Nottingham, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nottingham, New Jersey
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 Nottingham, New Jersey
Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
Nottingham, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Nottingham, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Mercer |
| Township | Hamilton |
| Elevation | 92 ft (28 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 878895 |
Nottingham is a small place in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. It is called an "unincorporated community." This means it is a neighborhood or area that is part of a larger township, but it does not have its own separate local government.
The community got its name from the city of Nottingham in England. English settlers moved here when the area was still quite new to them. Before this, the land was part of New Netherland, which was a colony of the Dutch Empire.
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History of Nottingham's Name
Nottingham is located in the area known today as Mercerville-Hamilton Square. It was one of the first places settled in what used to be Nottingham Township. This older township existed from 1688 to 1856.
How Did Nottingham Get Its Name?
Nottingham was the original settlement in its area. Over time, some nearby places changed their names. For example, the community of Sandtown was renamed Mercerville. This happened after the Battle of Princeton, an important fight during the American Revolutionary War.
Why Did the Name Change?
Later, during the War of 1812, many people in the United States felt strongly against Great Britain. Because of this, much of Nottingham was renamed Hamilton Square. This new name honored Alexander Hamilton, a key figure in American history.
Why Is It Still Called Nottingham?
Even though the name officially changed, many local people kept calling the area Nottingham. A large group did not agree with the new name. Also, the main part of Hamilton Square was seen as a different neighborhood. Because of this, Nottingham has kept its unique identity. Street names and local events have helped keep the community's original name alive.
