Local Attractions

The Cradle of Princeton

Built circa 1750 in the heart of colonial Elizabethtown, the Belcher-Ogden Mansion stands as one of New Jersey's most significant surviving Revolutionary-era landmarks. Originally constructed on land owned by early settler John Ogden, the mansion served as the residence of Royal Governor Jonathan Belcher from 1751 to 1757. During his time here, Belcher hosted prominent religious and political figures, including George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards, and championed the founding of the College of New Jersey - today known as Princeton University - earning the home its long-standing reputation as "the cradle of Princeton."

A Significant Missed Opportunity

In 1778, the mansion was owned by Revolutionary patriot and former Elizabeth mayor William Peartree Smith. That year, his daughter Catherine married Elisha Boudinot (brother of Elias Boudinot of nearby Boxwood Hall) in a wedding attended by George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and with Alexander Hamilton serving as master of ceremonies. Shortly afterward, British troops - frustrated at missing an opportunity to capture Washington - ransacked the house, dragging its contents into the street and burning them.

The property later became the home of Aaron Ogden, a veteran of the 1st New Jersey Regiment and Governor of New Jersey in 1812. Ogden hosted Lafayette here again during the general's celebrated return to America in 1824. Ogden is buried at the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth.

Recognized for its architectural and political significance, the mansion was commemorated in 1925 with a bronze tablet placed by the Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America and was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 2, 1978. Today, the Belcher-Ogden Mansion remains a powerful symbol of Elizabeth's colonial roots and America's Revolutionary heritage.