Call Number:

AC028

Repository:

Princeton University Library: University Archives

Extent:

• 10 boxes
• 1 folder

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); University Land Records, Box and Folder Number; University Archives, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1752-1992 (inclusive) and 1752-1860 (bulk)

Creator:

Princeton University and Princeton University. Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections

Form:

Deeds -- 18th century, Deeds -- 19th century., Deeds. -- 20th century, Bonds (legal records)., Land surveys., Land titles., Mortgage deeds., Maps., and Born digital.

Abstract:

The University Land Records consist of deeds, mortgages, bonds, other legal papers, and maps concerning the acquisition, disposition, or description of University properties. The records document the physical expansion of the University from its earliest period through the acquisition of large tracts of land in the 20th century, including the properties around Carnegie Lake and numerous farms. A portion of the papers relate to research conducted by Professor Gerald Breese for his book Princeton University Land, 1752-1984 (1986).

The College of New Jersey was initially chartered in 1746. The first classes were held in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in the parsonage of the president, the Reverend Jonathan Dickinson. Upon his death, the College moved to Newark, New Jersey, and was headed by the Reverend Aaron Burr, Sr. Since 1756, the College has been located in Princeton, New Jersey. For the first fifty years, nearly all College operations took place within Nassau Hall. Fires, fundraising difficulties, low student enrollment, and the Civil War challenged the vitality of the College in the early and middle nineteenth century, but the College grew vigorously under the leadership of President James McCosh, and it was renamed Princeton University in 1896. The Graduate School was established in 1900, although a limited graduate program had existed since the 1870s. Princeton enthusiastically supported the country (living up to its informal motto, "Princeton in the Nation's Service") during the First and Second World Wars, offering the expertise of faculty and campus space for training, as well as facilitating the early graduation of students so they could enlist. The post-World War II years brought dramatic changes to Princeton. The size and strength of the University's facilities and academic programs—especially for the applied sciences and public policy—were increased dramatically. Under President Robert Goheen, Princeton began to admit minority students in greater numbers in the 1960s and admitted women undergraduates in 1969. Today, Princeton is widely regarded as one of the top universities in the world.

The University Land Records consist of deeds, mortgages, bonds, other legal papers, and maps concerning the acquisition, disposition, or description of University properties. Most of the papers are original, though some photocopies are present. The papers consist primarily of standard legal documents with detailed descriptions of the properties in question, as well as maps and surveys of existing University land.

The collection also contains materials gathered by Gerald Breese (Series 1) during research for his book "Princeton University Land" (1986). Those records include photocopies of deeds, correspondence and papers from other University administrative units, the Mercer County Clerk's Office, the New-York Historical Society and other research facilities. Some of Breese's research notes are included; Breese annotated many of the photocopies.

The collection also contains maps and surveys of Princeton University lands, primarily but not exclusively the main campus. While most of the maps are standard, a few are humorous or cartoonish, and a few of the surveys were conducted by students.