Central Ward in Newark in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The First Academy in Newark

First Academy in Newark Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008

1. First Academy in Newark Marker

Inscription.
The first academy in Newark was erected near this spot in 1774 by the gifts of generous citizens.

Dedicated to learning, it found, in time of war, a new mission in the cause of liberty, giving useful service as a barracks and hospital for American troops.

On the night of January 25, 1780, it was burned to the ground by a raiding party of British, who crossed from New York on the ice and surprised the town.

This school was the forerunner of the present Newark Academy which erected its first building in 1792 at the corner of Broad and Academy Streets.

Placed by the Trustees, teachers, graduates and students of Newark Academy, June 1916.

Replaced by the Commissioners of the City of Newark, May 1941.

Erected 1941 by Commissioners of the City of Newark.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1785.

Location. 40° 44.56′ N, 74° 10.217′ W. Marker is in Newark, New Jersey, in Essex County. It is in the Central Ward. It is on Washington Place, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Newark's Washington Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newark NJ 07102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Jersey

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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

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are within walking distance of this marker: Line of March of Washington’s Army (within shouting distance of this marker); Seth Boyden (within shouting distance of this marker); Harriet Tubman Monument (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Harriet Tubman Monument (about 300 feet away); Harriet Tubman Square (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Seth Boyden (about 400 feet away); Fewsmith House (about 400 feet away); Perfect Vehicles 1988-90 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newark.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Christopher Columbus (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed).

First Academy Marker in Washington Park. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008

2. First Academy Marker in Washington Park.

The First Academy in Newark marker is one of many markers and monuments in Washington Park. Some are even visible in the background of this photo.

Newark Academy History image. Click for more information.

via Newark Academy, unknown

3. Newark Academy History

School website entry
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,560 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on January 17, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.