Princeton, Yesterday and Today

Beginning with the decisive Battle of Princeton in 1776, the town of Princeton has been intimately related to the national destiny. It served as our nation’s capital from June until November in 1783, when the Continental Congress convened in Nassau Hall, and was even given serious consideration as a permanent site for our nation’s capital. Its location, astride the stage coach route between New York and Philadelphia made it an important and spirited meeting place for the decision makers of the 1800’s. And, of course, its cultural influence has been incalculable since 1754 when the College of New Jersey (the original name of Princeton University) opened its doors.

Today, that influence continues to grow. Giants of industry, as well as renowned medical scientists, scholars and research people from all over the world walk side by side with young students along its shady Princeton streets, many that are part of Princeton University itself.

Others work and study at the Princeton Theological Seminary, the Westminster Choir College, The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research and at The Institute for Advanced Study where Albert Einstein studied.

Princeton’s colorful Nassau Street, the main street of town, is a showcase of architecture
and lifestyle. Sophisticated, friendly, exhilarating, Nassau Street is a window-shopper’s paradise. For serious shoppers, there is everything here – hardware, clothing, furniture, flowers, books.

For the people who live in Princeton, the benefits that accompany this abundance are tremendous. Live theatre, music festivals, lectures, films, art exhibits, sports events … all are part of the ongoing life of this great university town. In addition, there are the colorful shops, unusual restaurants, the Nassau Inn … and behind it all, a traditional lifestyle that has been going on since Junius Morgan’s day – the clubs, the horses – even the lawn parties and musicales. The exciting heartbeat of this unique place is felt by everyone who lives near it. Constitution Hill warmly shares in it.