South Brunswick has been called the Crossroads of the Revolution because General Washington not only plotted his strategy for the Battle of Princeton in Kingston in 1777, but he also marched his troops back through Kingston in 1778 to the Battle of Monmouth.
Kingston is located between the two largest cities in colonial times, New York and Philadelphia. Activity centered on the numerous stage coaches that traveled between the two cities.
Van Tilburgh's Inn, called the “Sign of the Mermaid,” is the most remembered tavern of this era. Phineas Withington opened the Withington Inn across the street in 1811 and the Union Stage Line was also opened.
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The Presbyterian Church started as a log structure located in the cemetery. The recorded beginning of the church started in 1732 when a more permanent structure was built.
Two well-known ministers, William Tennant and David Brainerd, preached at the Kingston Presbyterian Church. But the new congregation in Princeton, built in 1756, drew many parishioners into Princeton for worship.
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The original wooden bridge built over the Millstone River had been destroyed by the Continental Troops in an attempt to slow the British retreat in Princeton. In 1798, the bridge was rebuilt as a four-arch stone bridge which still stands today.
The modern bridge carries Route 27 over the Millstone River and runs just over the top stone bridge. The stone bridge sits to the right of the lock tender's house.
