Mercer White Oak, Princeton Battlefield Park

Mercer White Oak was a historic tree at Princeton Battlefield Park that stood tall amidst the park's rolling hills and lush fields. The tree was named after General Hugh Mercer, who died from wounds he received at the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolution. The tree became a symbol of the battle and a testament to the bravery of the American soldiers who fought there. The tree was one of the largest and oldest white oaks in the state of New Jersey, with a massive trunk and sprawling branches that provided shade for visitors to the park. The Mercer White Oak was not only a natural landmark but also a crucial part of the park's rich history, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the American Revolution.

The Mercer White Oak tree was about 300 years old when strong winds ripped it apart in March 2000. Soon after the tree's death, an arborist planted an 8-foot sapling from a Mercer Oak acorn inside the former tree's stump. That fenced-in young oak tree is the one that is seen in Princeton Battlefield Park today.

On this misty, foggy day, the tree takes on an ethereal quality, shrouded in a mysterious veil of white. The fog seems to wrap around the trunk and branches of the tree, adding to its already stately presence.

This is one of several frames from one of the four cartridges of Kosmo Foto Agent Shadow 400 35mm film I bought last year. The film was developed in Tennessee at Boutique Film Labs and scanned at home using an Epson Perfection V600 and VueScan software. The negatives were converted as part of my workflow using Negative Lab Pro.

Experience the Battle of Princeton January 3, 1777

Interested in Attending Experience the Battle of Princeton

Plans are underway for the Princeton Battlefield Society’s early morning, premier educational event in celebration of the January 3rd anniversary of the Battle of Princeton.

On December 29 we will begin our program at the Historical Society of Princeton’s Updike Farm (The Barn) at approximately 9:00 am with a “discover the ten crucial days of 1776-77” presentation by Larry Kidder, historian and author of TEN CRUCIAL DAYS: Washington’s Vision for Victory Unfolds. With limited parking at Updike Farm, shuttle service will be available from the Battlefield State Park to the Farm. Free hot drinks will be available at the Updike Farm and the Battlefield.

Following Mr. Kidder’s presentation, attendees will either take the shuttle back to the Battlefield State Park or march with Continental soldiers to the Clarke farms along the lane used in 1777.

At the battlefield, Mr. Kidder will discuss the actual Battle of Princeton, with British and American reenactors, including artillery, as background. The British and American reenactors are organized and led by Paul Loane of the 43rd Regiment of Foot and by Tom Bowen.

We invite you to experience, first-hand, the culmination of the Ten Crucial Days at Princeton that helped change American Revolutionary War history.

Experience, first-hand, the culmination of the Ten Crucial Days at Princeton that helped change American Revolutionary War history.

Interested in Attending Experience the Battle of Princeton

Plans are underway for the Princeton Battlefield Society’s early morning, premier educational event in celebration of the January 3rd anniversary of the Battle of Princeton.

On December 29 we will begin our program at the Historical Society of Princeton’s Updike Farm (The Barn) at approximately 9:00 am with a “discover the ten crucial days of 1776-77” presentation by Larry Kidder, historian and author of TEN CRUCIAL DAYS: Washington’s Vision for Victory Unfolds. With limited parking at Updike Farm, shuttle service will be available from the Battlefield State Park to the Farm. Free hot drinks will be available at the Updike Farm and the Battlefield.

Following Mr. Kidder’s presentation, attendees will either take the shuttle back to the Battlefield State Park or march with Continental soldiers to the Clarke farms along the lane used in 1777.

At the battlefield, Mr. Kidder will discuss the actual Battle of Princeton, with British and American reenactors, including artillery, as background. The British and American reenactors are organized and led by Paul Loane of the 43rd Regiment of Foot and by Tom Bowen.

We invite you to experience, first-hand, the culmination of the Ten Crucial Days at Princeton that helped change American Revolutionary War history.

It would be awesome if there was snow on the ground that day so that we could get a feel for how it was.

Patriots Week

Unable to Attend Trenton Downtown Association

In Trenton, New Jersey's Capital City provides the unique opportunity for residents and tourists to experience the events that shaped our nation during Patriots Week. The Trenton Downtown Association works closely with neighboring sites in the area to bring the most comprehensive historical experience to life for those of all ages and backgrounds. Through the immersive experience that is Patriots Week, the TDA commemorates and recognizes Trenton's unique and pivotal role in the American Revolution. A role that has shaped some of the very streets and buildings that can still be seen standing today as they were in 1776.

 

Patriots Week is held annually from December 26 - December 31 during the week between Christmas and New Year's and attracts thousands of visitors to the city to enjoy historical tours, a pub crawl, colonial ball, lectures, films, art, music, battlefield re-enactments, and living history events. This year use your holiday break for a fun & history-filled family staycation!

 

With over 70 events taking place during the six-day period it's easy for families and history aficionados to spend a few days in Central New Jersey this December.

Every year around this time I am reminded that we live in a part of the country that played a significant role in the creation of the United States of America. George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, The Battle of Trenton, The Battle of Princeton, all of these historic events occurred just miles away from where I live in Montgomery Township.

From my perspective, “Real America” started with these thirteen original colonies.