Bridgewater in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Prince Rodgers

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 28, 2024

1. Prince Rodgers Marker

Inscription. Prince Rodgers was born into slavery in 1815 in Bridgewater, New Jersey. His parents, taken captive by the Dutch in the late 1700s and transported to New Jersey, imparted tales of their noble ancestry despite their enslavement. It was this rich and regal heritage that bestowed upon him his illustrious name.

Prince Rodgers was manumitted by his enslaver Cornelius C. Vanhorn in 1829 under New Jersey's Manumission Act (to free from slavery). Afterward, Prince wed Judith Aan Van DerVeer and together, they nurtured six children. A skilled farmer, Prince played a pivotal role in constructing many early, local buildings, including Somerville's first African American church. His commitment to community transcended into military service during the Civil War, where he valiantly fought for the Union.

Upon his death in 1889, Prince found eternal rest in what is now known as Prince Rodgers Cemetery in Bridgewater, alongside his beloved wife and family. His legacy endures through a vast progeny and numerous landmarks bearing his name. This complex and monument serve as a testament to a life lived in service, equality, and boundless love for humanity.

Dedicated in partnership with the Prince Rodgers Foundation, Inc., Bridgewater Township, and the Somerset Patriots under the New York Black Yankees community partnership

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Erected 2024 by Prince Rodgers Foundation, Inc. • Bridgewater Township • Somerset Patriots.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.

Location. 40° 35.362′ N, 74° 36.813′ W. Marker is in Bridgewater, New Jersey, in Somerset County. It can be reached from Prince Rodgers Avenue 0.1 miles west of North Bridge Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is behind the backstop of Field 3 in Prince Rodgers Baseball Complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1408 Prince Rodgers Ave, Bridgewater NJ 08807, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey,

specifically in Central Jersey,

in Greater Princeton,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hobbstown (approx. ¼ mile away); Bridgewater Township Historic Monument (approx. 0.7 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 1.1 miles away); Site of St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Parsonage (approx. 1.2 miles away); Jacob Vosseller House (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Official End Of World War I (approx. 1.3 miles away); Washington’s Route from Princeton to Morristown (approx. 1.3 miles away); Fireman's Museum (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgewater.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 28, 2024

2. Prince Rodgers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 677 times since then and 145 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.