Princeton, West Virginia

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Princeton is a small city in Mercer County, West Virginia, and the county seat. It’s part of the Bluefield area and had 5,872 residents in 2020. The town covers about 3 square miles, mostly land, at an elevation of about 2,400 feet.

How Princeton got its name and early history
- The city was named for the Battle of Princeton in New Jersey, where General Hugh Mercer died.
- Mercer County formed in 1837, and the courthouse land was donated for the new county seat.
- Princeton was incorporated on February 20, 1909.

Civil War era and rebuilding
- Nearby fighting included the Battle of Pigeon Roost (Princeton Courthouse) in 1862.
- The town was burned in May 1862 to stop the Confederate army from using supplies, and many residents left.
- The Robert McNutt House is one of the few buildings that remains from that era.

Railroad era and growth
- In the late 1800s and early 1900s, railroads brought major growth to Princeton.
- The Deepwater and Tidewater railroads eventually formed the Virginian Railway, with Princeton serving as a key division headquarters.
- Over time, railroad jobs declined, and many facilities were shut down by the late 20th century. Parts of the old Virginian Railway yards later became part of nearby Navy land.

Today’s culture and landmarks
- Princeton has a vibrant cultural scene, including the Chuck Mathena Center (opened in 2008) with a 1,000-seat theater.
- Other attractions include the RiffRaff Arts Collective, a remodeled Princeton Public Library, and a Railroad Museum.
- Several buildings and districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Dr. James W. Hale House, the Dr. Robert B. McNutt House, the Mercer County Courthouse, and the Mercer Street and Virginian Railway Yard Historic Districts.

Education and community
- All residents in the area attend Mercer County School District schools.

Sports
- The town had a minor league baseball team, the Princeton Whistlepigs, which is no longer active. In 2021, the Appalachian League was reorganized as a collegiate summer league, continuing Princeton’s baseball heritage in a new format.