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 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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 40° 39.79′ N, 74° 12.54′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in Union County. Marker is at the intersection of East Jersey Street and Catherine Street, on the left when traveling west on East Jersey Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1046 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth NJ 07201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Property of John Ogden 1680 (a few steps from this marker); The Nathaniel Bonnell House 1682 (within shouting distance of this marker); Boxwood Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Winfield Scott (about 700 feet away); Seven Astronauts (about 700
this page online
More about this marker. The top of the marker contains a photo of the Belcher Ogden Mansion as it appears today. It has a caption of “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.
Below this is a portrait of the “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.”
A photo of the interior of the mansion is seen at the bottom of the marker. It has a caption of “Every feature seen in the picture – crown molding, fireplace carvings, geometrical spacing, fireplace backing, etc – represent actual,
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 6, 2011
2. Marker on East Jersey Street
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 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 960 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
