Union Square
Elizabeth Avenue

As one of the oldest streets in North America and an important portal during the revolutionary War, Elizabeth Avenue is anchored by Union Square. A marker and statue of a Minuteman marks the avenue at the site of the Continental Outpost at the battle of June 8, 1780 when a column of 5,000 British Regulars landed in Port Elizabeth. The British marched down Elizabeth Avenue heading west, where they would attack General Washington and the Continental Army. Just fifteen Elizabeth Minutemen, positioned around Union Square, held them off and even wounded their General, Lord Stirling. Our minutemen continued to attack them as they continued toward Springfield, delaying them enough for Washington’s Army to survive, and then drive them out of Jersey.

Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park
Elizabeth Avenue & Front Street

At the eastern end of town is the Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park, which Mayor Bollwage dedicated in 1993. The park fronts the Kill Van Kull Waterway, which flows into the New York Harbor. The boardwalk recreation area contains a fishing pier, tables for chess, bike racks, and benches. There’s a City-run marina that has slips and dry-docking facilities for more than 60 privately owned pleasure and fishing boats.

 

 

Boxwood Hall (c.1760)
1073 East Jersey Street
973-648-4540

The house, also known as Boudinot Mansion, was build in the 1750s. It was the resident of Elias Boudinot, president of the Continental Congress and sign of the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain. The house was also home to Jonathan Dayton, the youngest signer of the Constitution.

The house, restored and decorated with period pieces, is a State Historic site and open for free tours. A few doors down the block on East Jersey Street is the Bonnell House, Elizabeth’s oldest house, built in 1682.

Belcher Ogden Mansion
1046 East Jersey Street
908-351-2500 by appointment only

On the original lot of John Ogden, one of the first settlers, built in the late 17th century, the historic mansion was once the residence of Royal Governer Johnathan Belcher. He lived there from 1751 to 1757, entertaining many prominent persons including George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards. The house has been called “the cradle of Princeton University.” Residence of William Peartree Smith, Revolutionary Patrio, later residence of Governor Aaron Ogden, who entertained Lafayette here in 1824. Marked in 1925 by bronze tablet placed by Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America.

 

Ritz Theatre
1148 East Jersey Street
www.ritztheatre.net
908-352-7469

The historic Ritz Theatre is an Art Deco masterpiece. With 2,772 seats, the theatre is one of the largest, and oldest operating theatres in the state dating back to 1926. Originally built in 1865 as the Drake Opera House, the theatre was purchased in 1925 by Jacob Fabian, who hired architect Fred Wesley Wentworth to turn the opera house into an entertainment showcase. The Ritz has been magnificently restored and currently features world-class performances. Famous acts such as the Marx Brothers, George Burns, Jack Benny, Ray Charles, Harry Chapin, Maya Angelou, Chaka Kahn, Rodney Dangerfield, Miles Davis and so many others performed there throughout its storied history.