Mercer Playground

Mercer St. bet. Houston St. and W. 4 St.

Manhattan

Directions via Google Maps

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

This playground is named for physician and soldier Hugh Mercer (1726-1777) who military service has included fighting in the Seven Years’ War and being appointed Brigadier-General during the Revolutionary War.

Mercer immigrated to America in 1747 and settled in Pennsylvania after fleeing his native Scotland following his participation in the Jacobite Army against the British Crown. He would soon join the Colonial Militia under King George III, during the Seven Years’ War in 1755 where he would form a close friendship with George Washington. In 1776, he joined the Continental Army and was promoted to Brigadier-General, at Washington’s request. Six months later, Mercer led a brigade during the battle of Princeton and was mortally wounded. He died nine days later on January 12, 1777.

Show Disclaimer