Elizabeth in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Colonial Church
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
1. Colonial Church Marker
The congregation of the church included a President of the Continental Congress, signers of the Declaration of Independence, signers of the U.S. Constitution, Generals in the Continental Army, and a Governor of New Jersey.
Erected 1964 by State of New Jersey.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1724.
Location. 40° 39.749′ N, 74° 12.901′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in Union County. Marker is on Broad Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elizabeth NJ 07201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth (a few steps from this marker); Old Borough Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Patriotic Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church Burial Grounds and Elizabethtown Academy (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Site of Princeton University (about 400 feet away); Old Academy (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth.
Also see . . .
this page online
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
2. The First Presbyterian Church
The church was burned on the night of January 25, 1780 by a group led by Cornelius Hatfield, Jr., a British spy and native of Elizabethtown. Witnesses say Hatfield himself started the fire at the church.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
3. Grave of Rev. Caldwell
Rev. James Caldwell is buried in the churchyard of the Presbyterian Church. Known as the Fighting Parson, he was a stanch Patriot and enemy of local Tories and Loyalists.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,318 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on October 22, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
