Many historical markers in Mercerville detail the path of the Continental Army under the command of George Washington through the area during the American Revolutionary War. Several are related to their night march from the Second Battle of Trenton to the Battle of Princeton. Originally called "Sandtown," Mercerville is named after General Hugh Mercer, who died on January 12, 1777 due to wounds incurred at the Battle of Princeton. Hamilton Square was renamed after Alexander Hamilton, during a wave of anti-British sentiment at the time of the War of 1812. It previously had been called Nottingham after the British town.
Historic places
Isaac Watson House was built in 1708 on a bluff overlooking Watson's Creek; the property totaled. Located at 151 Westcott Avenue, it is the oldest house in Mercer County. The house serves as the Headquarters of the New Jersey State Society DAR. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
John Abbott II House was built in 1730 by John Abbott. It is located at 2200 Kuser Rd. on the North side of Crosswicks Creek in nearby Veterans Park. The house is noted as having been used as a secret repository for funds hidden from British as they advanced on Trenton in 1776. The funds were stored by John Abbott II for state treasurer Samuel Tucker inside a tub containing broken crockery. In 1969 the house was to be razed to the ground but was saved by the Hamilton Township Historical Society. The house is listed on the National Register.
Isaac Pearson House was built in 1733. Isaac Pearson was elected several times to the state assembly, served on the General Committee of Correspondence appointed by the Provincial Assembly on July 21, 1774, and the first Committee of Safety in October 1775. Pearson was killed by robbers, or was suspected as having collaborated with the British and killed by Continentals. This house is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 3.730 square miles, including 3.687 square miles of land and 0.043 square miles of water. The main intersection in Mercerville is known as Five Points. It the junction of : Quaker Bridge Road, Edinburg Road, Nottingham Way, White Horse-Mercerville Road, and Nottingham Way. In addition, New Jersey Route 33 runs east and west to the south of this intersection. Except for Notthingham Way east of Five Points, the preceding roads contain most of Mercervile's commercial businesses.
