Mercer Oak, Historic white oak tree in Princeton Battlefield State Park, US.
The Mercer Oak was a large white oak tree that stood for over 300 years in Princeton Battlefield State Park, New Jersey, before falling in 2000. The original stump remains on the grounds near Mercer Street, and a young oak now grows from within it.
General Hugh Mercer was mortally wounded during the Battle of Princeton in 1777, and legend holds that he rested beneath this oak after being struck down. The battle was one of the turning points of the Revolutionary War, giving the tree a lasting place in the memory of the conflict.
The oak appeared on the official seals of both Princeton Township and Mercer County, making it a recognizable part of everyday civic life. People who grew up in the area often knew this tree before they ever visited the park.
The site sits along Mercer Street inside the state park and is easy to reach on foot. There is no shade nearby, so dress for the weather and plan your visit accordingly.
The young oak growing inside the old stump was raised from an acorn collected from the original tree before it fell. This means two generations of the same tree now share the exact same patch of ground.
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