Princeton Township in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Thomas Clarke House

By Gary Nigh, August 2008

1. Thomas Clarke House Marker

Inscription. In 1772, Thomas Clarke, a Quaker farmer purchased 200 acres of land from his brother William. The land, then part of West Windsor, had been in the Clarke family since 1696. Thomas replaced an existing structure with the main house that stands today. He lived here with at least two of his sisters, Hannah and Sarah, until his death in 1802. Sarah inherited and remained in the house until her death in 1840. Her nephew, John H. Clarke, enlarged the east wing which included a new kitchen. The house was sold in 1863 to Henry E. Hale and again in 1944 to Blackwell Smith. The State of New Jersey purchased the property in 1946, and established the Clarke House Museum in 1976.

Following the Battle of Princeton, the Clarke House served as a field hospital for wounded soldiers from both armies. Among those taken to the house was brigadier General Hugh Mercer, suffering from seven bayonet wounds. American and british doctors, including Dr. Benjamin Rush, cared for these wounded. Mercer died in the house nine days later tended by Major George Lewis, General Washington’s nephew.

Created by Chris Wang BSA Troop 88, Princeton, NJ - 1998

Erected by State of New Jersey, Division of Parks and Forestry.

Location. 40° 19.739′

A circa 1860 stereoscopic photograph image. Click for full size.

By Gary Nigh, August 2008

2. A circa 1860 stereoscopic photograph

of the Clarke House looking east from this spot. Clarke House photograph courtesy of Millard Riggs.

N, 74° 40.51′ W. Marker is in Princeton Township, New Jersey, in Mercer County. Touch for map. This marker is in the middle of a large open area in the Princeton Battlefield State Park, close to the Thomas Clarke House. Marker is in this post office area: Princeton NJ 08540, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. From Trenton to Princeton (here, next to this marker); General Hugh Mercer (within shouting distance of this marker); The British Occupation of New Jersey (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Moulder’s Battery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to the Institute Lands (about 500 feet away); Route of Washington’s March (about 600 feet away); Stony Brook Meeting House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richard Stockton (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton Township.

Categories. • Notable Events • Notable Persons • War, US Revolutionary •

An 1849 sketch of the Clarke House image. Click for full size.

By Gary Nigh, August 2008

3. An 1849 sketch of the Clarke House

looking north from the carriage shed. The William Clarke House and the Mercer Oak are visible in the background. Clarke House sketch from Pictorial Fieldbook of the Revolution (Benson J. Loesing)

By Gary Nigh, August 4, 2008

4. Thomas Clarke House Marker

Marker on the Princeton Battlefield image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, April 6, 2013

5. Marker on the Princeton Battlefield

A Revolutionary War encampment can be seen near the Thomas Clarke House marker.

Thomas Clarke House image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, April 6, 2013

6. Thomas Clarke House

By Gary Nigh, August 2008

7. Thomas Clarke House

Inside the Thomas Clarke House image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, April 6, 2013

8. Inside the Thomas Clarke House

The kitchen of the Thomas Clarke House is seen here.

Thomas Clarke House Bedroom image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, January 1, 2013

9. Thomas Clarke House Bedroom

By Bill Coughlin, April 6, 2013

10. Inside the Thomas Clarke House

The kitchen of the Clarke house is seen here. The bed upon which Gen. Mercer died is visible on the right.

By Bill Coughlin, April 6, 2013

11. Thomas Clarke House

Gen. Hugh Mercer died in this bedroom nine days after being bayoneted by British troops during the Battle of Princeton.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on August 12, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,655 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on April 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. 7. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 8, 9, 10. submitted on January 3, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. 11. submitted on April 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.