Hopelawn in Perth Amboy in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Perth Amboy's English Elm Tree

Photographed by Seva Zaslavsky, February 16, 2026

1. Perth Amboy's English Elm Tree Marker

Inscription. At one time the streets of Perth Amboy were lined with English Elms (Ulmus minor var. vulgaris), chosen for the beautiful shade and fine wood. High and Water Streets were especially noted for these trees. The origins of English Elms go back to Bronze Age Farmers. Thought to be native to England, the trees once dominated England's countryside, but were eventually ravaged by Dutch Elm Disease (DED). This Elm, in front of City Hall, is one of the few specimens of its size in the world. In 2016, the US Department of Agriculture preserved its seeds to ensure the species survival. This stately tree has survived many years and still stands. It was most likely planted between 1841 and 1842, when the market square was destroyed and High Street was graded. Elm trees were probably planted at this time to replace Poplar trees. Since its planting, this tree has witnessed many historical events, including the first African American to vote under the 15th amendment, Thomas M. Peterson.

City of Perth Amboy
Historic Preservation Commission
December 2018

Erected 2018 by City of Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission.

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 40° 30.383′ N, 74° 15.935′ W. Marker is in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. It is in Hopelawn. It is at the intersection of Market Street and High abnd Market Streets, NE Corner, on the right when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 260 High St, Perth Amboy NJ 08861, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s Central Jersey,

in Greater Princeton,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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

Photographed by Seva Zaslavsky, February 16, 2026

2. Perth Amboy's English Elm Tree Marker

Photo of tree, with the marker visible here attached to the iron fencing.

of this marker: First Black Voter After Adoption of 15th Amendment (here, next to this marker); Perth Amboy City Hall (here, next to this marker); The Earl of Perth (a few steps from this marker); Board of Proprietors of the Eastern Division of New Jersey (within shouting distance of this marker); Surveyor General's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Record Office (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Surveyor General's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); The Polish Veterans of World War II, Post 40 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perth Amboy.

Photographed by Seva Zaslavsky, February 16, 2026

3. Perth Amboy's English Elm Tree Marker

Photo of tree and Perth Amboy town hall next to tree.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2026, by Seva Zaslavsky of Maplewood, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 16, 2026, by Seva Zaslavsky of Maplewood, New Jersey. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.