Princeton
“Princeton” by William R. “Bill” Archer, published by Arcadia Publishing Library Editions on May 24, 2006, offers a detailed exploration of the town of Princeton, West Virginia. This 130-page book delves into the historical significance of Princeton as a community situated at a unique intersection, linking the Allegheny Mountain range with the fertile Valley of the Virginias and the Cumberland Gap. The narrative traces the town’s origins, including its establishment in 1837 and its naming in honor of the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, where General Hugh Mercer lost his life.
Readers will find a comprehensive account of Princeton’s transformation over the years, particularly following the arrival of the Virginian Railroad and the construction of the West Virginia Turnpike. These developments shifted Princeton from a remote rural outpost to a bustling center of commerce. The book also touches on significant events, such as the destruction of homes during the Civil War, providing context to the town’s evolution and its role in the broader history of the region. Through this edition, Archer presents a thorough examination of local history, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the historical narratives of the United States, particularly in the South.
Official synopsis Publisher
Throughout its existence, Princeton has been a community at a unique three-way intersection connecting the heart of the Allegheny Mountain range with the fertile Valley of the Virginias to the east and the Cumberland Gap to the west. In 1837, the Virginia General Assembly formed Mercer County, named in memory of Revolutionary War general Hugh Mercer; at the same time, the county’s seat was named in honor of the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, the 1777 battle in which General Mercer died. Twenty-five years after the county’s formation, retreating Confederate soldiers burned the homes of the town of Princeton to the ground. The coming of the Virginian Railroad in the first decade of the 20th century and the construction of the West Virginia Turnpike 40 years later transformed Princeton from a remote rural outpost into a vibrant center of commerce and ultimately led to the evolution of Princeton into a true crossroads for the region.
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