As there were two battles in Trenton, NJ, pitting George Washington & the Continentals against the British and their mercenaries, why erect a granite monument that only commemorates one of them? Did this structure dedicated in 1893, at the highest ground known as Five Points, where the Americans marched after crossing the Delaware River Christmas night, setting up artillery that commanded the dirt streets pinning down the Hessians in their barracks at the bottom of Warren Street, presage the downgrading of the importance of these engagements in favor of the elitism that Princeton was to become?
Why does Princeton get all the glory? After all, without the brilliance of Washington at Assunpink Creek Bridge, the outcome of the Battle of Princeton would likely have been very different. To say that the college town was the first direct conflict with the Redcoats and General George is just revisionist history. Our boys beat the pants off Cornwallis on January 2, 1777 in Trenton, and slipped away by night to march through Maidenhead to the fields south of Prince Town where George beat them again in bloody dawn fighting, while Cornwallis sipped his morning tea 11 miles away.
That Trenton has fallen on hard times, and can't afford to repair the elevator in the 148 foot column that has forced its closure for many years, is well known. That giving the city its due for historic significance and making the area attractive (and safe) for history buffs, might bring the city back to life seems to have escaped the consideration of the powers that be. New Jersey needs better vision.
Restoring the battlefield at Assunpink Creek Bridge (and the bridge itself) and the monument at Five Points would be good for everyone. A win/win/win for the city, state and we later day patriots.
Think of the possibilities.
Princeton Battlefield State Park and Monument are great, but the full story is far more compelling. read more