Princeton prides itself as one of the nation's most historic communities, as well as home to the renowned Princeton University. The town, whose first inhabitants arrived in the 17th century, produced two signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Stockton and George Washington. There was even a five-month period in 1873 when Princeton became the nation's capital.

Originally christened Prince-Town in honor of the Prince of Orange and Nassau, the city became home to the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, in 1756. A center for culture and learning throughout its history, Princeton has seen a host of scholars, scientists, writers and statesmen that include United States Presidents James Madison, Woodrow Wilson and Grover Cleveland, as well as authors such as T.S. Elliot and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The history of Princeton has been shaped as much by its influx of immigrants from the Irish, Scottish and Germans to Eastern Europeans and Italians at the turn of the century. Successive waves of arrivals have all made their own contributions to the town.

Located halfway between NYC and Philadelphia, Princeton served as the overnight stagecoach stop on the Trenton-New Brunswick line until the mid 19th Century. Visitors will be glad to know that it is now only one hour and 20 minutes away from New York, and the changeover is a mere five minutes. Passengers have to transfer at Princeton Junction for a one-car shuttle train to Princeton, affectionately referred to as the "Dinky." This conjures images of an old charming trolley car, but disappointingly, it's just a modern style train.

The feeling you've entered a bygone era is even further enhanced on arrival at the Dinky Station on the edge of Princeton University. With its combination of ancient architecture, including Roman and Scottish, Princeton immediately gives one the impression of having been transported a million miles away from NYC to a quaint European town.