Petty's Run Tour

Petty's Run is a creek located between the New Jersey State House and the Old Barracks in Trenton. The creek, now hidden beneath streets in a muddy culvert, was the center of the capital's industrial history. 

From 2008 to 2013, Hunter Research
conducted an urban archaeological study of the area using some paid staff, and a bunch of college students. Today Richard Hunter, owner of Hunter Research, gave us a brief tour of the site as part of Patriot's Week. As it was drizzling through most of the tour, and he kept getting interrupted by questions it was not the best presentation. I did leave with a better understanding of what I was seeing. Hunter said he has given this tour during past Patriot's Weeks, which hopefully means he will give it again on a drier, warmer day in 2026. His offices are located across the street.

In the mid 18th century, the creek powered a plating mill steel furnace (a plating mill means the furnace was water-powered). They were lucky to build it prior to 1750 because after that, England (yes, we were still under The Crown's control) decreed no new steel mills could be built. As this one was already finished, it was allowed to continue operating. At the time there were only five in operation, and this is the only one that has been found.

Fast forward to the early 19th century, cotton and paper were the industries. Their mills were located on the other side of the creek. After the culvert was capped in the late 19th century, it was row homes. What we see now are the walls from the row homes, some of which were original steel mill walls.

The fence is surrounded by six interpretive signs. Now that I have a basic foundation, I plan to return on a warm day and read the signs. I feel like I've spent more time down here this year than in past years.

I spy Don (in orange) and me (in blue).
Photo from the Patriot's Week FB page.