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About Mercer County New Jersey.
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As New Jersey’s
capital county, Mercer County is a center for commerce and culture in the
Garden State. Located midway between New York City and Philadelphia in New
Jersey’s center, Mercer County’s 13 municipalities are home to more than
350,000 people in 226 square miles in the heart of region with 10% of the
US population all within a 75-mile radius.
The transportation infrastructure in Mercer
County is also excellent. Key corridors along the New Jersey Turnpike in
Mercer County are considered the most lucrative commerce centers in the
state. In addition, Interstates 95, 195 and 295, as well as state highways
routes 1, 29, 31 and 130 make Mercer County more attractive. Mercer County
also offers access to commuter rail services, a light rail system and the
Trenton-Mercer Airport.
With a highly skilled and educated labor pool
we’re also home to Princeton University, Rider University, The College of
New Jersey, Thomas Edison State College and Mercer County Community
College. The county holds some of the states greatest cultural and
historic sites with Revolutionary War battle sites in Trenton and
Princeton.
Recreation and entertainment are abundant with
first-class parks, four public golf courses, the Trenton Devils
professional hockey team and the New York Yankees AA-affiliate, Trenton
Thunder at Waterfront Park. Sun National Bank Center is ranked among the
best performing venues of its size in the world.
Mercer County’s excellent schools, tourist
destinations, and diverse, well educated workforce make our county a great
place to live, work and play.
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History of Mercer County New Jersey.
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Officially founded in 1838 and carved out of
other surrounding counties, Mercer County has a historical impact that
reaches back to the pivotal battles of the American Revolutionary War.
General George Washington led his famous December crossing of the
Delaware and routed the Hessians right here in Mercer County. That turning
point of our country's struggle for independence and liberty is just one
of the many historically significant things to have happened here in
Mercer.
Further, when the Revolutionary War concluded, the City of Trenton and
Princeton Township took turns serving as the temporary Federal Capital.
Mercer County is named in honor of General Hugh Mercer, a distinguished
hero of the Revolution, who died from wounds inflicted during the Battle
of Princeton in 1777.
Other notable historical figures of America's past have also become
part of the history of Mercer County. Former Vice President Aaron Burr,
Presidents Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson, and the Marquis de
Lafayette have all become part of the history of Mercer County.
Mercer County also has the dubious distinction of being the famed
landing spot for a Martian invasion of the United States. In 1938, in what
has become one of the most famous radio addresses of all time, Orsen
Welles acted out his ‘War of the Worlds' invasion. Wells landed his
imaginary aliens on Mercer County soil, using what is now West Windsor
Township as the point of first contact. And our history is continually
being added to daily by our residents. For even more about Mercer
County history, also check out the
History Program links under the County's Cultural & Heritage Commission |
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Mercer County New Jersey and the New World.
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Mercer County was first populated by the
Lenape
Indians. It is said that the story of their migration from Asia, as
interpreted by a 19th century botanist and adventurer, Constantine Samuel
Rafinesque is related in a book called the
Walam Olum. Translated to mean “Red Score,” (since the ‘original’ was
written in red on pure white birch bark), this fascinating document has
been controversial since first introduced to the public in the 1830s.
Whether an actual artifact, a genuine attempt to transcribe the Lenape’s
oral history, or simply a fabrication may never be determined, still, the
Walam Olum has been instrumental in attracting attention to the real
stories and tradition of the Lenape peoples.
According to the Walam Olum, the Great Walomenap, seventy-seventh king of
his line, led his tribe to Trenton, which was "as close as was practical
to the Atlantic Ocean," thus fulfilling an ancient prophecy. The Lenape,
themselves, believe that they had inhabited all of New Jersey and parts of
surrounding states for at least 10,000 years prior to the arrival of
Europeans.
Trenton was a revered place for the Lenape. Records suggest
that "Hallow Man" (the name given to Walomenap after his discovery of
Trenton’s Falls on the Delaware) and his followers were the first Indians
to reach the east coast. The village they established on the bluff of
Trenton was the first known Indian settlement near the Atlantic Ocean. The
height of the bluff protected them from enemies and enabled them to see
far distances. The ground was dry and sandy, perfect for planting, and
there was an endless source of pure, cold spring water.
Early Europeans referred to the Lenape as the “Delaware” Indians.
Tradition has it that this came from an English exploring party sent in
1610 from
Jamestown, Virginia, on a mission by their Governor,
Lord de la Warr. When their interpreter asked the Lenape for their
name, they replied in their native language, N-del-la-wowe,
meaning "the Original People." The English were flabbergasted that the
Indians knew the name of their Governor, and called both the Indians and
the river "Delaware" in honor of the man who, as the story goes, never saw
the Indians or the river. |
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Mercer County, Epicenter of Revolution.
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Mercer County has an extremely rich colonial
history. It has been suggested, however, that the County's rich history
did not begin with the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, but began with
the decision by a group of trustees to move their college out of Newark.
That college was the College of New Jersey (now
Princeton University,
and the year was 1754.
The trustees of the College of New Jersey offered to move to New
Brunswick, upon the condition that the people raise 1,000 pounds (roughly
$1,400 today), give them ten acres in town and two hundred acres of
woodland within three miles of town. However, the people of New Brunswick
hesitated too long. Meanwhile the people of
Princeton made
them an offer. Two years later work began on Nassau Hall, and the
building, described as "the largest stone building in the colonies" was
completed in 1756. After the college arrived, Mercer County's history
began to change.
The College of New Jersey "became the center of intense anti-British
feeling." Two residents, the
Reverend John
Witherspoon and Princeton lawyer
Richard Stockton, shouted for revolution. Princeton was also on the
stagecoach route, so all the news traveling from Philadelphia to New York
and vice-versa, stopped in Princeton en route. The students were adamantly
opposed to British rule.
In 1765, Princeton students arrived at graduation wearing clothes made in
America, as a demonstration against the stamp act. In 1770, New York
merchants decided to violate the non-importation resolution and sent a
letter to Philadelphia, hoping to persuade the merchants there to do the
same. When the letter arrived in Princeton, during a stopover, the
students intercepted it and burned it. The incident was reported in the
New York Gazette of 16 July 1770: the students "fired with a just
indignation on reading the infamous letter...at the tolling of the college
bell, went in procession to a place fronting the college, and burnt the
letter by the hands of a hangman, hired for the purpose, with hearty
wishes, that the names of all promoters of such a daring breach of faith,
may be blasted in the eyes of every lover of liberty, and their names
handed down to posterity as betrayers of their Country."
In 1774, when the news of the
Boston Tea Party reached Princeton, the students burned tea on campus.
And when the news that the Declaration of Independence was officially
accepted, the university had a celebration. On July,9 1776, "Nassau Hall
was brilliantly illuminated, independence was proclaimed under a triple
volley of musketry, and universal acclimation for the prosperity of the
United States, with the greatest decorum."
Many battles of the Revolution were fought in Mercer County, including the
monumental battles of
Princeton and
Trenton. Three signers of the Declaration of Independence were from
this county;
John Hart of Hopewell, and Richard Stockton and John Witherspoon of
Princeton. The first state legislature met in Nassau Hall, in August 1776.
It was in Princeton that the news of the signing of the peace treaty was
first received and was there that General
George
Washington received the official thanks of the nation.
Princeton and
Trenton were not the only parts of the County to be involved in the
Revolutionary War.
John Hart,
who was a member of the Provincial Congress, a Vice President of the New
Jersey Congress, and one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence, was born in Hopewell, and was baptized at the Lawrenceville
Presbyterian Church.
Lord Cornwallis and a detachment of British soldiers were quartered in
Lawrenceville in 1776. In Hightstown, the Old York Road became a main
artery for both Continental and British troops, and
Alexander Hamilton and Marquis
de Lafayette were both stationed there. Pennington was occupied by
British and Hessian troops, and Lord Cornwallis rested his troops there
after Washington's retreat through New Jersey.
In fact, America's victory in the Revolution truly began in Mercer County
when General George Washington crossed the Delaware on Johnson's Ferry and
landed in Hopewell Township on Christmas 1776. When they landed, General
Washington made a monumental decision which greatly determined the victory
at the Battle of Trenton. At the crossroads of West Upper Ferry Road and
Bear Tavern Road, Washington divided his army in two. The two groups were
to take separate roads and meet again in Trenton. This spot was known as
Birmingham, which today is West Trenton, located in Ewing Township. |
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The Battle of Trenton in Mercer County NJ.
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A brief review of this historic battle is
warranted for it truly changed the course of the American Revolution, and
in doing so, changed the course of human history.
The
Battle of Trenton was a monumental victory for General George
Washington and the ragged army he led. It was the first time during the
war that the disheveled American Army demonstrated that they were a force
to be feared.
The Battle of Trenton began on Christmas Day, December 1776, when General
Washington's army was in a pitiful condition, and was steadily growing
weaker. Troops were deserting, it was bitter cold and they lacked food,
shoes and blankets.
British and Hessian
troops were swarming over
Princeton,
Trenton, Hopewell and Lawrenceville. John Hart, Richard Stockton and John
Witherspoon had all fled and gone into hiding.
It was under these conditions that Washington made his famous crossing. He
had heard from a scout that the Hessians, overcome by the holiday spirit,
were spending the evening relaxing and enjoying food and wine. Washington
decided to cross at night and surprise them in the morning. So while the
Hessians were enjoying their wine and song, the Continental Army was
preparing to attack. The army silently advanced from Bucks County in
Pennsylvania to the Delaware River. They crossed the icy Delaware to
McConkey's Ferry eight miles north of Trenton. There, in Ewing Township,
Washington divided his army, and nine hours later they met; 2400 men
gathered around Washington to hear the order for an assault on Trenton.
The Hessians were sleeping when word arrived at 8:00 a.m. that the
Americans had entered the City. Minutes later, Hessian troops had gathered
in the streets, and Washington's army attacked - killing five Hessian
officers, one non commissioned officer, and sixteen privates. There were
918 prisoners taken to Newtown, Pennsylvania. Of the American losses, two
soldiers supposedly froze to death, one or two American privates were
wounded, and three officers were wounded, including
James Monroe, who would survive to become the fifth
President of the United States. |
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The Battle of Princeton in Mercer County NJ.
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After the Battle of Trenton, Washington and
his troops returned briefly to Pennsylvania. From there Washington
reported to Congress that he planned to pursue the British. On December
30th , Washington and his troops again crossed the Delaware, this time
crossing solid ice. Cornwallis had left Princeton on the morning of
January 2, and had sent his three regiments and a company of cavalry to
Trenton. Washington had sent Generals Hand and Green to harass the British
troops and to try to delay their arrival in Trenton.
The combination of the American harassment plus the mud which had deepened
as the weather had warmed, did slow the British. However, they did
eventually arrive in Trenton, and when they did, Washington and his troops
retreated, crossing the Broad Street Bridge over the Assunpink, where most
of their fellow troops were entrenched on the hill. The British attacked
the bridge three times, but three times they were repelled by musket fire.
The fighting raged until darkness came, and it was then that Cornwallis
uttered his famous line: "We'll bag the fox in the morning." In the
morning, Washington, the fox, had hastily gone to Princeton, leaving
behind men, bonfires, and wooden cannons as decoys. When the British
finally located the Americans, they fought at what is known today as the
Battlefield Park, and they clashed around Nassau Hall. Washington and his
troops gained another victory in Princeton, and then went to Morristown
for the winter. Behind them they left thirty dead or wounded Americans,
including General Hugh Mercer, who died in the Thomas Clarke House on the
Princeton Battlefield.
The story of Mercer County's involvement in the American Revolution is
vast and amazing. Before its official dedication as a county, Mercer had
already become the focal point of the most important events to take place
in the American New World. Through the battles that took place on Mercer
soil, to the many men and women who meant so much to American history,
this region has been the center of change. The continuing saga of Mercer
County after the revolution grows on this theme of epic change. But never
to be forgotten is the role that Mercer County played in forming a country
that
President Abraham Lincoln called, "the last, best hope for mankind."
If you wish to learn more about the American Revolution, please visit the
websites below, or feel free to visit your local
Mercer County Library. |
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The New National Capital in Mercer County New Jersey.
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The Trenton area first received the news of
the surrender of Great Britain's Lord Cornwallis a week after it occurred,
on Saturday, October 27, 1781. The public celebration was one of the most
joyful events to take place in the area since it was witness to the death
and destruction of the Revolution.
Governor William Livingston lead the celebration in Trenton as the
leaders of all the surrounding communities joined in the joyous news.
Those local officials also were working on a grand goal for the Mercer
County area - they believed it could play a greater role in the political
affairs of the state and the nation, neither of which yet had a permanent
seat of government. It should be noted that New Jersey's first state
legislature met in 1776 in Princeton.
When it became clear that American independence was soon at hand, the New
Jersey Committee of Correspondence asked the state's 13 counties to elect
delegates to what is now called the First Provincial Congress. Those 85
representatives that were selected first met together right here in Mercer
County. For several years before a final state capital was founded,
Trenton served as the place of business for a newly formed government.
During the 1780's, the people of the Revolution were beginning to focus
their energies on creating our new nations' capital. In order for an area
to be considered, it had to meet 6 specific criteria. They were:
1. It is neither a state capital nor commercial city.
2. It must have access to navigable waters.
3. It must be able to receive prompt intelligence from all the states and
from Europe.
4. It must be in a state whose constitution guards against public
turbulence.
5. It must be centrally located geographically.
6. It must be independent of all state and local jurisdiction.
It seems that these conditions were set because of the confining nature
that Philadelphia, which acted as the first national capital, inflicted on
the members of Congress. To the delight of many New Jersey leaders,
Trenton ideally fit all the conditions.
In 1783 while meeting in Princeton, the Congress was much taken with
Trenton and the Mercer County region. So much were they enamored with the
area, that they actually agreed to build the seat of the nation's capital
right along the Delaware River in Trenton. This decision angered the
Southern members of the congressional delegation so much that the leaders
of New Jersey decided on a compromise. The nation's new capital would
actually be a dual capital - with one meeting place designed to be located
in Trenton, and the second to be built near Georgetown, which is located
in present day Washington D.C.
When this compromise was reached the leading engineers and carpenters of
the day began to travel to Trenton to begin work on the new national
capital. During that time, the Continental Congress met in Trenton in the
winter of 1784. Again, the Congress was so pleased with the area that it
voted an increase of $100,000 (in 1784 money) to be used to build the
necessary buildings in the area for the capital's work.
But before any official work got underway, or any monies were delivered to
begin construction, one member of the Continental Congress stood loud in
opposition of the entire compromise. His name - General George Washington.
By the end of 1785, a full two years after the compromise began to take
form, General Washington had managed to convince the entire Congress that
the lands of Virginia (notably the Georgetown area mentioned previously)
were the ideal place for the new nation's capital.
Thus ended Trenton's attempt to become the seat of power of the United
States. But before we move on, it is interesting to point out that Trenton
did act as such on several occasions even though it was not the ‘official'
capital of the United States. Indeed, even as late as 1801, Trenton was
still used several times as the working capital. Most notably,
President John Adams, the second
President of the United States, took an apartment at the current
location of Warren Street and West Hanover Streets, and conducted the
nation's business from there.
In the end of course, the new capital was to become Washington D.C., a
city taken from the land of Virginia and Maryland. But that taking of land
to form a new seat of national government led the New Jersey legislature
to a new idea of their own. |
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The Birth of Mercer County NJ.
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In 1786, after General Washington ensured
that Trenton would not be the national capital, and before Washington D.
C. was created, a petition was circulated around among the leaders of
Burlington and Hunterdon Townships. The petition called for the creation
of the City of Trenton. Unlike its original hamlet configuration, the City
of Trenton would not be allowed to act as its cousins of the time,
creating the necessary government and community atmospheres of the cities
of the 18th century.
This petition failed, but a compromise struck in the political manner of
the day did create the Borough of South Trenton. This new borough cut
between Hunterdon and Burlington and made for interesting political
discontent. Unhappy with the 50 year old system of the 13 original New
Jersey counties, the state legislature saw the new Borough as the starting
point of a new county - one that would balance the power of the more
northern Hudson county, while still enabling the southern counties a
powerful voice in the state legislature.
In 1838, twenty three years before the Civil War, the New Jersey state
legislature decided to redraw its county lines. Increasing the colonial 13
counties to a more modern 15 counties balanced the political powers of the
day. Unhappy with the odd number of representatives in the county system,
the state legislature created Mercer County.
The new county, which encompassed Princeton and Trenton, was carved out of
parts of Hunterdon, Burlington, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. This was
the birth of modern day Mercer County.
The name of Mercer was given to land in honor of General Hugh Mercer, a
Revolutionary General who fell at the Battle of Princeton.
Trenton once again became a seat of power; this time as the county seat.
The prosperity that the region was about to enjoy could never have been
imagined at this time, but the work that was done in 1838 led to the
creation of one of the most powerful and economically important cities in
19th and early 20th century America. Mercer County, it seems, has always
been the place where history is made, and adventure takes place. |
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Beginning of an Industrial Giant in Mercer County NJ.
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From the earliest days, Trenton was a place
coveted for its economic promise. This promise was first recognized early
in the eighteenth century by Mahlon Stacy, a Quaker who settled in Trenton
and built a gristmill in 1679. He had plenty of business; Trenton's fine
soil produced enough grain for every farmer, and every farmer brought
business to Stacy. Samuel Green and William Trent (the man for whom
Trenton is named) built an ironworks and a forge, and later a mill for
cloth. In 1743, Isaac Harrow built a plating and blade mill (on the site
of the Old Barracks). Benjamin Bile built a tanning yard, and in 1755,
Daniel Cox established his paper mill. Other industries sprouted as well,
producing everything from flour to weapons for the revolution.
During the nineteenth century, Trenton produced paper, violins, buttons,
leather belting, frying pans, nails, and carriages. There were cotton
mills, distilleries, tanneries, and there was also machinery for printing
calico. However, Trenton's most important industries were iron, steel,
rubber and pottery.
The iron and steel industry has a rich heritage in Trenton, beginning in
1745 when Benjamin Yard bought Isaac Harrow's plating and blade mill. They
produced frying pans, shears, cooper's tools, shovels, cowbells and more.
Trenton's debut as a leading industrial center in the world began in 1847.
In that year, Peter and Edward Cooper, James Hall and Abraham Hewitt began
the Trenton Iron Company. Later, Charles Hewitt joined the company.
Cooper-Hewitt's "Universal Mill", the first in America, became the first
to roll wrought iron beams for fire proof buildings. It made beams for
Nassau Hall, the Harper Publishing Company, Cooper Union in New York, and
the dome on the Capital Building and the Treasury Building in Washington,
D.C.
During the Civil War, Cooper and Hewitt developed desperately needed gun
metal, and the company produced the metal for the Trenton-Springfield
rifle. In 1848, another turning point in the industrial history of Trenton
occurred: John A. Roebling moved his wire rope operation from Pennsylvania
to Trenton. Cooper had convinced Roebling that Trenton was an ideal spot
for an infant industry. He argued that Trenton's transportation network
was excellent, and wire could be bought from the Cooper-Hewitt Plant.
Roebling was convinced. He moved very near to Cooper's Iron Company, and
his business and Trenton thrived. As it was once said, "As John A.
Roebling goes, so goes Trenton." A current day reminder is found in the
slogan on a prominent bridge in Trenton, "Trenton Makes-The World Takes".
Roebling arrived in Trenton in 1848, and in 1851 he proposed to build a
suspension bridge over the Niagara Gorge. In 1856 he completed the
Wheeling Bridge which linked West Virginia and Ohio. Then came the
Brooklyn Bridge. Workers had been crossing the East River in ferries for
years, as no bridge seemed suitable given the river's condition in the
winter when it often froze, and became clogged with ice floes. At the
beginning of this project, John A. Roebling was fatally injured.
Immediately his son, Washington, took over, but during the initial stages
he contracted the bends and was bedridden. He was able to complete the
project, however; he gave orders to his wife, Emily, and she directed and
supervised at the site.
By 1870, the Roebling plant produced seven hundred tons of wire rope
annually, and employed eighty-five people. They produced materials for the
George Washington Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. During World War I
and II and the Korean War, they produced weapons. One of their
contributions was the manufacture of huge steel strands which hoisted
5,000- ton platforms of ocean radar stations upon 150-foot legs. These
were used in the Atlantic to provide advance warning of enemy aircraft.
One was placed at George's Banks, east of Boston, another near Nantucket
Island, and another near Texas. The Roeblings contributed enormously to
the prosperity and fame of Trenton, and in turn, all of Mercer County
profited.
The other two industries which contributed significantly to the economic
health of both Mercer County and Trenton were rubber and ceramics. The
rubber industry began in 1850 with Jonathan H. Green's plant. Another
early pioneer of the industry was Alan Magowan and his son, Frank. In 1868
they converted the Whitehead factory into the Whitehead Brother's Rubber
Company. It was built in 1870, and is said to be the oldest rubber mill in
the United States. They formed their own company, the Trenton Rubber
Company. Today, it is recognized that McGowan's efforts to advertise
Trenton as an ideal spot for the rubber industry greatly aided Trenton's
growth and success as an industrial giant.
Trenton was also "the nation's tire capital" at one point. The car's
popularity after 1900 encouraged most of Trenton's rubber factories - and
there were many - to make tires. However, Trenton reached the peak of its
rubber production while manufacturing materials for World War I. At one
point, there were eighteen rubber companies in Mercer County.
The Mercer County pottery industry had its origins in Trenton in 1799 when
John Stiles McCully opened the first permanent pottery factory. In 1853,
Taylor and Speeler began making yellow Rockingham ware, and later added a
new line of white ware. In 1872, Thomas Maddock first successfully
manufactured glazed earthenware here. It was extremely popular, and it
gave Trenton the reputation of being the "Staffordshire of America," after
the town of Staffordshire in England famous for its pottery.
In 1889 another new company was formed by Walter Scott Lenox in
partnership with Jonathan Coxen Sr. of the Ceramic Art Company. In 1906
Lenox acquired the entire company and began a new one using his name.
Lenox, for a time, was considered the best china in the world, and today
it is still as famous. Lenox's first big sale went to Tiffany's in New
York, and in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson commissioned a 1700 piece set
for the White House. This established a precedent, and Lenox was used by
Presidents Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Truman.
Many presidents since Truman have ordered individual pieces, including an
entire set for the White House ordered by President Reagan, to replace the
set Truman had. Although Lenox is no longer in Trenton, it is still in
Mercer County: Lenox's world headquarters are located on Princeton Pike in
Lawrenceville.
In addition to china, Trenton became famous for its porcelain. In 1950
Edward Marshall Boehm moved from Maryland to Trenton and began a ceramics
company. Within fourteen years the company had earned a world-wide
reputation for exquisite craftsmanship. Already Boehm's porcelains were on
display in seventeen museums across the globe. A porcelain eagle by Boehm
stands in tribute to John F. Kennedy in the American Embassy in London,
and a Boehm figure of a horse and a polo player was given to Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II and his Royal Highness Prince Phillip, from President
and Mrs. Eisenhower.
These many industries gave rise to great economic power situated perfectly
off the Delaware River, and almost equidistant between New York and
Philadelphia - Mercer County. And because of the growing economic power of
the region, the population began to rise as well.
In 1830, the area known as Trenton today had a population of roughly
4,600. The area was the home to many mills including 5 flour mills, 2
sawmills, a paper mill, and 4 cotton mills.
Also joining Mercer's stunning growth in industrial power were 40 iron
factories. The area quickly boomed with railway lines springing up to
handle to new industries, and a growing waterway along the Delaware that
made Mercer County an important port of call for both travelers, and
businesses.
In the midst of its economic growth, Mercer County played host to newly
elected
President Abraham Lincoln as he made his way to Washington for his
inauguration. By the time Lincoln saw the area it boasted a great deal of
industry and economic power. Among the many mentioned above, Mercer was
also home to numerous textile factories, clay and pottery establishments,
wood and leather working factories, and a growing rubber industry that
would soon lead the nation.
In fact, the growth and power of the Mercer industries grew so fast that
differences in
Trenton,
Hamilton, Ewing,
and
Lawrence
Townships were unable to be discerned to the naked eye viewing the
ever growing streetscapes. Through the boom years, Mercer County was an
important part of the American |
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Transportation for Industry in Mercer County NJ.
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One of the reasons for Mercer County's
tremendous success in business, industry and research, both today and in
the past, is its excellent transportation network. We know, for example,
that one of the reasons John A. Roebling chose Mercer County in 1848 was
because of this network, and today, many successful corporations have
continued to choose this county for the same reasons.
In Mercer County's earliest days, its proximity to New Amsterdam brought
explorers and settlers. They arrived by boat, on the Delaware River, or
overland on Indian trails. These trails were gradually widened, and
although often impassable during certain seasons, they enabled the flow of
commerce and news to continue steadily throughout most of the year.
The first stagecoach run began in 1723, and by 1738 a regular line was in
operation, connecting New Brunswick and Trenton. The stage ran only in the
summer, fall and winter. In 1838, the Delaware and Raritan Canal was
built, and this increased trade considerably. Mule-drawn barges carried
coal and other freight, and it helped bring prosperity to Mercer County
for many years.
At the same time, the Camden and Amboy Railroad was built. The tracks were
placed along the banks of the canal, and they connected Trenton and New
Brunswick. Historians have suggested that the canal and the railroad were
largely responsible for Mercer County's prosperity, and that they are
still contributing to it. This is because they brought industrial and
commercial power into the county, and since they were both kept out of the
center of Princeton, it enabled the town to preserve its "exclusive
residential character." Perhaps this factor, coupled with the university,
helped create the image that the name Princeton exudes: an image that is
continually attracting new businesses to Mercer County's booming Route One
Corridor, and its surrounding areas. |
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Turn of the Century in Mercer County NJ.
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By 1905, Mercer County's population was well
over 100,000, with Trenton accounting for just over 96,000 people.
The turn of the century saw the automobile make horse-drawn carriages a
thing of the past. The Mercer Automobile factory was born soon thereafter
and flourished for years. Joining the still growing industrial powerhouse
of Mercer County were professional sports teams to entertain the
community.
Baseball teams were abundant and successful. Soccer and basketball also
joined the area, as well as skating and ice-boating venues on the
Delaware.
In 1910, New Jersey elected a new
Governor. Woodrow Wilson, the former President of Princeton
University, became an immediate success in New Jersey politics. Indeed, he
was so good as his job, that the nation soon took notice, and in 1912,
Woodrow Wilson became the 28th President of the United States.
Though not a Mercer story, it is important to note that President Wilson
was re-elected in 1916 and soon entered the United States into World War
I.
The entrance of America into World War I left Mercer County's industries
to cope with a huge increase in demand for new materials while at the same
time losing a large amount of the workforce who went to serve the country.
The resulting demand of supplies increased the power and prestige of the
county, while further making Mercer County an important place for the
entire country.
Of course, World War I ended in 1917 with an allied victory over the
armies of Kaiser Willhelm of Germany. The end of the war did not signal
the end of the growth of Mercer, however. Following the war, Mercer County
hosted numerous celebrations to enjoy the victory. Soon thereafter, the
area also celebrated the anniversaries of such notable events as
Washington's crossing of the Delaware, the anniversary of the adoption of
the Star
Spangled Banner, and even the birthday of George Washington.
It should also be noted that on October 27, 1924, the people of Mercer
County and the surrounding regions celebrated the opening of the Mercer
Airport, now the Trenton-Mercer Airport. Over 35,000 people witnessed
Mercer's entrance into the air transportation industry.
Then came the Great Depression. And unfortunately, Mercer County too felt
the sting of the economic problems. The once great and prosperous region,
home of some of the greatest industries in America, was entering a time of
confusion, despair, and lost hope. So while the beginning of the last
century saw the birth and development of Mercer, the beginning of the 20th
century gave Mercer a vision of war and depression. And like most areas in
the country, Mercer County did not thrive again until the start of another
Great War. |
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The Renaissance and World War II in Mercer County NJ.
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The Great Depression had engulfed the nation
for almost a decade when Mercer County, still feeling the heartache of
economic turmoil, had reason to rejoice. On June 17, 1937, General Motors
announced that it purchased 83 acres of land in Ewing Township to be the
home of a new factory. Two months later, Governor Harold Hoffman broke
ground in a ceremony to commemorate the building of the first GM factory
outside of Detroit. Then in 1938 over 600 leaders from government,
business, community, and industry celebrated the opening of the $6 million
dollar plant. Workers from around the county flooded the employment
offices to work in the new factory. The salary to be paid was 24 to 89
cents per hour, roughly $2,000 per year. By 1941, the factory payroll was
over $5 million dollars.
It is also important to note that when America entered World War II,
the GM plant was closed down, and reopened and revamped to build not cars,
but TBF Torpedo Bombers for Navy aircraft carriers. These bombers were
then tested at Trenton Mercer Airport. Once again, Mercer County became an
important part of the nation's war effort.
In the early 1940's thousands of soldiers came to visit Trenton on
night passes and weekend leave. One of the first USO's in the United
States was opened on Warren Street in Trenton by local service
organizations. Further, the influx of visitors paved the way for the
construction of a YMCA near the old Trenton train station. A third USO was
opened during the war, and all told, over 1.3 million servicemen and women
visited Trenton for these clubs.
At the end of World War II, New Jersey faced an interesting
governmental problem. The problems faced by the state during the past 100
years could be solved to some degree by the adoption of a new state
constitution. The original state constitution, ratified in 1844, did not
provide for many of the needs of modern day New Jersey. Therefore,
Governor Charles Edison, son to the famous inventor Thomas Edison, worked
with citizens and leaders throughout the state to develop a modern state
constitution. In 1947 the new constitution was ratified. Forever changing
the role government would play in the state, the new constitution also
required much more from the Mercer County area, particularly Trenton. New
offices needed to be built, and more employees needed to be housed.
Another important note about the times centers around our Governor's
Mansion. During the decade of the 50's Governor Walter Edge used the
historic Morven House in Princeton as the Executive Mansion. But through
several private contributions, another home in Princeton, Drumthwacket,
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The Rebirth of Mercer County NJ.
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During the 60's, 70's, and 80's, Mercer
County, particularly Trenton, suffered through hard times. The city began
to decay, and the suburbs felt the squeeze of the urban center problems.
Many believed that Trenton, once the greatest city in America, was doomed.
That belief has been changed into a spirit of hope and opportunity.
Beginning in the early 1990's, Mercer County began to experience a
rebirth. The suburbs began to flourish again, and work began to revitalize
Trenton. Open spaces were preserved and parks and recreational lands were
created becoming the envy of the state.
Mercer County began the baseball renaissance in New Jersey. Mercer County
Waterfront Park, built on the historic Delaware just a few hundred yards
from where the capital of the United States was almost built, was the
first of many minor league baseball parks built in the state. The success
of Waterfront Park, and the home team Trenton Thunder, helped to spark the
rebirth of Trenton.
Businesses began to come back, and new ones opened up. The first McDonalds
even came to Trenton, right down the street from Waterfront Park. Plans
for a redevelopment district have sparked a new business community in the
city. And a new hotel, across the street from the capital complex, is sure
to attract even more people to the area.
Building on the new success of tourism and economic vitality that
Waterfront Park brought, the Sovereign Bank Arena was built on the site of
the Roebling Complex in Trenton. Now home to 3 professional sports teams,
the arena has hosted hundreds of events for every age group, spanning such
things as circuses to rock concerts.
With the success of these two entertainment venues, Mercer County has
played host to millions of new visitors. With outstanding parks, golf
courses, historic sites, and more, Mercer County has once again become an
important part of New Jersey, and indeed the Northeast region. |
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The Future of Mercer County NJ.
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Building on the past 300 years of experience,
Mercer County is poised for a bright and shining future. The place once
home to Leni-Lenape Indians, colonists, revolutionaries, scholars,
leaders, industrial giants, and American heros, is now home to leaders and
giants of different kinds. Heavy industry has given way to the technology
era. The scholars of Princeton have been added to by those that now attend
The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Community College, and more. The
revolutionaries and soldiers are now veterans filled with stories of
pride, courage, and compassion. And the American heros that once graced
our great county soil are born every day in our towns.
Mercer County has been, and will continue to be, an important part of the
United States. It was the home of the revolutionary victories that spawned
a new government based on the purest principal that, "all men are created
equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights
that among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Indeed
the history of Mercer County is the history of America itself. From the
founding of our nation and through the troubled times of war and
depression; through the industrial revolution to the technology
revolution, the story of Mercer County is the story of America.
This has been just a small part of the history of Mercer County. You are
encouraged to find more at the local public libraries, government offices,
and from organizations such as the American Legion and Knights of
Columbus. From the books you can find, to the people that you will meet,
you will be able to draw a true picture of the greatness of Mercer County.
Mercer County has a rich exciting past and a bright and shining future.
And that future is given new gifts every day by those who call Mercer
County home. The past is just prologue to the exciting story being written
every day. |
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Departments of Mercer County NJ.
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Boards and Commissions |
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Visiting Mercer County |
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Chambers of Commerce |
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Parks & Outdoors |
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Airports & Public Transportation |
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Tourism Links |
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Our Towns |
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Doing Business with Mercer County NJ.
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One of the priorities that Mercer County
Executive, Brian M. Hughes set immediately was to open the doors to small
businesses for Mercer County contract opportunities. To ensure that every
business, big or small has the same opportunities to do business with the
County, programs were designed to educate businesses on the procurement
process.
Through our partnership with the NJ Small Business Development
Center (SBDC) we host free seminars on "Doing Business with Mercer
County". The seminars walk businesses through the process from how to get
on a bidders list, to step-by-step bid package requirements and how to
submit for payment. In addition, we will also have the ability to utilize
our website to post information about bid opportunities and in some cases
post the proposals for immediate access to contract opportunities. We hope
that you will take advantage of these services and understand that MERCER
COUNTY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS. |
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Economic Development and Sustainability |
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In Mercer County, Your Future Is Here -
joining companies large and small that have made this county their home.
From superlative business environment to quality of life - Mercer County
offers real advantages to companies like yours:
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State-of-the-art infrastructure.
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Close proximity and easy access to customers and suppliers.
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A high technology base.
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A superior workforce ready right now to work for
you!
As you surf through our web site, we hope you discover what more and
more companies have already realized: that your future is here - in Mercer
County, New Jersey! |
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Procurement |
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The Department of Purchasing complies with
procurement practices in accordance with the New Jersey Local Public
Contracts Law 40:A:11-1 et seq.
The Department of Purchasing is located at 640 South Broad Street, Room
109 in Trenton, New Jersey. Goods and services are procured through quote,
bid or request for proposal. Upon advertising for bids or proposals, The
Department of Purchasing sends specifications by vendor request or to
vendors currently registered on the vendor list. Bids and proposals are
opened publicly in the Mercer County McDade Administration Building.
ALERT: CHANGE IN PROCEDURE FOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMPLIANCE IN
PUBLIC CONTRACTS (VENDOR OBLIGATIONS)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF PUBLIC
CONTRACTS EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMPLIANCE AT (609) 292-5473
http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/contract_compliance/
Please download the County's
Vendor Profile Form. Complete the form and mail or fax to:
County of Mercer
Division of Central Services
Department of Purchasing
640 S. Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08650-0068
VOICE: (609) 989-6710
FAX: (609) 989-6733
Respondents are required to provide a copy of the New Jersey Business
Registration Certificate with bids or proposals.
Website for Certification and Registration of Businesses:
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/lgs/lpcl/busregis/reg_&_proof.doc
Website for Certification and Registration of Individuals:
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/lgs/lpcl/busregis/nj-reg-a.pdf
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Awarded Contracts |
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Mercer County New Jersey
Contracts identified with the prefix AB
or CC may be utilized only by the County of Mercer agencies and are not
extended to Coop members.
Coop System CK09-MERCER
Coop members
are permitted to contract for goods and services awarded through the
identifier CK09-MERCER. The Mercer County Board of
Chosen Freeholders and Brian M. Hughes, County Executive authorized, by
resolution 2007-252, the Mercer County Cooperative Contract Purchasing
System CK09-MERCER pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(6). The Mercer County
Department of Purchasing advertises for bids and awards contracts to
successful bidders. Contracting units located within the geographic
boundary of Mercer County may voluntarily purchase through the
cooperative contracts, identified as CK09-MERCER subject to the bid
specifications, terms and conditions. The system is similar in concept
to the State Cooperative Purchasing Program. Contracting units are
encouraged to review the list of awarded contracts with the identifier
CK09-MERCER and then contact the vendor directly to verify availability.
Local units generate resolutions and contracts iWhn accordance with the
New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq. and
Public School Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1 et seq.
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Information Center |
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Government Agencies |
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Historical |
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Hospitals |
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Media |
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Television Stations |
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Radio Stations |
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Misc. |
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Counties and Municipalities of Mercer
County NJ.
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