Historic Sites

Founded in 1664, Elizabeth, NJ is one of America’s oldest and most historic cities.

Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and other famous figures visited this city, which remains an important center of American history and culture. Here are just a few of Elizabeth’s historic sites for you to discover.

CLICK HERE to view our Historical Reenactment Video!

Four Centuries in a Weekend

Every October, Elizabeth proudly participates in Union County’s Four Centuries in a Weekend, a county-wide celebration inviting visitors to step back in time and explore over 300 years of history. As New Jersey’s first capital, Elizabeth offers an authentic window into America’s past — from Revolutionary War landmarks like Boxwood Hall, Snyder Academy, and the First Presbyterian Church, to hidden gems that tell the stories of the people who helped shape the nation. Visitors can enjoy free tours, live reenactments, and engaging activities that bring history to life throughout the city. Come discover why in Elizabeth, it all starts here.

The Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown

Dating all the way back to 1664, The Snyder Academy has the distinction of being one of the oldest historical sites in New Jersey. In 1772, Alexander Hamilton attended the academy to prepare for college and it’s now an important stop on the city’s Hamilton Tour. Today, Snyder Academy houses an eclectic mix of historical artifacts and newly renovated facilities. Its mission is to educate the public about the early history of New Jersey while also serving the community.

Elizabeth Public Library

The Elizabeth Public Library was built in 1912, a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the city. It stands on the site of the Red Lion Inn, which played an important role during the Revolutionary War. Due to its rich history, the Elizabeth Public Library is the first stop on Elizabeth’s Walking Tour. The library is home to extensive collections of books, newspapers, and magazines from all over the world and in multiple languages. The Elizabeth Public Library also hosts hundreds of programs every year, from magic shows for children to jazz and rock performances.

Boxwood Hall

Boxwood Hall is a mansion that was built around 1750 by Samuel Woodruff during his term as Mayor of Elizabeth. Elias Boudinot, a member of the Continental Congress, lived here from 1772 to 1795. While living in Elizabeth, Alexander Hamilton often visited Boxwood Hall and developed a close friendship with Elias and his family. Today, Boxwood Hall is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public every weekday. Visitors to Boxwood Hall learn about life in colonial America as they wander through this beautiful mansion.

Liberty Hall at Kean University

The stunning Liberty Hall originated as a Georgian-style home and dates back to 1772. It was built by William Livingston, a lawyer who served as the first Governor of New Jersey. During his time in Elizabethtown, Alexander Hamilton lived here with the Livingston family. Throughout its history, Liberty Hall hosted many other celebrated guests, including several presidents. Now a museum, Liberty Hall offers public and private tours where visitors can explore the mansion’s rooms, gaze at collections of furniture and ceramics, and walk the sprawling gardens.

Elizabeth's Historic Walking Tour

Elizabeth's Historic Walking Tour is a self-guided 3.5-mile tour that takes you on a journey through the city’s history. On the tour, you’ll pass many historical buildings and sites, including the Belcher-Ogden Mansion and the Bonnell House, one of the oldest homes in New Jersey. Other stops include The Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown, First Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth River Trail, and the Elizabeth Public Library. The walking tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the history of Elizabeth at their own pace.

2016 Historical Reenactment

Where history comes to life!

If history is in your heart, come be a part of the historical American Revolution! History comes to life as hundreds of reenactors come together to recreate some of the most important battles of the American Revolution that were located right here in Elizabeth, NJ!

Four Centuries in a Weekend

All of the historic house museums in Union County will be open for free! Visit Union County Cultural and Heritage Affairs for more information on this wonderful countywide event!

Enjoy a walking tour around our historic midtown, live historians, reenactment battles, historical music, tea programs and children’s activities!

Saturday, October 15th – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 16th – Noon – 5:00 pm

Sites in and around Elizabeth, NJ

BOXWOOD HALL STATE HISTORIC SITE
(BOUDINOT MANSION)
1073 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ
(908) 282-7617

  • Discover Boxwood Hall’s 250-year history, and admire the completed Phase II of the interior facelift: the second-floor hallway and two additional rooms
  • An exhibit illustrates the how’s and why’s of the interior upgrade and reconfiguration

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ELIZABETH & SNYDER ACADEMY
42 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ
(908) 353-2131 www.fpcenj.org
(908) 353-2132

  • Saturday, 1 pm & 3 pm: One-hour campus tours including the First Presbyterian Church, historic burial grounds and The Snyder Academy, focusing on the remarkable history of these sites during the colonial period and Revolutionary War
  • Saturday, 12 pm – 3 pm: Re-enactment of the 1780 Battle of Elizabethtown, hosted by The Snyder Academy, on the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church; organized by the Historic Midtown Elizabeth Special Improvement District

ELIZABETH PUBLIC LIBRARY
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ
(908) 354-6060 www.elizpl.org

LIBERTY HALL MUSEUM
1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ
908.527.0400 – libertyhall@kean.edu

Over the last two centuries, the originally designed 14-room Georgian Style home has grown into a 50-room Victorian-style mansion. The site houses extensive collections of antique furniture, ceramics, textiles, toys and tools owned by seven generations of the Livingston and Kean families.

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