National Trust for Historic Preservation: Return to home page

After a decade of uncertainly, the future of Princeton Battlefield has been secured. The 21-acre site, known as Maxwell’s Field, located next to the protected state park, faced an irreversible threat – the construction of housing for faculty of the Institute for Advanced Study.

Thanks to negotiations between the Civil War Trust and the Institute for Advanced Study, the two groups have reached an agreement that will preserve almost 15 acres of the battlefield land, while allowing the Institute to construct new faculty housing on a small 7-acre tract. Under the proposal, the Civil War Trust will purchase 14.85 acres of land from the Institute for $4 million, transferring it to the State of New Jersey as an addition to the existing battlefield state park. The acquisition includes 2/3 of the Maxwell’s Field property and an additional 1.12 acres of battlefield land adjacent to the site.

Because the Princeton Battlefield was the location of one of the most important Revolutionary War battles in the country, the endangered site was listed as one of the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Places in 2012 and was selected as a National Treasure.

The National Trust is thrilled with the result of this compromise solution and we look forward to the expansion of the battlefield park. Read more here.

Since the beginning of our campaign we have had some success in our efforts to prevent residential construction on a pristine tract of land associated with the Revolutionary War Battle of Princeton. The threatened Princeton Battlefield remains undeveloped today as a result of dedicated local preservationists, thorough environmental review and several important legal victories.

However, these results are in serious jeopardy because of a recent reversal from the Delaware Canal and Riparian Commission. Twice before, the commission had denied applications from the Institute of Advanced Studies because of adverse impacts to sensitive wetlands on the site. In February the commission reconsidered its previous decision, without a new application, and approved the Institute’s plans. This approval clears one more important hurdle for the Institute. The Princeton Battlefield Society is appealing this decision.

We continue to consult with the Princeton Battlefield Society in their ongoing litigation and efforts to permanently protect this portion of the battlefield. For continuing information and updates on the battlefield please see the Princeton Battlefield Society’s website.

For updates on the latest decision by the commission see these stories:

• Battlefield Society Will Appeal “Illegal Do-Over”
• In Princeton, a court appeal over future of old battlefield
• Battlefield Society to appeal Institute plans to build faculty housing
• Princeton Battlefield serves as backdrop for new national initiative to preserve historic battlefields

Thank you for your support of our efforts to preserve this hallowed ground.