Elizabeth in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Belcher-Ogden Mansion
1750
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, March 6, 2011
1. The Belcher-Ogden Mansion Marker
The Belcher Ogden Mansion was the 1750s residence of Governor Jonathan Belcher (1682-1757) of New Jersey, who brought the royal colonys 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 city resource rather than a static 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.
above: 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
this page online
Erected by City of Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 39.79′ N, 74° 12.54′ W. Marker was in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in Union County. It was at the intersection of East Jersey Street and Catherine Street, on the left when traveling west on East Jersey Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1046 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth NJ 07201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named The Belcher-Ogden Mansion (here, next to this marker); Property of John Ogden 1680 (a few steps from 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); 1915 Saengerfest Champions (about 700 feet away); General Winfield Scott (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Nathaniel Bonnell House (was within shouting distance of this marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, March 6, 2011
2. Marker on East Jersey Street
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker. There are slight differences in inscription plus a change in subtitle.
Also see . . . Belcher-Ogden Mansion. Visit Historical Elizabeth NJ website entry (Submitted on December 5, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, March 6, 2011
3. The Belcher-Ogden Mansion
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,530 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
