West Orange in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Tory Corner

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008

1. Tory Corner Marker

Inscription.
Here in the 1770’s in this area called Williamstown lived brothers Nathaniel and Benjamin Williams, prosperous farmers and operators of a saw and grist mill. As the Revolution approached, their Loyalist views attracted people of similar sentiments who congregated at this intersection and it became known as Tory Corner.

Erected by Charles Edison Fund Tory Corner Business Association

Mary Williams, wife of Nathaniel, did not accompany her husband to join the King’s forces in 1777, but chose to tend the family farm and assist the cause of Liberty. She kept and maintained the Williams’ property and her community and personal ties were able to withstand the strains of the Revolution.

To all the patriots who gave of their fortunes and their lives for this new nation, we dedicate this monument July 4, 1976

Erected 1976 by Tory Corner Business Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1892.

Location. 40° 47.252′ N, 74° 13.87′ W. Marker is in West Orange, New Jersey, in Essex County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (County

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Route 659) and Washington Street (County Route 671), on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 289 Main Street, West Orange NJ 07052, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey,

in Greater Newark,

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 are within walking distance of this marker: Anthony Thompson (a few steps from this marker); Edison Cement Slab (approx. ¼ mile away); The Black Maria (approx. ¼ mile away); Making Movies (approx. ¼ mile away); Black Maria Replica (approx. ¼ mile away); The Courtyard (approx. ¼ mile away); Access Granted (approx. ¼ mile away); Electrical Innovation (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Orange.

Back of Tory Corner Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008

2. Back of Tory Corner Monument

Marker on Main & Washington Streets image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008

3. Marker on Main & Washington Streets

In the years leading up to the American Revolution, this area became a gathering place for those whose sympathies were with Great Britain.

Washington Street Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008

4. Washington Street Monument

To the dismay of those people who made this site a comfortable place to congregate, Tory Corner is today located on Washington Street and in front of Washington School.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008

5. Tory Corner Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,856 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.