History of the Thomas Clarke House

Built circa 1772 this 2 story half Georgian house was part of a 200 acre farm of mostly cleared fields. Thomas Clarke, who lived there with his sisters Hannah and Sarah during the American Revolution, were members of the nearby Stony Brook Friends Meeting. Damaged by musket fire during the Battle of Princeton, the house was a refuge for wounded from both sides, including Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, who died here nine days later.

In the 1840's additional rooms were added to the east wing by the Clarke family, doubling the wing's length and making it a full two stories. Other additions were made over the next century by the Hale family (owners 1863 -1944 and the Smith family (1944-46) Purchased in 1946 by the State of New Jersey it continued as a residence by the Smith and other families until restored and opened to the public in 1976. The original west section is furnished as an 18th century farmhouse and the enlarged east wing houses exhibits on the Battle of Princeton.

Normal open hours are:
Wednesday - Saturday 10-12, 1-4, Sunday 1-4.
Closed Monday -Tuesday and most holidays.