As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution we are refreshing some of the "American Revolution Geo Trail” cache located at historic sites across New Jersey.
Start your journey or revisit these historic locations to learn about the endurance, perseverance and bravery of the American patriots who fought in the War for Independence.
Thomas Clarke, a Quaker farmer, acquired 200 acres in 1772 from his older brother William. He subsequently built a house and lived there with his sisters Sarah and Hannah as well as Susannah, an enslaved servant by the Clarke Family. The Clarke farm includes the original two-story half-Georgian frame house and enlarged wing, the carriage barn and smokehouse. The house, consisting of seven rooms, is furnished in the period of the Revolution. Much of the original flooring, moldings and windows remain.
Optional, stop in the Clarke House Hours: Wed-Sat from 10am-12pm, 1pm-4pm and Sun 1pm-4pm
When the Revolutionary War came to Princeton, Washington and Cornwallis clashed on the farm in what would later be known as the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777. Here, the Continental Army saw a victory that helped renew American morale and continue the momentum of the famous crossing of the Delaware just a week earlier.
Those wounded in the battle were carried into the house and treated by Dr. Benjamin Rush, famous Philadelphia social reformer and member of the Continental Congress. The Clarkes who lived here also helped with tending to the injured. General Hugh Mercer, one of Washington’s closest friends and advisers, died in this house from wounds nine days after the battle. Mercer County, in which Princeton lies today, was later named in his memory.
Battle of Princeton painting by James Peale, ca. 1782, younger brother of renowned American artist Charles Wilson Peale, had fought in the Battle of Princeton and later documented the event in paint. His recollection of the Thomas Clarke House is visible next to the British Redcoats in the right of the painting. The wounded General Hugh Mercer lies in the center of the painting, in yellow pants and a blue coat near a white horse. Princeton University Art Museum.
New Jersey served as the crossroads of the American Revolution, Situated between British-held New York City and Patriot held Philadelphia, with over 600 battles, skirmishes and acts of war; today there are over 150 historic sites to explore.
The New Jersey American Revolution Geo-Trail is a heritage journey to adventure and discovery. This geocache is one of The American Revolution Geo~Trail geocaches placed throughout New Jersey. Visit many historic locations that have a connection to important New Jersey's American Revolutionary War history. Information at njpatriots.org
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The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.
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