Mercerville-Hamilton Square, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mercerville-Hamilton Square, New Jersey
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Former census-designated place
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Map of the former Mercerville-Hamilton Square CDP in Mercer County. Inset: Location of Mercer County in New Jersey.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Mercer |
| Township | Hamilton |
| Area | |
| • Total | 20.0 km2 (7.7 sq mi) |
| • Land | 20.0 km2 (7.7 sq mi) |
| • Water | 0.0 km2 (0.0 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 26,419 |
| • Density | 1,323.8/km2 (3,428.6/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| FIPS code | 3445495 |
Mercerville-Hamilton Square was a special area in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. It was known as a "census-designated place." This means it was an area defined by the government for counting people. In 2000, about 26,419 people lived there. Later, for the 2010 census, this area was divided into two separate places: Mercerville and Hamilton Square.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The Mercerville area has many historical markers. These markers tell us about the Continental Army, led by George Washington, during the American Revolutionary War. They show the path the army took on a secret night march. This march happened between the Second Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton in 1777.
Mercerville was first called "Sandtown." It was renamed after General Hugh Mercer. He was a brave general who sadly died on January 12, 1777, from injuries he got at the Battle of Princeton. Hamilton Square was named after Alexander Hamilton. This happened during the War of 1812, when people felt strongly against the British. Before that, Hamilton Square was called Nottingham, after a British town.
Historic Buildings to Explore
- Isaac Watson House was built in 1708. It sits on a hill overlooking Watson's Creek. This house is the oldest one in Mercer County. Today, it serves as the New Jersey State Society DAR Headquarters. You can find it at 151 Westcott Avenue. This house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- John Abbott II House was built in 1730 by John Abbott. It is located at 2200 Kuser Road, near Veterans Park. This house is famous for a secret. During the American Revolutionary War in 1776, money was hidden here from the British. The money was stored in a tub full of broken dishes. In 1969, the Hamilton Township Historical Society saved the house from being torn down. This house is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Isaac Pearson House was built in 1733. Isaac Pearson was a local leader. He was elected to the state assembly many times. He also served on important committees during the American Revolution. This house is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
Where Mercerville-Hamilton Square Was
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Mercerville-Hamilton Square area covered about 20.0 square kilometers (7.7 square miles). All of this area was land.
How Many People Lived There
This table shows how the population of Mercerville-Hamilton Square changed over the years:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1970 | 24,465 | — | |
| 1980 | 25,446 | 4.0% | |
| 1990 | 26,873 | 5.6% | |
| 2000 | 26,419 | −1.7% | |
| sources: 1970–1980 2000 | |||
Education for Students
Most high school students living in the Mercerville area attend Nottingham High School. Students from the Hamilton Square area usually go to Steinert High School.
