Duck Island is an unincorporated community located along the border of Hamilton Township and the city of Trenton in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States.[1][2][3] The community takes its name from Duck Island, which extends southeastward from the community. The city of Trenton provides public docks for fishing in Duck Island.[4]
Duck Island, New Jersey | |
---|---|
Unincorporated community | |
![]() Lamberton Street in the Duck Island section of Trenton | |
![]() ![]() Duck Island Location of Duck Island in Mercer County Inset: Location of county within the state of New Jersey Show map of Mercer County, New Jersey![]() ![]() Duck Island Duck Island (New Jersey) Show map of New Jersey![]() ![]() Duck Island Duck Island (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
Coordinates: 40°11′18″N 74°45′03″W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
County | Mercer |
Township and City | Hamilton and Trenton |
Duck Island was frequented as a lovers' lane during the 1930s due to its remoteness and nearness to Trenton. One evening in 1938, a young couple parked at a secluded spot on Duck Island were shot after money was demanded of them. One died at the scene, while the second died the next day. A year later, a second couple parked at Duck Island was shot dead. A botched murder attempt on another young couple parked in a lovers' lane in Tullytown, Pennsylvania, led to the arrest of Clarence Hill in 1942. Motivated by sexual and voyeuristic urges, the serial killer was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for what became known as the "Duck Island Murders".[5][6]
In 1996, there were plans to build a $260 million trash incinerator on Duck Island, but the proposal was defeated by the Mercer County Board of chosen freeholders.[7]
TRENTON — The city's public docks on Duck Island were finally installed this week after weeks of delays attributed to weather. The docks, just off Lamberton Road, are now open to boaters to tie up their vessels on the Delaware River throughout the summer.
Private Clarence Hill, 33 years old, Hamilton Township Negro soldier, was arraigned today in Hamilton Township Police Court on six charges of murder in connection with the six Duck Island 'lover's lane' slayings that occurred in 1938, 1939 and 1940....
The incinerator, planned for Hamilton Township, had been challenged in court by Princeton township and Princeton borough because neither wanted to send waste to the incinerator or pay for its construction.
![]() |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Duck Island, New Jersey. |
Municipalities and communities of Mercer County, New Jersey, United States | ||
---|---|---|
County seat: Trenton | ||
City |
| ![]() |
Boroughs |
| |
Townships |
| |
CDPs |
| |
Other communities |
| |
|