March 2, 2020 Updated March 3, 2020 to add GoFundMe see link below.
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–On March 3, 2000 the “Mercer Oak” approximately 300 years old at the time, fell due to a strong winds from a storm. The oak tree was named after Hugh Mercer who was a brigadier general under George Washington in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
General Mercer was stabbed by an English soldier January 3, 1777 and found refuge under the tree during the Battle of Princeton as the Continental Army stood its ground. When the battle was over General Mercer was taken to the nearby Clarke House where he died nine days later from battle wounds.
A sapling from the original Mercer Oak was planted in its place.
Mercer County NJ was named after Brigadier General Mercer and the site is preserved as Princeton Battlefield State Park.
A Revolutionary War reenactor along with several bystanders watch as the Mercer Oak is cut up by a tree removal service. March 4, 2000 File Photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.