Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The West Wing
This wing, which housed the kitchen and service quarters, is the oldest part of the house, built for Richard Stockton (1730-1781), a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his wife, Annis (1736-1801), in the 18th century. During this period, enslaved men and women performed most of the domestic tasks and worked on the farm. Tax records indicate that there were between one and six enslaved men working at Morven at any one time, but there were also enslaved women and children that went unrecorded. In 1804, New Jersey passed a gradual emancipation law and by the time of the 1840 census, the Stocktons no longer enslaved people at Morven.
Morven Museum & Garden continues to seek information regarding enslaved people on this site. The museum's permanent history exhibition details the men and women identified to date.
Erected 2020 by New Jersey Historic Trust.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Agriculture • Colonial Era • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Signers of the Declaration of Independence series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.
Location. 40° 20.864′ N, 74° 40.032′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Commodore's Greenhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Lawn / Morven Museum & Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Demonstration Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); Horse Chestnut Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
