Hanover Academy in Trenton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Douglass House
Photographed By Gary Nigh, November 2007
1. Douglass House Marker
Circa 1766, Home of Alexander Douglass, Quartermaster in Washington’s Army, who fought in the Battle of Assunpink, Jan. 2, 1777.
Here on that date General Washington held the Council of War. Washington’s idea was to leave campfires burning on the south bank of the Assunpink allowing his men to move out toward Princeton under the cover of darkness, leaving the enemy on the opposite bank unaware. Many military historians deem this the boldest plot in American military history. The successful battles of Trenton are said to be the turning point of the Revolution.
The Douglass House has been moved several times having been built at the site of the Lutheran Church on South Broad Street.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 1978 by Old Mill Hill Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 2, 1815.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 40° 13.137′ N, 74° 45.704′ W. Marker was
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Alexander Douglass House (here, next to this marker); Alexander Douglass House on the Move (a few steps from this marker); Mill Hill Playhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Crossing the Delaware (within shouting distance of this marker); Mill Hill Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Street Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trenton YMCA (about 500 feet away); Mill Hill Park (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trenton.
Regarding Douglass House. Listed in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, the Douglass house is a significant piece of Trenton’s history. It is representative of late 18th -early 19th century rowhomes found in Trenton. The long history of the Douglass house is interwoven with the Revolutionary War, the development of Trenton and the resurgence of interest in US history that occurred in the early 20th century. While the Douglass house has been moved three times, the significance of
Photographed By Gary Nigh, November 2007
2. Douglass House Marker
Owned by the City of Trenton, the Douglass House is currently open for special events only. There is also a marker (House of Alexander Douglass) on the original site of this house, South Broad Street at Livingston Street. See related markers link for the HMdb page about that marker.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . . Ten Crucial Days. The website commemorates the crossing of the Delaware and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. (Submitted on December 1, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed By Gary Nigh, August 2008
3. Douglass House in Summer 2008
The Douglas House started undergoing extensive exterior renovations in Summer 2008. The marker has been removed temporarily as the plaza surrounding the house is being completely rebuilt.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2007, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,761 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2007, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 3. submitted on August 17, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Pictures of the inside of the house. • Can you help?
