and rank, there is no biographical material on Captain Margerum to be found, nor is

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there information on the event referenced. The closest reference comes from a Historical Society of Princeton Civil War Exhibition, stating “When the national flag was taken down from Nassau Hall in an attempted show of neutrality, the local metalworker who reinstalled it became a hero.” If it was Mr. Margerum, this might have lead to his captain's commission.
The term “Stars and Stripes of the Union Jack” is nonsensical as “Union Jack” commonly refers to the flag of Great Britain.

Also see . . . "Princeton's Civil War". Historical Society of Princeton Presents Civil War Exhibition (Submitted on May 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 3, 2018

2. Princeton’s Flag Man plaque

Alongside the gravesite.

Princeton’s Flag Man - Capt. John H.S. Margerum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 12, 2020

3. Princeton’s Flag Man - Capt. John H.S. Margerum

Company B, 22nd Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.