Hubby is a history buff and I enjoy learning about it, so he brought up the idea of going on a history tour in our backyard, well not actually our backyard but in the vicinity. We live in Princeton and not many know that there is lots of history here and in the surrounding areas. With the help of the Hidden Trenton website, Hubby learned a lot about our area's history and took us on a tour (driving and walking). If you do the tour, I highly recommend printing out the pdf of the Guides to the Battles of Trenton and Princeton because there is lots of great information there.
Here is a ferry boat similar to what they used back then to transport people and artillery.
We then ventured up to Washington Crossing Park and visited the Johnson Ferry House. Pretty amazing that it has been there circa 1740!
Continental Lane, where Washington's Army began their march to Trenton. We hiked a bit of it before heading back to the car to drive to Jacob's Creek.
Jacob's Creek, where Washington's Army had to cross on their way to Trenton.
Some nice informational signs at the creek.
We made our way to Trenton to the Battle Monument there. It was interesting to learn that here George Washington's Army fought the Hessians (German soldiers that the British paid to fight for them). Washington's army defeated them.
Remnants of an old paper mill on Front Street.
Old Barracks in Trenton.
George Washington Statue on Mill Hill
We then made our way to Princeton. I forgot to mention that there are "Washington Victory Trail" signs that mark Washington's route. It was fun seeing these signs along the drive and even the kiddos were looking out and pointing whenever they saw them. It's funny I didn't notice them before I took the tour, and now see them on roads I frequent all the time.
There are also these historical markers along the route. I believe there are 12 of them and we saw I think 5 of them on the route we took.
Below is a pic of the New Mercer Oak at the Princeton Battlefield. George Washington's Army defeated the British on this battlefield, one of the few early victories for Americans.
Some columns at the battlefield.
This marks the end of the tour we took. I only highlighted some of the sites we saw but again, I suggest you download and take a look at the pdf of the Self Guided tour to the Battles of Trenton and Princeton on the Hidden Trenton website. It is very detailed and has pretty much everything you need to know about the battles and even exact locations where things took place. Lot of historical information and background is provided.
It's pretty amazing to think back that a long time ago men were marching and fighting for our country so close to where I live. Now when I pass the victory trail signs I can't help but think about those men that fought for their freedom from the British. It is so cool to know about the history that has taken place so close to home.
