Port Mercer, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Port Mercer, New Jersey
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The historic Port Mercer Canal House
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 Port Mercer, New Jersey
Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
Port Mercer, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Port Mercer, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Mercer |
| Township | Lawrence, Princeton and West Windsor |
| Elevation | 56 ft (17 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 879438 |
Port Mercer is a small, historic community in Mercer County, New Jersey. It's not a separate town but an "unincorporated community." This means it's a recognized place without its own local government. It sits right where three different areas meet: Lawrence Township, Princeton, and West Windsor Township.
This community is famous for the historic Port Mercer Canal House. This building is located right along the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
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What is Port Mercer?
Port Mercer is a special kind of community. It's a place that people recognize by name. However, it doesn't have its own mayor or town council. Instead, it's part of the larger townships around it.
Where is Port Mercer Located?
Port Mercer is found in Mercer County, New Jersey. It's at a unique spot where the borders of three townships meet. These townships are Lawrence, Princeton, and West Windsor.
The History of Port Mercer
Port Mercer began to grow in the 1830s. This was when the Delaware and Raritan Canal was built. The canal was very important for moving goods.
How Did the Canal Help Port Mercer Grow?
The Delaware and Raritan Canal was like a superhighway of its time. It connected different parts of New Jersey. Boats carried coal, lumber, and other products. Port Mercer became a busy stop along this route.
Many homes from the mid-1800s are still in Port Mercer today. These old houses show what the community looked like long ago.
Why Did Port Mercer Change?
Port Mercer was very busy from the 1830s to the late 1800s. But then, things started to change. A new Northeast Corridor rail line was built. This train line moved away from the canal.
When the train line moved, fewer goods traveled by canal. This meant Port Mercer became less of a busy hub. The community's importance as a transportation center changed.
Exploring Port Mercer's Past
In October 2019, a special project was launched. The Historical Society of West Windsor created an online museum. This museum helps people learn about the history of West Windsor. It also includes information about Port Mercer.
You can visit this online museum to see how Port Mercer looked. It's a great way to explore the past from your computer.
