Mercer County will commemorate the 160th anniversary of key events marking the end of the Civil War with a special program on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Mercer Cemetery, located at 43 S. Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ.
“As Mayor of Trenton, I am proud to honor our city’s significant role in the Civil War. Trenton’s ironworks provided crucial support to the Union, while our residents—both men and women—made vital contributions to the fight for freedom. Our city’s strategic location and industrial growth not only helped fuel the war effort but also laid the foundation for Trenton’s future as a manufacturing powerhouse,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora.
This event will honor the significant moments that marked the conclusion of the Civil War, such as the surrender at Appomattox. The program will also pay tribute to two Civil War veterans buried at Mercer Cemetery: Medal of Honor awardees Sergeant John Beech and Captain Ellis Hamilton, the youngest commissioned officer in the Union Army at the age of 17. The cemetery is the final resting place for over 200 Civil War soldiers, and this ceremony will acknowledge their service and sacrifice.
“We are proud to honor these veterans and commemorate the pivotal events that helped shape the history of our nation,” said Thomas Barclay, Mercer Cemetery at Trenton Board President. “This event is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the enduring impact of the Civil War on our community and our country.”
The event will include remarks from elected dignitaries, veterans, community stakeholders, and members of the Mercer Cemetery Board of Directors. It will also feature a special recognition of Sergeant John Beech and Captain Ellis Hamilton, both of whom made significant contributions to the Union’s efforts during the Civil War.
“160 years ago, the most destructive war in American history came to an end and our Union emerged victorious,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “Hundreds of service members gave the last full measure in pursuit of that victory and were laid to rest in Mercer County. We are proud to honor the sacrifice and the memory of these Civil War heroes.”
Event Details:
· Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
· Time: 11:00AM – 1:30PM: Pre-Tour from 11AM to 12PM. Program to begin promptly at 12:00PM.
· Location: Mercer Cemetery at 43 S. Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ
· Honorees: John Beech (Congressional Medal of Honor winner) and Captain Ellis Hamilton (youngest commissioned officer in the Union Army)
· Special Guests: Elected dignitaries, veterans, community leaders, and Mercer Cemetery Board of Directors.
This event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend and participate in honoring these veterans and reflecting on the profound impact of the Civil War on our nation.
For more information, please contact Thomas Barclay at mercercemeterytrenton@gmail.com or Terry West at twest@mercercounty.org.
