Princeton is a community located in Mercer County, New Jersey,
United States. Princeton University has been located in the
community since 1756. Although Princeton is a "college town",
there are other institutions in its territory, including the
Institute for Advanced Study, the Educational Testing Service
(ETS), Opinion Research Corporation, Siemens Corporate Research
, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sarnoff Corporation, FMC Corporation,
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Amrep, Church and Dwight,
Berlitz International, and Dow Jones & Company.
The
community is equidistant between New York and Philadelphia and
has been connected to both since the 19th century. You can go to
both cities by highway.
The capital of New Jersey is the
city of Trenton, but the official residence of the governor has
been in Princeton since 1945.
Although Princetonians
traditionally have a strong identity, the community is made up
of two separate entities: a township and a borough. The central
borough is completely surrounded by the municipality. The
borough was separated from the borough in 1894 in a dispute over
school fees; the two municipalities later formed Princeton
Regional Schools, and other public services are jointly
controlled. There were three referendums proposing
reunification, but it was rejected each time. The borough
contains Nassau Street, the main shopping street, most of the
university campus, and most of the suburbs created after World
War II. The borough and the municipality have a similar
population of approximately 30,000.
By plane
The nearest airports are Newark Liberty International
Airport (IATA: EWR) and Philadelphia Airport (IATA: PHL).
Small
airfields at Princeton itself and Teterboro serve private and business
flyers.
By train
Princeton has a small train station Princeton
train station. A commuter train (popularly known as the Dinkie) runs to
Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor every half hour, and every
hour during off-peak hours. There are connections to Philadelphia via
Trenton and New York City via Newark.
In the street
The New
Jersey Turnpike (here also Interstate 95), which is subject to a toll,
runs east of Princeton about 15 kilometers away. The intersection-free
US1 highway touches the city in the south-east.
You can walk within Princeton. Parking the car is no fun anyway, unless you want to end up in comparatively insignificant residential areas. Parking fees in the city are steep.
Buildings
1 Nassau Hall. Oldest and largest university building in
North America when it was built in 1756. Big enough to house the US
government for a few months of the Revolutionary War in 1777. Today the
seat of the university administration and as such can only be viewed
from the outside.
2 Albert Einstein House, 112 Mercer Street.
Einstein lived here from 1935 until his death in 1955. Cannot be visited
as a private residence.
Monuments
3 Princeton Battle Monument
commemorating the 1777 Battle of Princeton in the American Revolutionary
War.
Museums
4 Princeton University Art Museum, McCosh Walk.
Tel: +1 (609) 258-3788, Email: tmuseum@princeton.edu. Collection right
through human and cultural history. Open: Tue~Sun 10~17 (Sun from 12).
Price: Admission free.
Various
Carnegie Lake Industrialist and
patron Andrew Carnegie donated a lake, artificially created by damming
the Millstone River, to Princeton University, which seemed to have it
all. The rowing team of the university trains here, paddle and pedal
boats, ice skating in winter.
Ghosts of Princeton University Campus
Princeton University's
campus, particularly its oldest buildings, is said to be haunted by
figures from its early days. Nassau Hall, the university's iconic
central building constructed in 1756, plays a key role in several tales.
It served as a barracks and hospital during the Revolutionary War, where
soldiers died from wounds and disease, potentially leaving restless
spirits behind.
One enduring legend involves Aaron Burr Sr., the
university's second president (then called the College of New Jersey)
who died in 1757. As the father of the infamous Aaron Burr Jr., he is
believed to linger in Nassau Hall, checking on the institution's
progress. Sightings describe him as a benevolent presence, manifesting
as a shadowy figure or a sudden gust of inspiration felt by
administrators buried in paperwork. Though no recent apparitions have
been reported, folklore suggests his spirit ensures the college thrives,
perhaps influencing decisions or providing subtle guidance during times
of institutional stress.
His son, Aaron Burr Jr. (Class of 1772), is
perhaps the most famous spectral resident. Burr, the former U.S. Vice
President notorious for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel, is buried
in the Princeton Cemetery. Legends claim his ghost wanders the campus,
especially during exam periods when student stress summons him. He's
often spotted on moony evenings along McCosh Walk, a tree-lined path, or
near his grave. Traditions among sophomores include midnight trips to
the cemetery on the first rainy night of fall to "summon" him, though
these are more ritualistic fun than actual hauntings. Burr's spirit
reportedly extends beyond Princeton; he's said to frequent One if by
Land, Two if by Sea, a New York City restaurant built on his former
stables, where diners report cold spots and unexplained movements. In
Princeton, his appearances are tied to themes of ambition and regret,
reflecting his controversial life.
A more modern, whimsical legend
involves Bill Bradley '65, the basketball star and former U.S.
Senator—who is very much alive but has achieved ghostly status in campus
lore. Known for his prowess on the court, Bradley's "ghost" is said to
haunt Dillon Gymnasium after dark. Teammates from his era joked about
passing the ball to an invisible Bradley during games, leading to the
term "Bradley-ball." Over time, this evolved into reports of a spectral
presence inspiring athletes—a feeling of unfamiliar greatness or phantom
dribbling echoes in the empty gym. It's less a traditional haunting and
more a metaphor for his enduring legacy in Princeton athletics.
Haunted Residences in Princeton Town
Beyond the campus, Princeton's
historic homes harbor their own eerie tales, often linked to personal
tragedies or wartime events.
The ghost of "The Hessian" is one of the
town's most poignant legends, rooted in the Battle of Princeton. This
apparition is believed to be a young German mercenary soldier fighting
for the British, who died during the chaotic retreat from Trenton in
1777. Described as a slight figure in an oversized burlap coat, he
haunts a house on Edgehill Street. Each Christmas Eve at midnight, he's
said to appear, smile briefly, and ascend the chimney like a reverse
Santa Claus. In 1939, Rev. Arthur Kinsolving attempted an exorcism using
a Church of England prayer book, but it failed, suggesting the spirit is
harmless or even benevolent. The Hessian's story evokes sympathy,
portraying him as a boy caught in a man's war, forever trapped in a
foreign land.
Another Victorian-era haunting centers on "Old Mr.
Seeger," a banker who built and lived in a mansion on Prospect Avenue
during the Civil War period. After his wife died in childbirth, Seeger
left her third-floor room untouched, forbidding anyone to enter, and
descended into depression, neglecting the house he had crafted with his
own carpentry skills. His ghost is described as a tall, gaunt shadow
appearing against hallway walls after midnight, accompanied by eerie
tapping sounds from a fret saw—as if he's still woodworking in the
afterlife. Residents report phantom footsteps on stairs, strange noises
from the sealed room (possibly his wife's spirit as well), and vanishing
shadows in doorways. Current occupants, including Professor Andrew
Moravcsik and former SPIA dean Anne-Marie Slaughter '80, have embraced
the legend, viewing it as part of the home's charm rather than a menace.
Ghost Tours and Other Supernatural Sites
For those eager to
explore these legends firsthand, Princeton offers a self-guided ghost
tour called "Whispers in the Ivy: Haunted Princeton," organized by Let's
Roam. This 1.5-hour walking adventure covers 1.22 miles through
downtown, blending trivia, riddles, and photo challenges with
supernatural folklore. Key stops include the Nassau Inn, where
paranormal activity like cold drafts and whispers are reported;
Rockefeller College, tied to campus hauntings; McCarter Theatre and
Theatre Intime, known for eerie backstage presences and local lore; the
Princeton Battle Monument, near Revolutionary War sites with tales of
soldier spirits; and Nassau Street, a hub for mysterious hotspots. The
tour highlights urban myths and haunted history without delving into
specific ghosts, focusing instead on the town's overall spooky vibe to
engage all ages.
Pre-Colonial and Early Settlement (Pre-17th Century to Late 1600s)
The land now known as Princeton was originally inhabited by the Lenni
Lenape (also called Delaware) Native Americans for thousands of years.
They created paths across the narrow "waist" of New Jersey between the
Delaware and Raritan rivers, which later became key routes for European
travelers. European settlement began in the late 17th century, around
1696, when Quaker families established communities along Stony Brook.
The area was initially called Stony Brook after one settler's Long
Island home. In 1681, Captain Henry Greenland established a plantation
nearby, marking one of the earliest European presences.
By the early
1700s, the settlement grew along the King's Highway (now Nassau Street),
a vital stagecoach route connecting New York and Philadelphia. The town
was renamed "Prince-Town" in 1724 to honor Prince William of Orange and
Nassau, who became King William III of England. Administratively, it
fell under Piscataway Township in Middlesex County (established 1683),
with northern parts later in Somerset County (1688).
Colonial
Period and the Founding of Educational Institutions (1700s)
Princeton's growth accelerated in the mid-18th century with the
relocation of the College of New Jersey (chartered in 1746 in Elizabeth,
briefly in Newark) to the town in 1756. Nassau Hall, completed that
year, was the largest academic building in the colonies and housed the
entire college for nearly 50 years. The institution, renamed Princeton
University in 1896, was founded to train Presbyterian ministers but
evolved into a leading research university. Debating societies like the
American Whig (1769) and Cliosophic (1770) formed, fostering
intellectual discourse.
The town's Quaker roots and strategic
location made it a cultural center. In 1812, the Princeton Theological
Seminary was established to counter perceived secularization at the
university.
Revolutionary War Era (1770s–1780s)
Princeton
played a crucial role in the American Revolution. It produced three
signers of the Declaration of Independence: Richard Stockton and John
Witherspoon (for New Jersey) and Joseph Hewes (for North Carolina). In
July 1776, the Declaration was read on Nassau Hall's lawn, and the
building served as New Jersey's first capitol.
The Battle of
Princeton on January 3, 1777, was a turning point. Following victories
at the Battles of Trenton, General George Washington led a surprise
night march from Trenton to attack British forces under Colonel Charles
Mawhood in Princeton. The Americans defeated the British detachment,
with fighting ending inside Nassau Hall, where British troops had
barricaded themselves. Alexander Hamilton reportedly fired cannons at
the building. This victory boosted morale and forced British retreats,
freeing much of New Jersey.
Post-battle, Nassau Hall housed British
prisoners and later the Continental Congress from June to November 1783,
making Princeton the nation's temporary capital. The New Jersey
legislature also met there in the summer of 1777.
19th Century
Growth and Division (1800s)
The 19th century saw Princeton's
expansion tied to its educational institutions. The university rebuilt
Nassau Hall after fires in 1802 and 1855. Commodore Robert Field
Stockton (1795–1866) influenced development, including transportation
improvements. In 1838, the township was incorporated, surrounding the
borough (incorporated 1813), creating a divided municipality that lasted
until 2013.
Cultural milestones included the founding of the
Westminster Choir College (1926, though later) and performing arts
venues like The Casino in 1895. Princeton became a stop for notable
figures, including U.S. Presidents Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson,
the latter serving as university president before his presidency.
20th Century: Intellectual Hub and Modern Developments (1900s–2000s)
The 20th century cemented Princeton's reputation as an intellectual
center. In 1930, the Institute for Advanced Study was founded,
attracting Albert Einstein as its first faculty member in 1933; he lived
there until his death in 1955. Other institutions like the Princeton
Plasma Physics Laboratory, Educational Testing Service, and corporate
research facilities (e.g., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Siemens) emerged.
The town hosted governors at Morven (1945–1981) and Drumthwacket (from
1982). Notable residents included Paul Robeson, Aaron Burr, and Michael
Graves. In 1950, the American Boychoir School relocated to Princeton.
Contemporary Princeton (2010s–Present)
The 2013 merger unified
governance, enhancing efficiency. Today, Princeton thrives on education,
research, and tourism, with historic sites like Princeton Battlefield
State Park, Morven Museum, and the university campus drawing visitors.
The economy includes pharmaceuticals, publishing, and tech, with over 50
corporations maintaining research facilities.
Princeton, New Jersey, is a consolidated municipality in Mercer
County, situated in central New Jersey within the Piedmont physiographic
province. It lies roughly equidistant between New York City and
Philadelphia, approximately 50 miles from each major metropolitan area,
making it a key suburban hub in the Northeast Corridor. The town is
positioned along major transportation routes, including U.S. Route 1 and
close to Interstate 95, with nearby cities such as Trenton (the state
capital) to the southwest, New Brunswick to the northeast, and Edison
further east. Geographically, Princeton encompasses a total area of
18.41 square miles (47.69 km²), of which 17.95 square miles (46.48 km²)
is land and 0.47 square miles (1.21 km²) is water, representing about
2.53% of the total area. Its coordinates are approximately 40.3562° N
latitude and 74.6693° W longitude. Princeton borders several neighboring
municipalities: Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, and West Windsor
in Mercer County; Plainsboro Township and South Brunswick Township in
Middlesex County; and Franklin Township and Montgomery Township in
Somerset County. Unincorporated communities within or absorbed into the
greater Princeton area include Cedar Grove, Port Mercer, Princeton
Basin, and Jugtown, each retaining some local identity.
Topography and Elevation
Princeton's topography is characterized by a
mix of low-lying areas and gentle ridges, typical of the Piedmont
region. The municipality is located just south of Princeton Ridge, a
prominent long, curving ridge that forms a natural boundary and
influences local landscapes. This positioning in a relatively low-lying
basin has historically led to practical issues, such as poor cell phone
reception in certain neighborhoods due to the terrain's interference.
Elevations vary significantly across the area, ranging from about 80
feet above sea level in the southern portions to up to 400 feet in the
north, with the highest points found on Mount Rose, a notable ridge
feature. The average elevation for the region is around 148 feet. The
landscape includes wooded hills, former farmlands, and open spaces,
blending suburban development with rural elements. Surrounding areas
feature additional ridges and valleys, contributing to a varied terrain
that supports both urban expansion and natural preservation.
Geology
Geologically, Princeton sits within the Piedmont province,
part of a broader belt of metamorphic rocks known as the Trenton Prong,
which extends northeastward from Pennsylvania into New Jersey. The
surficial geology of the Princeton quadrangle includes a diverse array
of materials such as wetland deposits, hillslope colluvium, windblown
(eolian) sediments, multiple generations of alluvial deposits along
river valleys, and weathered bedrock. Bedrock in the area primarily
consists of Triassic-age formations, including the Lockatong Formation,
which features cyclic lacustrine (lake-deposited) sediments from ancient
rift basins. These deposits are arranged in asymmetrical "detrital" and
"chemical" cycles, reflecting periodic expansions and contractions of
ancient lakes due to climatic variations. Notable finds in nearby
Triassic rocks include dinosaur footprints, worm tubes, fossil fish, and
castings, particularly around Princeton. The region also contains
fossiliferous pebbles in the "Pensauken gravel," derived from Paleozoic
sources, indicating complex sediment transport histories. Overall, New
Jersey's geology in this area reflects a transition from sedimentary
rocks in the Piedmont to more unconsolidated Cretaceous sediments in the
adjacent Coastal Plain.
Hydrography and Bodies of Water
Princeton's hydrography is defined by several key bodies of water that
contribute to its scenic and ecological character. The most prominent is
Lake Carnegie, a 244-acre man-made reservoir created in 1906 by damming
the Millstone River at its confluence with Stony Brook. Owned by
Princeton University, it serves as a vital resource for rowing,
recreation, and wildlife, bordering the southern edge of the campus. The
Millstone River, a major waterway, flows through the area and feeds into
Lake Carnegie, offering a "backyard wilderness" with rich history and
diverse ecology, including hidden brooks that run underground through
parts of town. Stony Brook, a tributary, adds to the network, supporting
wetlands and alluvial deposits. Other nearby natural features include
Mountain Lakes in the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, a
series of small ponds within a 75-acre wooded tract with over 8 miles of
trails. Colonial Lake and other smaller lakes in surrounding parks
provide additional aquatic habitats. These waters support fishing (e.g.,
trout-stocked areas), boating, and biodiversity, though some are
spring-fed swimming holes in more rural spots.
Climate
Princeton experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen
classification: Dfa), with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Temperatures typically range from an average low of 24°F (-4°C) in
January to a high of 86°F (30°C) in July, with extremes occasionally
dipping below 11°F (-12°C) or exceeding 94°F (34°C). Annual
precipitation averages 45-49 inches (1,143-1,245 mm), distributed fairly
evenly throughout the year, though summers are wetter. Snowfall occurs
in winter, with variable amounts, and the area sees partial cloud cover
year-round. The best period for outdoor activities is late May to early
October, with September, June, and August being the most pleasant
months. Climate variability includes frequent rain and distinct seasons,
influenced by its mid-Atlantic location.
Vegetation, Land Use,
and Environmental Aspects
Princeton's vegetation reflects a
transition between urban landscaping and preserved natural habitats,
with a focus on native species restoration amid challenges from
invasives and overabundant deer. Native trees and shrubs include red
maple, white oak, American hornbeam, tulip poplar, blackgum, sweet
pepperbush, and nannyberry, often featured in community projects like
microforests (e.g., the first at Quarry Park, using Miyawaki methods for
rapid growth). Efforts include native meadows, corridors, and forest
restoration at sites like Elm Drive Woods and the 18-acre Billy Johnson
Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, combating invasives such as multiflora
rose, Japanese honeysuckle, and stiltgrass. These initiatives support
biodiversity, including over 150 bird species, pollinators, and mammals,
while deer exclosures protect regeneration. Land use is a blend of
residential neighborhoods, institutional grounds (e.g., Princeton
University owning significant tracts), parks, and remnant farmlands.
Environmental priorities align with Princeton's Climate Action Plan,
emphasizing tree canopy protection (via the Community Forestry
Management Plan), habitat regeneration, and sustainability to combat
rising heat and forest degradation. Preserves like Institute Woods and
the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park offer extensive trails for
engagement with nature.
City administration
The first female mayor of reunited Princeton
is Democrat Liz Lempert.
town twinning
Princeton has
partnerships with France's Colmar, Italy's Pettoranello del Molise and
India's Kalianpur.
educational institutions
The renowned Princeton University has
been based in Princeton since 1756; it was founded in Elizabeth in 1746
as the College of New Jersey (until 1896). The Institute for Advanced
Study, where Albert Einstein worked, is also based in Princeton. Other
colleges in Princeton include Westminster Choir College (Rider
University) and Princeton Theological Seminary. Princeton is also home
to one of New Jersey's most renowned theaters, the McCarter Theatre.
Established businesses
Although Princeton is best known for its
university, a number of well-known business and industrial companies are
also based there. Examples include Opinion Research Corporation, Siemens
Corporate Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sarnoff Corporation, FMC
Corporation, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation , Amrep, Church &
Dwight, Berlitz Corporation and Dow Jones & Company have their
headquarters or significant offices in Princeton. In neighboring
Lawrenceville there is also a BASF agricultural research facility.
German companies are also increasingly settling in Princeton. They are
looked after by the Princeton Institute, which has set up its own
department for this purpose.
In the north of Princeton there is a privately operated airport, Princeton Airport (FAA identifier: 39N), which also has a rental car agency, two charter companies and two flight schools - one only for helicopters - are located. The airport serves private air traffic.
Established in 1757, Princeton Cemetery is the final resting place of
a number of notable figures, most notably scholars from Princeton
University. Among other things, there are the graves of
Aaron
Burr (1756–1836), 3rd Vice President of the United States (under Thomas
Jefferson); killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel
Kurt Gödel
(1906–1978), Austrian-American mathematician, logician, and philosopher
Arnold Henri Guyot (1807–1884), Swiss-American naturalist and geographer
Donald Lambert (1904–1962), American jazz pianist
Solomon Lefschetz
(1884–1972), American mathematician
Lyman Spitzer (1914–1997),
American astrophysicist
William Milligan Sloane (1850–1928), American
philologist and historian
John von Neumann (1903-1957),
Hungarian-born mathematician, physicist and computer scientist
Eugene
Paul Wigner (1902–1995), Hungarian-American physicist
The main shopping street is Nassau Street with a few boutiques pp.
that appeal to conservative, sophisticated tastes.
1 Wawa, 152,
Alexander Street (opposite the train station). Phone: (609) 924-2845.
Supermarket with an impressive selection of potato chips, sandwiches,
beverages, junk food, ice cream, coffee and two alibi shelves for greens
and fresh fruit. Institution in Princeton, an undetermined number of
university degrees would have failed if Wawa had not secured supplies
during the hot phase of exam preparation at half past two in the night.
Open: 24 hours a day.
2 Princeton University Store, 36 University Pl,
Princeton, NJ 08540. Tel: +1 609-921-8500. Student-run store that stocks
everything students need from notepads to shaving cream, as well as
university merchandise. Another store on Nassau Street. Open: daily 0800
- 0400.