Jugtown Historic District

Municipality of Princeton, Mercer County, NJ

   


Jugtown Historic District

Overview and Designation

The Jugtown Historic District was officially entered into the National Register of Historic Places on January 22, 1981. It is located at the significant intersection of Nassau and Harrison Streets in Princeton Borough, New Jersey.

The district comprises 23 houses, showcasing a blend of architectural periods:

In terms of historical significance, buildings within the district are classified as:

Origins and Early Development (18th Century)

Jugtown emerged as a crucial residential and commercial center during the third quarter of the 18th century. Its strategic position at the confluence of major roads—including routes connecting New Brunswick to Trenton and a road leading to the mills at "Mapleton" (later Acqueduct Mills)—was key to its early growth.

The name "Jugtown" is widely believed to have originated from a pottery operation established in the village around the end of the 18th century. Concurrently, the more refined name "Queenston" also came into use.

The Horner Family's Influence

The early history of Jugtown is deeply intertwined with the Horner family. John Horner, an original settler, acquired 500 acres in 1695, and by the early 18th century, the family owned all the land within the nominated district.

Infrastructure and Industry

The opening of Harrison Street in the 1740s was a catalyst for the village's development, providing enhanced access to mills and integrating Jugtown into public road networks to Cranbury (1749) and Allentown (1754).

The area's growth was further fueled by the availability of local clay deposits, which supported thriving brick and pottery manufacturing. Notably, potter John Morton established a pottery works around 1766. The site of this "pot house" at 341 Nassau Street remains a vacant lot, indicating potential for future archaeological study.

19th Century Evolution

Post-Revolution and Continued Growth

Following the American Revolution, Jugtown maintained its identity as a small hamlet, particularly renowned for its pottery. Early 19th-century accounts by Henry Clow and Rev. Eli F. Cooley provide detailed insights into the various dwellings and businesses, emphasizing the earthenware factory that gave the area its name.

The village continued its expansion in the first half of the 19th century, with significant growth in the 1830s. Despite its incorporation into Princeton Borough in 1813, Jugtown successfully retained its distinct character, serving as both a residential area and a hub for local commerce. Businesses included:

A second pottery operation was run by Jacob Heynicka in the early 19th century.

Decline of Industrial Character

In the latter half of the 19th century, Jugtown's industrial importance waned, largely due to increased competition from Trenton's ceramics industry and the general decline of other local industries. However, the area successfully retained its residential charm and continued to support some retail shops.

From 1887 to 1897, Evelyn College, a short-lived women's college affiliated with Princeton University, operated within the Jugtown area.

20th Century and District Boundaries

After 1900, the extensive residential expansion of Princeton gradually absorbed Jugtown, leading to the assimilation of its distinct village identity into the broader Princeton area.

The boundaries of the Jugtown Historic District were meticulously chosen to include surviving historic structures from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Areas developed after 1918 or properties that had undergone significant alterations, compromising their historical integrity, were intentionally excluded from the district.

Adapted from: Robert W. Craig, Field Supervisor, Princeton Architectural Survey, Princeton Joint Historic Sites Commission. Jugtown Historic District, nomination document, 1982, National Register of Hisoric Places, Washington, D.C.

Street Names
Evelyn Place • Harrison Street • Nassau Street


HomeWhats NewSearch Contact

PrivacyDisclaimer • © 1997-2025 • The Gombach Group