Boxwood Hall
The Boxwood Hall State Historic Site is a historic house museum in Elizabeth, NJ. Located at 1073 East Jersey Street, the house was constructed around 1750 and is a National Historic Landmark. It is also known for its association with Elias Boudinot, who lived there from 1772 to 1795.
Boxwood Hall is a great historical site and is well worth a visit. The house is home to many famous people, including the former president of the United States, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and an early mayor. It also is the site of many events in Elizabeth’s history, such as the signing of the U.S. Constitution by three signers.
The 250-year-old building is currently home to the Elizabeth Historical Society. The society’s exhibits highlight the history of Elizabeth and New Jersey. Visitors can walk through period-styled rooms that depict different eras in the house’s history. They can learn about life in Elizabeth during the American Revolution, slavery in New Jersey, and the changes that occurred in domestic life.
While visiting Boxwood Hall, you may want to see the Hersh Tower, a historic art deco building that was constructed during the height of the depression. At one time, it was the tallest building in Union County. In addition, you can see the Washington Inaugural Monument, a monument commemorating Washington’s visit to Elizabethtown on April 23, 1789. Washington’s carriage arrives in Elizabethtown and enters Boxwood Hall before proceeding to New York City.
Another interesting fact about Elizabethtown, NJ, is that Alexander Hamilton attended the Presbyterian Academy in Elizabeth. He later visited Boxwood Hall, where he made friends with the Boudinots. Both men played important roles during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton served as General Washington’s aide-de-camp and was the first Secretary of the Treasury. He later became President of the United States and is on the ten-dollar bill.
Located in Elizabethtown, the Elizabethtown Tavern has a fascinating history. Named for a famous play by Sir Robert Howard, the building has a long history in the area. It was also the location of Samuel Pepys’s birth-night ball. The town changed significantly after his visit as new families settled and established permanent residences.
The Revolutionary War put Elizabethtown in a dangerous position. The town’s location on Newark Bay, which flows into the Hudson River, was an easy target for British raids. The British burned several buildings in the city, including the Presbyterian Church. The attack left much destruction in the area, but fortunately, the British did not capture the town.
While visiting Elizabeth, check out the nearby John St. John’s Episcopal Church. This historic site is also near the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth. The website below is a great place to start if you want to learn more about this Elizabeth, NJ, landmark.