Matthieu Barragué © 2006

Matthieu Barragué © 2006

The Battle of Princeton took place on the cold morning of January 3, 1777 and followed the American victory at Trenton of December 26, 1776 and heavy fighting in Maidenhead and Trenton January 2nd. George Washington was advancing his army on the rear guard of the British Army in Princeton when lead elements encountered the 17th and 55th Regiments of Foot and the 16th Light Dragoons at the Clarke Farms south of Princeton.

Matthieu Barragué © 2006

The fighting ranged from these farms in Stony Brook Village to the campus of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) where the 40th Regiment joined the fighting. Washington took personal command on the field and turned the tide of the battle in favor of the American Army. British forces also claimed victory and the 17th Regiment were known as the "Heroes of Prince Town" and won the only battle honor given by King George III during the Revolution.

Considered one of the fiercest fought battles of the war, casualties exceeded many larger actions, and were cared for in the homes in the area.