Woodbridge in Woodbridge Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cross Keys Tavern
United States Constitution Bicentennial
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
1. Cross Keys Tavern Marker
This tavern, operated at the time by John Manning, hosted the overnight stay of George Washington April 22, 1789 on route to his inauguration on April 30, 1789. Washington was accompanied on the part of the journey from New Brunswick to Rahway by Captain Nathaniel Heard and militia from Woodbridge. The tavern was originally located at the corner of Main Street and Amboy Avenue.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1852.
Location. 40° 33.258′ N, 74° 17.006′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. It is in Woodbridge. It is on South James Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 142 S James Street, Woodbridge NJ 07095, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s Central Jersey, in Greater Princeton, 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: A different marker also named Cross Keys Tavern (a few steps from this marker); United States Post Office (a few steps from this marker); George Washingtons Inauguration (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodbridge Cloverleaf
this page online
Also see . . . George Washington's first inauguration. National Archives and Records Administration. (Submitted on July 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
2. Marker on S James Street
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
3. Cross Keys Tavern
President-elect George Washington spent the night in this tavern on April 22, 1789.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
4. Former Location of Cross Keys Tavern
This Knights of Columbus building is on the original site of the Cross Keys Tavern, on the corner of Main Street and Amboy Avenue.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 7, 2008
5. KC Chimney
This chimney at the Knights of Columbus building was part of the original Cross Keys Tavern when it was located at this site.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin
6. 1794 Image of Woodbridge's Cross Keys Tavern
Photo courtesy of Rick Detwiller from his book Battle of Short Hills.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 5,074 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on April 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
