As part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Princeton Battlefield State Park will host its annual re-enactment of the Battle of Princeton on Sunday, January 5. Attendees will have the chance to learn about one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution and interact with newly installed interpretive displays throughout the park.
“The Battle of Princeton is a powerful milestone that highlights New Jersey’s pivotal role in our nation’s history,” said Governor Murphy. “Over the next two years, we’re excited to showcase how New Jersey continues to be a beacon of innovation, carrying forward the revolutionary spirit ignited 250 years ago. I’m proud to kick off this celebration right here in the Garden State.”
The re-enactment will begin at 9:45am. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as parking on-site is limited. Free shuttle buses from the Princeton Train Station are available for those arriving by public transportation or parking off-site.
Spectators will experience a guided narration of the battle as British and American re-enactors fire muskets and cannons on the same land where the actual battle took place on January 3, 1777. Following the battle, the interior of the historic Thomas Clarke House will be open for tours. Visitors will also be guided by 10 new interpretive displays at various locations on the battlefield.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with the re-enactment of the Battle of Princeton,” said Lieutenant Governor Way who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her role as Secretary of State. “New Jersey played a pivotal role in our nation’s founding story. I’m delighted to see efforts underway to highlight our state’s rich history and significant contributions to the American Revolution.”
The Battle of Princeton was one of the fiercest of the American Revolution, marking the conclusion of the pivotal “Ten Crucial Days,” a period of intense troop movements and battles, including three key confrontations, beginning with Gen. George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776.
To commemorate the soldiers who fought and died at the Battle of Princeton, a memorial wreath-laying ceremony will close out the re-enactment. The re-enactment is hosted in partnership with the Princeton Battlefield Society.
Tickets and additional information about the re-enactment can be found on the Princeton Battlefield Society website. Tickets are $10 each for those aged 15 and over – preregistration is recommended but not required as tickets can be purchased upon arrival. All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the Princeton Battlefield Society.
Interpretive Enhancements at Princeton Battlefield
Through a partnership with the American Battlefield Trust and the Princeton Battlefield Society, Princeton Battlefield State Park in November unveiled 10 new interpretive signs which are distributed throughout the park. The new exhibits were funded by the New Jersey Historic Trust
The signage will be complemented by the installation of two “battle windows” in early 2025, which apply elements from the Battle of Princeton to a pane of glass that overlays the present-day view of the state park, allowing viewers to better grasp how the battle unfolded on the landscape. One battle window applies extracted elements from a well-known James Peale painting, and a second highlights the British perspective from a custom illustration by historical illustrator Dale Watson.
A bronze patina map table will also be installed depicting the battlefield’s topography.Princeton Battlefield is also included on the new Liberty Trail NJ app, available for free download through Google Play and the Apple Store, as well as an online web app. The new app from the American Battlefield Trust includes 360-degree virtual tours, narrative text, historical illustrations, original artwork, battle maps and videos with experts.
Statewide Historic Site Improvements
In 2022, the Murphy Administration made a $25 million investment toward New Jersey’s Revolutionary War historic sites in preparation for 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
The investment supports restoration and capital improvements to:
- Washington Crossing State Park;
- Trenton’s Old Barracks Museum;
- The Trenton Battle Monument;
- Princeton Battlefield State Park;
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park;
- The Proprietary House Historic Site in Perth Amboy;
- The Indian King Tavern Historic Site in Haddonfield;
- The Wallace House Historic Site in Somerville;
- Boxwood Hall Historic Site in Elizabeth;
- Rockingham Historic Site in Kingston.
To learn more about New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites, visit njparksandforests.org. Find New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites on Facebook at facebook.com/newjerseystateparks, and on Instagram @newjerseystateparks.
The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution created RevolutionNJ (RevNJ), a partnership to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Visit revnj.org to explore the events and programs RevNJ hosts such as history themed fun runs, Tavern Talks with re-enactors, public arts programs and more.
