National Register Listing

State House Historic District (Boundary Increase)

a.k.a. State House Annex;See Also:State House District

W. State St. S side, W of New Jersey State House, Trenton, NJ
Local significance of the district:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
The first recorded instance of a submarine attack on a ship occurred off the coast of New Jersey during the American Civil War. On February 17, 1864, the Confederate submarine CSS Hunley attacked and sank the Union ship USS Housatonic near Charleston, South Carolina, while on its way from New Jersey.
New Jersey random facts
Mercer County, located in central New Jersey, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to colonial times. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Lenape, who were the first inhabitants of the region. However, European settlement began in the early 17th century when Dutch and Swedish explorers arrived in the area and established trading posts.

In the late 17th century, the land that is now Mercer County was part of Burlington County. However, in 1838, Mercer County was formed and named after General Hugh Mercer, an American Revolutionary War hero. Initially, Mercer County included many towns and villages that are now part of other counties. Over time, the county's boundaries changed, and it eventually settled into its present shape.

During the American Revolution, Mercer County played a significant role. The Battle of Trenton, a crucial turning point in the war, took place here in December 1776. General George Washington and his troops launched a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries, resulting in a victory for the Continental Army. This event boosted the morale of the revolutionaries and inspired future military successes.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Mercer County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Trenton, the county seat and capital of New Jersey, became known for its manufacturing and agricultural industries. The city was a prominent center for ceramics and pottery production, with the iconic Trenton Pottery being created. Notable industries also included ironworks, steel production, and textiles. Today, Mercer County continues to be an important economic hub, combining urban development with suburban and rural areas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mercer County, New Jersey.

  • Original Native American tribes inhabit the area that is now Mercer County.
  • 1678 - European settlers begin to arrive in the region.
  • 1714 - Mercer County is established as part of Burlington County.
  • 1739 - Princeton is founded and becomes a prominent educational and cultural center in the county.
  • 1758 - Trenton is officially incorporated as a town.
  • 1800 - Mercer County is formed as a separate entity from Burlington County.
  • 1837 - Mercer County's courthouse is constructed in Trenton.
  • 1860s - The region experiences industrial growth with the development of manufacturing and transportation industries.
  • 1915 - Mercer County Park is established and becomes a popular recreational area.
  • 1957 - Mercer County Community College is founded.
  • 1970s - Mercer County's economy shifts towards services and education as manufacturing declines.
  • 1990 - The New Jersey State House in Trenton is added to the National Register of Historic Places.