Downtown in Trenton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of the 1776 Hunterdon County Court House and Gaol
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 15, 2022
1. Site of the 1776 Hunterdon County Court House and Gaol Marker
On July 8, 1776, Trenton's residents heard the newly adopted Declaration of Independence boldly read to them from the steps of the Court House on this site. That event was one of the first three public readings of the document that launched the founding of the United States of America and defined its core principles of equality and guarantees of inalienable rights and justice that we continue to strive to achieve.
Presenting an early reading at this location demonstrated the central role Trenton played in the war for independence that affected the lives of Trenton's residents daily until 1783. Fewer than six months later, this site, and all of 18th century Trenton, endured two pivotal military battles that demonstrated the resolve of the colonists to successfully achieve the Independence from Great Britain that they had declared.
Erected 2022 by Kiwanis Club of Trenton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is July 8, 1776.
Location. 40° 13.185′ N, 74° 45.948′ W. Marker is in Trenton,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Jersey and in Greater Princeton. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Signing of the Ratification of the Constitution (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Golden Swan (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Hunt House (within shouting distance of this marker); First Professional Basketball Game (within shouting distance of this marker); Many Meetings During the Revolutionary War (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Synagogue
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 15, 2022
2. Site of the 1776 Hunterdon County Court House and Gaol Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 449 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
