Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The King’s Highway
By Gary Nigh, August 10, 2008
1. The King’s Highway Marker
Originally, the road ran directly in front of the house, on a line that formed a continuation of the present-day Nassau Street. It more or less followed the route of a Native American trail between the Raritan and Delaware Rivers. In colonial times it became a King’s Highway, and from the mid-18th century until the Delaware and Raritan Canal opened in the 1830s, it was the main stage coach route between New York and Philadelphia. It also marked the county line between Somerset and Middlesex Counties.Between 1766 and 1771, the road was straightened to run along its present alignment. The Signer then bought the land between Morven and Stockton Street. This foreground created a more formal setting for the building. To mark his purchase, he planted a row of catalpa trees along the new boundary.
The catalpa trees were replanted in 1999, and the fence is a reproduction of Morven’s mid-19th century fence.
[caption] A Map of the the Division Line Between the Counties of Middlesex & Somerset, Azariah Dunham, 1766, Princeton University Library
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
By Gary Nigh, August 10, 2008
2. A Map of the Division Line Between the Counties of Middlesex and Somerset,
Azariah Dunham, 1766,
Princeton University Library
Location. 40° 20.843′ N, 74° 40.014′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. Marker can be reached from Stockton Street (U.S. 206). This marker is next to the entrance road of Morven Museum and Garden, close to Stockton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 55 Stockton Street, 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. The Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wash House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Horse Chestnut Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); The Front Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The West Wing (within shouting distance of this marker); The House Front (within shouting distance of this marker); W 3 R (within shouting distance of this marker); “The Washington-Rochambeau Historic Route” (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
Also see . . . Morven Museum & Garden. (Submitted on August 20, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
By Gary Nigh, August 10, 2008
3. The King’s Highway Marker
looking toward Stockton Street.
By Gary Nigh, August 10, 2008
4. The King’s Highway Marker
looking toward Morven.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 915 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on February 3, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 19, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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