Mercer County: History So Good, It Should Come with a Spoiler Alert

Right in the center of the Garden State, Mercer County delivers a plethora of history. Visitors and residents can tour two Revolutionary War battlefields, pass Einstein’s old stomping grounds at Princeton University, and pay respects to Aaron Burr and Grover Cleveland all before lunch?

Mercer County set the stage for the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, where George Washington and his Continentals pulled off not one, but two of the boldest underdog victories in Revolutionary history. Those snowy wins didn’t just boost morale; they changed the course of the entire war. You, too, can experience those “Ten Crucial Days” not only during December’s Patriot’s Week but year-round with visits to the battlefields of Princeton, Trenton, and Washington’s Crossing State Park.

But Mercer doesn’t stop at 1777—it layers its Revolutionary roots with a milieu of characters and curiosities that will keep you fascinated. A stroll through Princeton Cemetery reveals a cast of figures who helped shape the nation—Declaration signers, Princeton presidents, Grover Cleveland, Aaron Burr, and even Ruth Cleveland, the baby behind the candy bar legend.

With its blend of Revolutionary charm and academic edge, Mercer County isn’t just a detour on the way to Philadelphia—it’s the destination. So whether you’re tracing Washington’s footsteps, following Einstein’s wanderings, or visiting Aaron Burr’s gravestone, Mercer County offers more than just historic highlights—it’s the fascinating footnote that brings history to life.