Nassau Hall, Princeton University


  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Building

Completed in 1756, Nassau Hall was the first important collegiate building of the Middle Colonies and served as the prototype of many subsequent colonial college structures. During the Revolution, it was used as a barracks and hospital, and was the scene of the last British stand during the Battle of Princeton. - NRHP


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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1756/00/00 Aaron Burr Sr Supervisor Nassau Hall is built, the first important collegiate building of the Middle Colonies
1756/00/00 Robert Smith Architect Nassau Hall is built, the first important collegiate building of the Middle Colonies
1771/04/06 Princeton's Rittenhouse Orrery arrives in Nassau Hall where it becomes a tourist attraction for travelers from across the world. Princeton's Rittenhouse Orrery
1776/08/27 John Adams Life John Adams admires a most beautiful machine - an Orrery or planetarium constructed by Mr Rittenhouse of Philadelphia. It exhibits almost every motion in the astronomical world. Princeton's Rittenhouse Orrery
1777/00/00 Princeton's Rittenhouse Orrery is damaged during the Continental Army's occupation of Nassau Hall in 1776-1777. American soldiers removed the wheels and kept them as handsome curiosities. Princeton's Rittenhouse Orrery
1777/01/03 John Stricker American Cadet Battle of Princeton ends with a British surrender at Nassau Hall. Battle of Princeton
1777/01/03 John Sullivan American Commander Battle of Princeton ends with a British surrender at Nassau Hall. Battle of Princeton
1783/06/30 John Lowell (Judge) Delegate representing Massachusetts Congress learns that the British have signed the peace treaty granting independence to the American Colonies, Congress meets at Nassau Hall from June to November. Congress of the Confederation
1798/00/00 Bishop William Meade Education At age seventeen, William Meade enters Princeton and two years later graduates with honors. He was also the Valedictorian of his class.
1802/03/02 Benjamin H Latrobe Architect Nassau Hall is virtually destroyed by a fire. It was rebuilt by Benjamin Latrobe.
1802/04/09 Thomas Jefferson Benefactor US President Thomas Jefferson donates $100 toward the rebuilding of Nassau Hall after a devastating fire.
1812/00/00 David Meade Education David Meade graduates from Princeton with the Class of 1812.
1855/03/10 A fire nearly destroys Nassau Hall, only walls are left standing.
1856/08/07 John Notman Architect Nassau Hall reopens after a reconstruction led by John Notman.
1876/00/00 Moses Allen Starr Education Moses Allen Starr graduates from the College of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1876.

Data »

Particulars for Nassau Hall, Princeton University:
Area of Significance Architecture
Criteria Architecture-Engineering
Sight Category Building
Higher Learning College
Area of Significance Education
Criteria Exemplar
Level of Significance National
Owner Private
Disposition Reconstructed Property
Architectural Style Renaissance Revival



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration: 15th October 1966

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name: Nassau Hall, Princeton University
Registry Address: Princeton University campus
Registry Number: 66000465
Resource Type: Building
Owner: Private
Architect: Notman,John; et al.
Architectural Style: Renaissance
Area in Acres: 2
Contributing Buildings: 1
Contributing Structures: 1
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark, National Landmark boundary approved
Certification: Listed in the National Register
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Education, Architecture
Applicable Criteria: Event, Architecture-Engineering
Criteria Consideration: Reconstructed property
Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1750-1799, 1800-1824
Significant Year: 1754, 1756, 1855
Historic Function: Education
Historic Sub-Function: College
Current Function: Education
Current Sub-Function: College

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