“Replanting History” — Clarke Apple Orchard to Return to Princeton Battlefield
Princeton Battlefield Restoration: The historic apple orchard that stood on the William Clarke farm — the very land where British and Patriot forces first clashed in 1777 — will be replanted as part of a major restoration effort at Princeton Battlefield State Park. (Image credit: American Battlefield Trust)
In a new initiative unveiled September 2025, the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS), American Battlefield Trust (ABT), and the State of New Jersey have joined forces to “replant history”—re-establishing an apple orchard on the farm that once belonged to William Clarke, a key landmark in the battle of January 3, 1777.
This replanting project is part of a broader restoration and preservation effort aimed at returning the landscape of the battlefield to its 18th-century appearance as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the battle.
The Orchard That Once Marked the Battlefield
William Clarke’s orchard once sat in the farmland between two Quaker brothers’ properties — the site of some of the fiercest fighting during the battle. Although Clarke’s house no longer stands, historical records and paintings place the orchard directly in the path of the conflict.
The new orchard will span half an acre and will feature four apple varieties believed to have been cultivated in colonial-era New Jersey: Harrison, Winesap, Red Russet, and Yellow Bellflower. The trees will be protected behind a period-appropriate rail fence.
Why It Matters
For more than two centuries, the landscape of Princeton changed — town development, modern roads, and new buildings obscured the historic geography. “We can’t transform 2025 Princeton into 1776 Princeton, but we can make the battlefield park look more like it did,” said PBS President Ben Strong at the announcement.
Re-establishing the orchard and restoring old fence lines, period roads and terrain features will allow visitors to better visualize and experience what the battlefield looked like in 1777 — walking the land where history unfolded, and understanding the terrain that shaped the battle.
A Call to Help Replant History
The orchard restoration is one part of a broader “Reimagining Princeton” project that includes restoration of roads like the Sawmill/Trace Road, removal of non-historic buildings, installation of interpretive signage, and preservation of preserved battlefield acreage.
The PBS invites supporters and history-lovers to contribute to the effort. Donations will help purchase trees, build a protective fence, and ensure this living piece of Revolutionary heritage thrives for generations to come. For more information or to donate, visit PBS1777.org.