Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Mercer Oak
A legend says that Mercer was bayoneted and was laid beneath this tree, refusing to leave the battle until victory was secured. He was actually wounded just uphill, behind enemy lines. Later recovered by his aids, Mercer was carried to the Thomas Clarke House, where he died nine days later. Besides the tree, this county and the nearby roadway are among the many things named in his honor.
Mercer (1725-77), born in Scotland, studied medicine at Aberdeen. As an assistant surgeon to the Scottish Jacobite Army he was present at their defeat by the English on Culloden Moor in 1746. Settling in Pennsylvania in 1747, Mercer served the English Provincial Army in the French and Indian War, attaining the rank of colonel. Moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1761 he married, purchased Washington’s boyhood farm, and practiced medicine. As the Revolution began Mercer was named colonel of the 3rd Virginia regiment in 1775 and in 1776 became brigadier general under Washington.
Collapsing of old age on March 3, 2000, the Mercer Oak continues to be a well-recognized symbol of Princeton Township, of Mercer County, the New Jersey Green Acres Program, and other entities. An offspring donated by Louise Morse, started in 1981 from an acorn of the Mercer Oak, was planted next to the old stump in 2001.
Created by Chris Wang BSA Troop 88, Princeton, NJ - 1998
Erected by State of New Jersey, Division of Parks and Forestry.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 3, 1896.
Location. 40° 19.906′ N, 74° 40.585′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. Marker is on Mercer Street, half a mile north of Parkside Drive, on the right when traveling north. This marker is in an open field in the Princeton Battlefield State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Colonnade and Gravesite (within shouting distance of this marker); This is Hallowed Ground (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Portico Preservation and Rebuilding (about 700 feet away); Burial Site of those who fell in the Battle of Princeton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Moulder’s Battery (approx. 0.2 miles away); The British Occupation of New Jersey (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Hugh Mercer (approx. 0.2 miles away); From Trenton to Princeton (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,764 times since then and 65 times this year. Last updated on February 2, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 2, 3. submitted on January 2, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 5. submitted on April 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.