On January 3, 1777, the peaceful winter fields and woods of Princeton Battlefield were transformed into the site of what is considered to be the fiercest fight of its size during the American Revolution. During this desperate battle, American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars. Coming at the end of "The Ten Crucial Days" which saw the well-known night crossing of the Delaware River and two battles in Trenton, the Battle of Princeton gave Washington his first victory against the British Regulars on the field. The battle extended over a mile away to the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).

The famous Mercer Oak, once stood in the middle of the battlefield, not far from the spot where General Hugh Mercer fell during the Battle of Princeton. The Clarke House, built by Thomas Clarke in 1772, witnessed the fierce fighting and served as sanctuary for General Mercer, who died there nine days later. The house contains period furniture and Revolutionary War exhibits.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep the parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Please bring a biodegradable bag with you when visiting to take your trash home. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Visit https://njparksandforests.org/sps_covid.html and follow www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks for the most recent information on park operations — some amenities may not be available due to COVID-19.

Open daily sunrise to sunset.

Clarke House is open Wednesday- Saturday from 10:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00 and Sunday from 1:00-4:00. 

Princeton Battlefield State Park Area Map

Princeton Battlefield, the Clarke House Museum, Offspring, Mercer Oak, the Ionic Colonnade designed by Thomas U. Walter (architect of the US Capitol Building), a stone patio marking the grave of 21 British and 15 American soldiers killed in the battle. A poem was written for the site by Alfred Noyes, Poet Laureate of England.

Special Use Permit Application Package

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents.  A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.

The monument, designed by sculptor Frederick MacMonnies and dedicated by President Harding, is located on park property at Stockton Street and Bayard Street in Princeton.

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