Woodbridge in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
United States Post Office
Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
1. United States Post Office Marker
The original post office of Woodbridge, established July 31, 1792, was located at the Cross Keys Tavern on the northwest corner of Amboy Avenue and Main Street. The first postmaster appointed by Postmaster General Timothy Pickering was the Honorable John Manning, who was the proprietor of this historical tavern, where George Washington, (April 22, 1789) remained overnight on his way to New York to be inaugurated the first President of the United States.
In 1812, the Post Office was relocated to the north side of Green Street, between Amboy and Francis Avenues, in a small building used as a general store and township voting place.
Jonathan Freeman, townsman and the builder of the Old White Church was a post rider for mail to this site.
Erected by Post Office Department, United States of America.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 31, 2001.
Location. 40° 33.259′ N, 74° 17.022′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cross Keys Tavern (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Cross Keys Tavern (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); Adath Israel Synagogue (about 500 feet away); Woodbridge Golden Bears (about 500 feet away); St. James Roman Catholic Parish (about 600 feet away); Woodbridge (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodbridge.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
2. Markers in Woodbridge
Two markers are found at this location in front of the old Cross Keys Tavern. The US Post Office marker is the one on the left in the photo.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
3. Cross Keys Tavern
This house was originally located a block south, on the corner of Amboy Avenue and Main Street. Marker is visible to the left of the front walk.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin
4. 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 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,089 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 13, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
