On the 248th anniversary of New Jersey signing the Declaration of Independence, the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) announced it had honored Willis Mercer, seventh generation descendant of Gen. Hugh Mercer, as the first member of its new “Heroes of Princeton” program.
PBS created “Heroes of Princeton” to honor the Americans who fought at the Battle of Princeton nearly 250 years ago. The honor roll will encourage patriotic Americans as well as descendants of these brave soldiers to recognize their service in one of the most critical victories of the Revolutionary War.
Under Gen. George Washington, 4,500 Americans defeated the British at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777. The successful battle is considered a pivotal moment in the fight for American Independence.
PBS honored its first “Hero of Princeton,” on April 25, when it recognized Mercer, at a wine tasting event featuring wines from Mercer Estates, the Mercer family vineyards in Washington State.
Gen. Mercer, who was immortalized by John Trumbull’s painting, led the first Americans onto the battlefield and was mortality wounded by the British in the battle. Approximately 10 towns, as well Mercer County, N.J., and the Mercer Oak – which is featured on the seals of the County and as well as the Town of Princeton – were named after Mercer.
“We think of this as one of the first steps we will take to mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 2027,” said PBS President Benjamin Strong. “We will continue to announce new 250th events going forward.
“In the meantime, anyone who is interested in honoring a Patriot soldier who fought at Princeton, including those whose ancestors fought at Princeton, is encouraged to join us by signing up here or by going to the PBS website as we honor the sacrifice and courage of Washington’s army on that critical day.”
The historic Princeton Battlefield is located at 500 Mercer St., Princeton, N.J.
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