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

Historic Portico Preservation and Rebuilding

Photographed By Gary Nigh, August 2008

1. Historic Portico Preservation and Rebuilding Marker

Inscription. The preservation and rebuilding here of this historic portico were due to the leadership of the architects of New Jersey in commemoration of the centennial year of the American Institute of Architecture in 1937. Thomas Ustick Walter (1804-88) was its architect. He was one of the founders of the American Institute of Architects and became its second president. His best known work is the dome of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

This portico was created in 1836 for the residence of Mathew Newkirk in Philadelphia. It was moved to Princeton about 1900 and erected as the entrance of a house called Mercer Manor because it stood on the eastern edge of the Princeton Battlefield near the spot where General Mercer was mortally wounded in the engagement.

When it was necessary to demolish Mercer Manor in 1937, its owners, the Institute for Advanced Study, presented the portico to the State of New Jersey.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 40° 20.02′ N, 74° 40.629′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. This marker is on a freestanding portion of the colonnade of the demolished "Mercer Manor" house at the back of a field in the Princeton Battlefield State Park.

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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. This is Hallowed Ground (here, next to this marker); Burial Site of those who fell in the Battle of Princeton (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonnade and Gravesite (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mercer Oak (about 700 feet away); Site of Moulder’s Battery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Washington’s Spring (approx. 0.3 miles away); The British Occupation of New Jersey (approx. 0.3 miles away); General Hugh Mercer (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.

Portion of the Historic Portico and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gary Nigh, August 2008

2. Portion of the Historic Portico and Marker

The Historic Portico image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gary Nigh, August 08

3. The Historic Portico

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,067 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on May 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.