Princeton is not only one of the most historic towns in New Jersey, but in the United States. The presence of the College of New Jersey (which was later renamed Princeton University) brought many famous figures into town. Many college alumni played significant roles in the colonial and Revolutionary period, and the honor roll of college presidents is impressive.

The critical Battle of Princeton added to the fame of the town. A week after his triumph at the pivotal Battle of Trenton, General George Washington launched a surprise attack at Princeton on Lord Cornwallis' troops on their way to reinforce Trenton. Cornwallis was beaten, and retreated to New Brunswick, NJ. The Continental Army went into winter quarters at Morristown, NJ.  Coupled with the victory at Trenton, the Battle of Princeton raised American morale and kept the war effort going.

Princeton served briefly as the capital of the United States after the Revolution; the Continental Congress met in Princeton from June to November, 1783, in Nassau Hall.

Notable Princeton figures of the colonial and Revolutionary era include :

Aaron Burr, Continental army officer, third Vice President of the US, and notorious duelist, an alumnus of the College of New Jersey

Jonathan Edwards, one of America's greatest theologians and revivalists, president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University)

Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, military leader, Congressman, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, an alumnus of the College of New Jersey

James Madison, fourth President and framer of the Constitution, an alumnus of the College of New Jersey

Benjamin Rush, pioneering doctor, surgeon general of the Continental Army, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, an alumus of the College of New Jersey

Richard Stockton, signer of the Declaration of Independence

John Witherspoon, noted clergyman, president of the College of New Jersey, and signer of the Declaration of Independence

Click here  to our Photo Album page of "Historic Sites in Princeton"