King's Highway Historic District (New Jersey) facts for kids
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King's Highway Historic District
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The Kingston Bridge built 1798 to replace one destroyed by George Washington's troops to prevent British pursuit after the Battle of Princeton
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 Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. Route 206 from mile marker 48.30 to 53.90 and New Jersey Route 27 from mile marker 0.0 to 4.10 |
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| Area | 81 acres (33 ha) |
| Built | 1660–1950 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001493 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 21, 2000 |
The King's Highway Historic District is a special old road in New Jersey. It connects towns like Lawrenceville, Princeton, and Kingston. This road is super old, going back to colonial times when America was still a group of colonies ruled by England. It was part of a much longer road called the King's Highway. This big highway was ordered by Charles II of England to connect Boston all the way down to Charleston.
This historic road is important because many famous places and events from American history happened along it. These include Princeton University and the Princeton Theological Seminary. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 21, 2000. It was recognized for its importance in trade, exploration, settlement, military history, government, and transportation from 1660 to 1950.
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Famous Places Along the Road
Many important buildings and areas are found along the King's Highway. These places have played a big part in American history.
National Historic Landmarks
The King's Highway is home to five National Historic Landmarks. These are places officially recognized by the U.S. government for their outstanding historical importance:
- The Lawrenceville School: A famous boarding school.
- Morven: A historic mansion that was once the governor's residence.
- Maclean House: Another historic building at Princeton University.
- Nassau Hall: The original building of Princeton University. It even served as the capital of the United States for a short time in 1783!
- Joseph Henry House: Named after a famous scientist.
Historic Districts and Other Sites
The highway also passes through eight other historic districts. These are areas with many old buildings that share a common history. From west to east, they include:
- Lawrence Township Historic District
- Princeton Battlefield / Stony Brook Village Historic District
- Princeton Historic District
- Jugtown Historic District
- Kingston Mill Historic District
- Lake Carnegie Historic District
- Delaware and Raritan Canal Historic District
- Kingston Village Historic District
New Jersey's governor's mansion, Drumthwacket, is also located on this road in Princeton. It is listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places. The highway itself is the only contributing structure to the King's Highway Historic District. This means the road itself is the main historical feature that makes the district special.
Gallery
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Edith Memorial Chapel at the Lawrenceville School
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Drumthwacket, the governor's mansion of New Jersey
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Nassau Hall, the original building of Princeton University and capital of the United States in the summer of 1783
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The Kingston Mill with Lake Carnegie
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