Hoboken in Hudson County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Elysian Fields
New York’s First Central Park
Photographed By R. C.
1. Elysian Fields Historical Marker
Inscription.
Elysian Fields. New York’s First Central Park. Fast, reliable ferry service run by the Stevens family brought New Yorkers to Hoboken in droves. To attract riders, the Stevens' turned the waterfront into a semi-public park. They opened paths, pavilions, and breath-taking views, and named it Elysian Fields, after the paradise of ancient mythology. It opened with fanfare on July 11, 1831. The park stretched from this site to Weehawken Cove. Sports games, rides, and outdoor events gave people reasons to return. Tens of thousands packed the park daily in summer months. Then Central Park opened in 1857, replacing Hoboken as the park of choice, and Elysian Fields vanished beneath new development.
Fast, reliable ferry service run by the Stevens family brought New Yorkers to Hoboken in droves. To attract riders, the Stevens' turned the waterfront into a semi-public park. They opened paths, pavilions, and breath-taking views, and named it Elysian Fields, after the paradise of ancient mythology. It opened with fanfare on July 11, 1831. The park stretched from this site to Weehawken Cove. Sports games, rides, and outdoor events gave people reasons to return. Tens of thousands packed the park daily in summer months. Then Central Park opened in 1857, replacing Hoboken as the park of choice, and Elysian Fields vanished beneath new development.
Erected by City of Hoboken.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Places • Sports. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1889.
Location. 40° 44.935′ N, 74° 1.469′ W. Marker is in Hoboken, New Jersey, in Hudson County. Marker can be reached from Frank Sinatra Drive. Marker is near the former site of the New York Yacht Clubhouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hoboken NJ 07030, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New York Yacht Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Maxwell House Coffee Plant (about 500 feet away, measured in a
A second section of the Elysian Fields park is located on the upper terrace in the rear of this view.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,578 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.
