During the American Revolution, Nassau Hall played a vital role as a military and political site. It was struck by cannon fire during the Battle of Princeton in January 1777, when American troops under George Washington drove British forces from the building. In 1783, it briefly served as the meeting place for the Continental Congress, making Princeton the capital of the United States for several months. Today, Nassau Hall remains the administrative center of Princeton University and a National Historic Landmark, standing as a testament to the institution’s deep roots in American history.
Nassau Hall, completed in 1756, is the oldest building at Princeton University and one of the most historically significant academic structures in the United States. Originally constructed to house the entire College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), it served as a library, chapel, classrooms, and student residence, and was for a time the largest stone building in the American colonies. Designed by architect Robert Smith and built with local sandstone, its stately Georgian design made it a symbol of intellectual ambition and colonial pride.
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Stories from Nassau Hall
After crossing the Delaware, George Washington's ten-day campaign culminated in a decisive victory at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, proving his army could defeat the British. The battle saw Washington's forces overcome initial setbacks to rout the British and shift the momentum of the war
A hidden gem in the borough of Princeton, the Bainbridge House was constructed in the mid-1760s and stands as a hallmark of colonial architecture. Today, it acts as a museum and interpretive center.
A Scottish exile turned American Patriot, Hugh Mercer rose from a fugitive of the Battle of Culloden to a trusted officer under George Washington. Mortally wounded while rallying his men at Princeton, his sacrifice became a symbol of American perseverance in the Revolution.