Kean University in Union in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Early African Americans at Liberty Hall
Photographed by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, August 25, 2026
1. Early African Americans at Liberty Hall Marker
People of African descent labored, raised families, and grappled with the meanings of freedom and enslavement at Liberty Hall from 1774 to 1829. These individuals resisted enslavement in many ways, and some eventually gained freedom while others did not. Their experiences show both the cruelty of slavery and the resilience of enslaved people in New Jersey. Bell, Lambert, Abbe, Henry, James, Jenny, Phillis, Violett, Sinder, Eve, Sarah, Thomas, Cirus, Peggy, Elias, Peter, Betty, Stephen, Abraham, Silas, as well as Peter, Sarah, and Robert Van Horne and other unnamed individuals all left their mark on Liberty Hall.
Erected 2026 by New Jersey Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2024.A.22.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1774.
Location. 40° 40.722′ N, 74° 13.684′ W. Marker is in Union, New Jersey, in Union County. It is in Kean University. It can be reached from Morris Avenue south of Kean Drive, on the right when traveling north. Located on the campus of Kean University. Touch for map.
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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, 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 of this marker: Liberty Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Horse Chestnut Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blue House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Steam Tractor (about 400 feet away); Carriage House (about 400 feet away); Wagon Shed (about 500 feet away); The Serpentine Path (about 500 feet away); Connecticut Farms (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union.
Photographed by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, August 25, 2026
2. Liberty Hall Marker Unveiling Ceremony
On August 25, 2026 the New Jersey Historical Commission unveiled a marker honoring the people of African descent who labored, raised families, and grappled with the meanings of freedom and enslavement at Liberty Hall from 1774 to 1829. These individuals resisted enslavement in many ways, and some eventually gained freedom while others did not.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2026, by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2026, by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail of Trenton, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
