Elizabeth in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Revolutionary Cannon

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008

1. Revolutionary Cannon Marker

Inscription. This gun, cast in Strasburg in 1758, was sent by Louis XV, King of France, to Canada for the defense of Quebec. Upon the surrender of that place in the following year, the gun fell into the hands of the British. In April, 1760, the French recaptured the gun, and in May the British re-took it. In the fall of 1775 this gun aided in the repulse of the Continental force under General Richard Montgomery, who was mortally wounded while attempting to capture it. In June, 1779, Sir Henry Clinton captured Stony Point, and a month later General Anthony Wayne re-took it finding this gun among the trophies. General Washington presented the piece to troops from Elizabethtown who had acted as a reserve, and it was brought here by them soon after. Unveiled by Elizabethtown Chapter, No. 1, Sons of the American Revolution, December 2, 1905.

Erected 1905 by Elizabethtown Chapter, No. 1, Sons of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1760.

Location. 40° 39.73′ N, 74° 12.904′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth

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, New Jersey, in Union County. Marker is at the intersection of Broad Street (New Jersey Route 623) and Rahway Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Broad Street. Marker is in front of the Union County Court House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Broad 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. Old Borough Court House (a few steps from this marker); Colonial Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Patriotic Dead (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church Burial Grounds and Elizabethtown Academy (about 500 feet away); First Site of Princeton University (about 500 feet away); Old Academy (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth.

Revolutionary Cannon and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008

2. Revolutionary Cannon and Marker

The marker and cannon are located in front of the Union County Court House.

Court House with Cannon Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008

3. Court House with Cannon Marker

Some say that the Court House is haunted by the ghost of Hannah Caldwell. The wife of Rev. James Caldwell, Hannah was killed at the Battle of Connecticut Farms on June 7, 1780.

Site of the Old Borough Court House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008

4. Site of the Old Borough Court House

The Old Borough Court House was burned by the British in 1780, the same night the Presbyterian Church next door was also burned.

Closeup of Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2008

5. Closeup of Cannon

This cannon was captured at Stony Point, NY by troops which included the militia from Elizabethtown.

Another Cannon Closeup image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2008

6. Another Cannon Closeup

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,803 times since then and 19 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week April 20, 2008. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4. submitted on April 6, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on April 26, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.