Woodbridge in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cross Keys Tavern
United States Constitution Bicentennial
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
1. Cross Keys Tavern Marker
This tavern, operated at the time by John Manning, hosted the overnight stay of George Washington April 22, 1789 on route to his inauguration on April 30, 1789. Washington was accompanied on the part of the journey from New Brunswick to Rahway by Captain Nathaniel Heard and militia from Woodbridge. The tavern was originally located at the corner of Main Street and Amboy Avenue.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1852.
Location. 40° 33.258′ N, 74° 17.006′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker is on S James Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 142 S James Street, Woodbridge NJ 07095, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Cross Keys Tavern (a few steps from this marker); United States Post Office (a few steps from this marker); George Washington’s Inauguration (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodbridge Cloverleaf (about 500 feet away); St. James Roman Catholic Parish
this page online
Also see . . . George Washington's first inauguration. National Archives and Records Administration. (Submitted on July 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
2. Marker on S James Street
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
3. Cross Keys Tavern
President-elect George Washington spent the night in this tavern on April 22, 1789.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
4. Former Location of Cross Keys Tavern
This Knights of Columbus building is on the original site of the Cross Keys Tavern, on the corner of Main Street and Amboy Avenue.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
5. KC Chimney
This chimney at the Knights of Columbus building was part of the original Cross Keys Tavern when it was located at this site.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin
6. 1794 Image of Woodbridge's Cross Keys Tavern
Photo courtesy of Rick Detwiller from his book Battle of Short Hills.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4,137 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on April 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
