Elizabeth in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Washington’s Inaugural Bicentennial
1789 - 1989
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
1. Washington’s Inaugural Bicentennial Marker
Elizabeth celebrates Washington’s Inaugural Bicentennial
George Washington journeyed to “Elizabethtown” - met with a committee of Continental Congress in Boxwood Hall - Sailed from Elizabethport - April 23, 1789
(Back of Marker) "Elizabeth celebrates Washington's inaugural Bicentennial." Recipient of the international public relations association's "Golden World Awards of Excellence"
Erected 1989 by City of Elizabeth.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1865.
Location. 40° 39.794′ N, 74° 12.689′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in Union County. Marker is on Winfield Scott Plaza, on the left when traveling south. Marker is across the street from Elizabeth City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Seven Astronauts (within shouting distance of this marker); General Winfield Scott (within shouting distance of this marker); Boxwood Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Property of John Ogden 1680 (about 700 feet away); The Belcher-Ogden Mansion
this page online
Also see . . .
1. George Washington's first inauguration. National Archives and Records Administration website entry (Submitted on April 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Elizabeth Celebrates Washington's Inaugural Bicentennial, 1789-1989, (sculpture). Smithsonian American Art Museum. (Submitted on April 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. Boxwood Hall: General Washington met the Committee of Congress and lunched on his inauguration day. "In General Washington’s triumphal journey to his inauguration at New York, April 30, 1789, he met the committee of Congress there and partook of an elegant luncheon ... It took two hours to serve the courses, and when it was over, the “Father of his Country” was escorted by a great procession to Easttown Point, where he embarked in a barge bedecked with ribbons, and was rowed to New York City by thirteen sailors dressed in white." (Submitted on April 11, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
2. Washington’s Inaugural Bicentennial
Marker commemorates George Washington's passage through Elizabeth on his way to New York to be sworn in as the first President of the United States.
Additional commentary.
1. Boxwood Hall
I believe Boxwood Hall is visible in the background of two of the photos. It is the red two-story building on the right.
— Submitted April 11, 2008.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
3. Detail of the Marker
Depicted on the monument is Washington at Boxwood hall and his departure from "Elizabethtown" by boat.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2008
4. Boxwood Hall
Elias Boudinot, president of the Continental Congress and signer of the peace treaty with England, hosted George Washington at Boxwood Hall several days before his inauguration.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,380 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on April 26, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
