In 1938, scorching annihilation from outer space was still a relatively new concept to the average Joe. Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater ensemble put on one of the world's great hoaxes when they broadcast a radio adaptation of H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds the night before Halloween, October 30th. Twelve million people heard the fake "live news" broadcast, and many were convinced an attack from Mars was underway. The Martian landings were centered around the little-known but real town of Grovers Mill, near Princeton.
Martian Landing Site" monument installed in 1988 in Van Nest Park, near the calm and scum-green Grovers Mill pond. The plaque is a 3D bronze relief depicting an impassioned Mr. Welles orating into a microphone as a 1930s family listens in terror by their radio. Looming above is a sinister Martian machine, a metallic tentacled walking tripod ("flying saucers" didn't come into vogue until after 1947).
(Martian Landing Site: A few miles east of Rt. 1 on Rt. 571, turn left (north) at Princeton Junction. Van Nest Park, Cranbury Rd. Or take NJ Turnpike Exit 8, head west through Hightstown, following Rt 571. The turnoff is right before the only overpass on the road, onto Cranbury Rd. Grover's Mill Pond is the first right past Clarksville Road. Water Tower: At the intersection of Cranbury, Clarksville, and Grovers Mill Rds. )
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