Clarke House

New Jersey’s Battle of Princeton Hospital — 1772 Farmhouse at Princeton Battlefield State Park, Field Hospital for American and British Wounded January 1777, Washington’s Decisive Victory, 500 Mercer Road, Princeton Mercer County New Jersey

Clarke House is a historic farmhouse at 500 Mercer Road, within Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey. Built in 1772, the house witnessed heavy fighting during the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, and served as a field hospital for wounded soldiers from both the American and British armies. The house is part of the New Jersey State Park System and features interpretation of the Battle of Princeton and its aftermath, restored period rooms depicting colonial-era farm life, exhibits on the house’s role as a field hospital for both sides, connections to George Washington’s decisive New Jersey campaign, and the broader Princeton Battlefield State Park grounds.

The Battle of Princeton

The Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, was one of George Washington’s most important victories. Just days after the famous crossing of the Delaware and victory at Trenton, Washington’s forces marched overnight and surprised British troops at Princeton. The fighting swept through the fields around Clarke House, and the farmhouse was quickly pressed into service as a field hospital treating wounded from both armies. The victory at Princeton — combined with Trenton — revived American morale and changed the course of the Revolution.

The Farmhouse

Built just five years before the battle, Clarke House is a well-preserved example of 18th-century New Jersey farmhouse architecture. Visitors can explore the house and learn about both colonial-era agricultural life and the dramatic events of January 1777. The surrounding Princeton Battlefield State Park preserves the grounds where the battle took place, including monuments and interpretive markers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this house historically significant?

It served as a field hospital for both American and British wounded after the Battle of Princeton in January 1777.

Can I visit the battlefield?

Yes, Clarke House is within Princeton Battlefield State Park, which preserves the battlefield grounds with trails and monuments.

Wildlife & Nature

Clarke House — a colonial-era farmhouse with connections to Revolutionary War history. The surrounding New Jersey landscape supports songbirds, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.

Nearby Attractions

Local New Jersey communities — surrounding.