Wet, Wet Wednesday

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We traveled to Princeton, New Jersey today in the warm, thick East Coast rain. This area was a lush green and very beautiful. The thick fog and drizzle really added to the atmosphere even if it was uncomfortable during parts of the day.

Our first destination was the 85 acre Princeton Battlefield State Park where Washington won his first on-field battle of the Revolutionary War in January 1777. This was a battle at a time when the American troops were almost “whooped,” and the victory resulted in a morale boost for troops and increased reenlistments. During the course of the battle when General Mercer’s troops were being beaten, Washington is said to have ridden up and said, “Parade with me, my brave fellows. We will have them soon!” Mercer was bayoneted until presumed dead and later taken to the Clarke House where he later died. One of the most interesting tidbits (who knows if it’s really true) is that Alexander Hamilton was happy to fire upon Nassau Hall at Princeton campus during the battle because he had not been admitted to the college.

Then we took a walking tour of the Princeton area. We visited the University with its magnificent architecture. One of the many things I learned today is that Nassau Hall at Princeton served as the meeting place of the Continental Congress met there between June and November of 1783. We walked by the still private residence of Albert Einstein, the battle monument, and the Presbyterian church. We also went past the home of Robert Stockton, the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to ever recount his alligence  when captured by the English (the big sissy!).

On a personal note it was cool to learn who Mercer was because my hubby was born at Mercer County Hospital a reallllllllllllllly long time ago (he,he). Also my father-in-law was raised on Mercer Street by his aunt and grandmother. When he was in the front yard playing ball Albert Einstein used to walk by on his way to Princeton and chat with Arthur. Arthur’s aunt Pauline later became a professor at Princeton – I believe in history. Sadly, my father-in-law is deceased – it would be so cool to talk to him about that again now that I have a mental picture.

 

Classroom application:Today it really struck me how cool it is to stand in a place where Washington actually rallied troops. Again (I’m embarrassed to admit) I didn’t really have much background information on the battle so this was really informative for me. It’s always good to know more than the kids! This will help me if this topic ever comes up.

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