The Historical Society of Hamilton Township celebrated the 286th birthday of Isaac Pearson on August 3. According to recent Township Update from Hamilton (Mercer), Isaac Pearson was born in 1739 and raised in Nottingham Township (Hamilton Township, Mercer County), and his house, purchased by Hamilton Township in 2000, remains in its original location.
The town notes that the National Register Landmark is one of its major historical assets and is actively undergoing preservation and restoration. It has received significant support from the Township, New Jersey Historic Trust, and Historical Society, and will be open to the public when restoration is completed.
About Isaac Pearson & His Home
Isaac Pearson served in various Colonial-era local and provincial roles, including Township Committee member, Tax Collector, Justice of the Peace, and Judge of the County Court.
On its website, the Historical Society of Hamilton noted that the Isaac and Abigail Pearson Mansion, built in 1773, was officially documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) in April 2025. This action cements its place in the Library of Congress and the national historical record.
Located on its original site on Hobson Avenue, the Pearson Mansion was a home and farm. It was preserved from demolition by Hamilton Township and is listed in the State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
Pearson’s 1,350-acre property, and its vital drawbridge over Crosswicks Creek, overlooked thousands of American, British, and Hessian troops on their way to and from Bordentown and the Battle of Trenton during the Ten Crucial Days in American history, December 25, 1776 to January 3, during which General George Washington and his Continental Army achieved a series of victories, most notably at Trenton and Princeton, a turning point of the American Revolution.
Pearson was discovered in Hightstown on December 28, 1776, by an advance party of Continental troops who shot him, claiming he was trying to flee his home.
What is HABS?
According to the Historical Society, the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) is a program established in 1933 to document America's architectural heritage. The comprehensive HABS project encompasses measured drawings, large-format photographs, detailed descriptions, and historical reports all of which are permanently recorded and shared through the Library of Congress. HABS created the nation's first federal preservation program, and its comprehensive documentation serves as a valuable resource for understanding, preserving, and restoring historic buildings.
The Isaac and Abigail Pearson Mansion is a rare example of a place that meets all of HABS criteria for inclusion: it is associated with a historically significant person; and historic events; and has special architectural character. The HABS project marks the culmination of years of dedicated effort.
“This national recognition in the Historic American Building Survey is a momentous occasion. This achievement is a testament to the shared commitment and diligent work of everyone involved, and we extend our sincere gratitude to all who contributed. The successful documentation of this historic structure ensures its preservation for generations to come,” announced Michael Skelly, Director of the Isaac Pearson Mansion for the Historical Society of Hamilton Township.
“Seeing the Isaac and Abigail Pearson Mansion documented by HABS and officially recognized as part of American history has been a long-held dream,” Skelly said
Funding for the project was made possible through donations and grants secured by the Historical Society of Hamilton Township, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Significant financial support was provided by Hamilton Township, Mercer County, the New Jersey Historic Trust, and generous donors and volunteers.
Professional work was completed by Janet Sheridan of Down Jersey Heritage Research of Salem, and Westfield Architects & Preservation Consultants of Haddon Heights.
Restoration Efforts
Ongoing multi-year efforts by the Historical Society and Hamilton Township aim to fully restore the mansion and open it to the public as a house museum, tourist information center, colonial arts and crafts maker space, and performing arts venue. While the restoration and construction work are going on, the Historical Society has hosted thousands of students on annual history tours on the grounds.
The Historical Society is actively seeking volunteers and donations to support this significant project. For more information, visit https://isaacpearson.org and https://nj.gov/dca/njht/funded/sitedetails/IsaacPearsonHouse.shtml