South Trenton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Penitentiary House
Photographed By Gary Nigh, December 2007
1. The Penitentiary House Marker
“Hic Labor, hoc opus!” translates as “Here labor, here toil!”
The Penitentiary House
Erected by Legislative Authority
Richard Howell, Governor
In the XXII Year of Amern Independence
MDCCXCVII
That those who are feared for their crimes
May learn to fear the laws and be useful
“Hic Labor hoc opus!”
Erected 1797.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement.
Location. 40° 12.367′ N, 74° 45.417′ W. Marker is in Trenton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It is in South Trenton. Marker is on Second Street just north of Cass Street when traveling north. This marker is above the front door of this building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Trenton NJ 08611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Canals, Trains and Automobiles (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Residence of John A. Roebling (approx. ¼ mile away); Water Power and Industry (approx. 0.4 miles
this page online
Regarding The Penitentiary House. “Some of the ideas which dominated the minds of the builders of the original state prison are reflected in the inscription which they placed over the door … The influence of the ideas of the Quakers of Philadelphia is readily apparent in this inscription. In addition to the emphasis upon hard labor as punishment, this inscription gives evidence of some rudimentary grasp of the deterrent and reformatory aspects of punishment of imprisonment.” —Report of the Prison Inquiry Commission, History
Photographed By Gary Nigh, December 2007
2. The Penitentiary House
Photographed By Gary Nigh, December 2007
3. Looking Down Second Street
The Penitentiary House is on the right. The Egyptian revival walls of the 1830s compound of the state prison with the addition of modern watchtowers and barbed wire can be seen in the background.
Report of the Prison Inquiry Commission, History of New Jersey Penal Institutions
4. The First State Prison of New Jersey, 1797-1836.
The Penitentiary House is on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,316 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 4, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey.
