Elizabeth in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Belcher-Ogden Mansion
1750
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The Belcher-Ogden Mansion was the 1750s residence of Governor Jonathan Belcher (1682-1757) of New Jersey, who brought the royal colony's government to this house. Belcher also sponsored the College of New Jersey which became Princeton University and gave his library of over 400 books to that institution. Subsequent owners entertained George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette here. In 1812 the resident owner, Aaron Ogden (1756-1839), was elected New Jersey Governor.
[Captions:]
Above: The 18th century Georgian style represented by the Belcher-Ogden Mansion is one of the finest examples of the genre extant in New Jersey and listed on the National Registry of Historic Houses. The most recent restoration has been completed by the Historic Society; Elizabeth, NJ Inc. to be a modern resource rather than a museum of colonial artifacts.
Above: Marquis de Lafayette, who visited Belcher-Ogden when Catherine Smith married Elisha Boudinot in 1778. He visited a second time with Governor Aaron Ogden to talk about their time at the Battle of Yorktown.
Left: Every feature seen in this picture - crown molding, fireplace carvings, geometrical spacing, fireplace backing, etc. - represent actual, cultural values of the American colonies in the mid-18th century.
Erected by
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Education • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 40° 39.792′ N, 74° 12.543′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in Union County. It is at the intersection of East Jersey Street and Catherine Street, on the right when traveling east on East Jersey Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1046 E Jersey St, Elizabeth NJ 07201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Property of John Ogden 1680 (here, next to this marker); The Nathaniel Bonnell House (a few steps from this marker); Boxwood Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lafayette's Tour (about 400 feet away); Pro Patria (about 600 feet away); General Winfield Scott (about 600 feet away); 1915 Saengerfest Champions (about 600 feet away); Seven Astronauts (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Belcher-Ogden Mansion (has been replaced with this marker); a different marker also named The Nathaniel Bonnell House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register of Historic Places nomination form, citing the mansion's historical significance. • Can you help?
