Perth Amboy in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Thomas Mundy Peterson School

Photographed by Don Morfe, April 6, 2016

1. Thomas Mundy Peterson School Marker

Inscription. Built n 1871, this was the first public school building in Perth Amboy. The original eight-room school, which was doubled in size in 1905, exemplifies the best class of public school building erected in New Jersey in the years after the Civil War. These schools are characterized by masonry construction with a projecting entrance porch and stair tower. This Italianate style also includes arched windows, a low –pitched hip roof and wide overhanging eaves supported by heavy brackets. Such buildings reflected the growing civic pride and consensus in favor of public education.

In 1989 Public School No. 1 was renamed in honor of the first African American to vote under the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The son of former slaves, Thomas Mundy Peterson (1825-1904) cast his ballot in a municipal referendum on March 31, 1870, at Perth Amboy City Hall. Mr. Peterson served as custodian of Public School No. 1 from the time of its opening in 1871 until 1877.

This Historic Site Marker is a gift to the people of Perth Amboy from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, 2012.

Erected 2012 by Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans

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• Architecture • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1870.

Location. 40° 30.454′ N, 74° 16.085′ W. Marker is in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. It is on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Perth Amboy NJ 08861, 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: Market Square (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Washington (about 700 feet away); September 11 Memorial (about 700 feet away); The Polish Veterans of World War II, Post 40 (about 700 feet away); Dedicated to You, A Free Citizen in a Free Land (about 700 feet away); Cambridge Elm Memorial (about 700 feet away); The Bill of Rights Arch (about 700 feet away); The Perth Amboy Fireman's Triangle Forged 1883 (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perth Amboy.

Photographed by Don Morfe, April 6, 2016

2. Thomas Mundy Peterson School Marker

Thomas Mundy Peterson School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, April 6, 2016

3. Thomas Mundy Peterson School

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,541 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.