Elizabeth, NJ has played a crucial role in America’s story for over 250 years. From its founding days to the American Revolution, through industrial growth, immigration waves, and modern transformation, our city’s history is a testament to resilience and progress. Explore this interactive timeline to uncover key moments that defined Elizabeth and helped shape the nation.
©️2025 Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization. All Rights Reserved. Supported in part by a grant from the NJ Dept. of State, Division of Travel & Tourism. | Design & Web Hosting PoweredByRemeoner
©️2025 Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization. All Rights Reserved. Supported in part by a grant from the NJ Dept. of State, Division of Travel & Tourism. | Design & Web Hosting PoweredByRemeoner
1855 – The Breakup of Elizabethtown: Birth of Elizabeth and Its Neighbors
What we now call the City of Elizabeth was once known as Elizabethtown—a vast township established in 1664. As the population surged and communities matured, Elizabethtown’s original footprint began to fragment. These breakups reflected both demographic growth and evolving civic needs. Over time, several neighboring towns sprang from this original settlement, marking major moments of local self-determination and identity formation.
The final transformation came on March 13, 1855, when the City of Elizabeth was officially created, absorbing both Elizabeth Township and Elizabeth Borough. This moment dissolved Elizabethtown as a governmental entity, formally setting the stage for the Elizabeth we know today.
Yet the story of division began much earlier. Key municipalities carved from Elizabethtown include:
Westfield Township – Created January 27, 1794
Springfield Township – Created April 14, 1794
Rahway Township – Created February 27, 1804
Union Township – Created 1808
New Providence – Created 1809
Clinton Township – Created April 14, 1834
Later, towns like Roselle and Roselle Park formed from areas originally included in these early breakouts. Importantly, Union County itself didn’t exist until 1857, two years after Elizabeth’s incorporation, when it officially separated from Essex County.
Each new township marked a shift in governance, community identity, and administrative autonomy—changing the political landscape of North Jersey while still maintaining shared roots in Elizabethtown.
Map from 1775-1783
Historic 1778 map of Elizabethtown, NJ showing roads, landowners, and military movements during the Revolutionary War
🗓️ 1780 – Martyrdom Sparks a Movement
In the heart of Union County stands a solemn tribute to two of Elizabeth’s most revered Revolutionary-era figures: Rev. James Caldwell and his wife Hannah Caldwell. Their sacrifice, service, and tragedy etched them into the collective memory of New Jersey and made Elizabethtown a sacred ground in the fight for American independence.
Rev. James Caldwell, the minister of Elizabethtown’s First Presbyterian Church, was known as the “Fighting Parson.” A chaplain to the New Jersey militia, he was a powerful voice for liberty, preaching against tyranny in both sermons and strategy meetings. With unshakable patriotism, he became a symbol of spiritual and civic resistance.
His wife, Hannah Caldwell, stood with him through constant wartime uncertainty—managing their home and raising nine children while British troops advanced ever closer.
On June 7, 1780, during the Battle of Connecticut Farms, British and Loyalist troops raided the region. That day, Hannah Caldwell was fatally shot in her home, an act believed by many to be deliberate. She became an instant martyr, and her death electrified patriot support across the state.
“Remember Hannah Caldwell” became a rallying cry for the American cause.
In 1845, the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth raised a monument to Rev. James and Hannah Caldwell. Today, that monument is more than stone—it is a public vow never to forget.
In 2025, the Union County Historical Society invites the public to a rededication ceremony, reaffirming the Caldwells’ central role in our local and national story.
Location: 42 Broad St. • Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 11am
Hosted by: Union County Historical Society
Date: October 2025 (ongoing thereafter)
Overview: To prepare for America’s 250th and future visitor growth, GoElizabethNJ introduced a free, self-paced online certification that equips residents, volunteers, and frontline staff to become Elizabeth Ambassadors. The program focuses on local history, key attractions, wayfinding basics, and how to create a welcoming experience for every visitor.
Take the course: tourismcertification.goelizabethnj.com
Why it matters: The Ambassador program strengthens civic pride and visitor readiness while spotlighting Elizabeth’s stories during the lead-up to 2026.
On June 4, 2025, Elizabeth Public Schools etched their name into the Guinness World Records by forming the largest human image of a submarine. Thousands of students gathered on the field at Williams Stadium, meticulously arranged in red, black, and white ponchos to create the impressive submarine-shaped image. The visual was captured from above, proudly displaying the unity, coordination, and school spirit that define the Elizabeth community.
The record-breaking event was a collaboration between the City of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Public Schools, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Navy, showcasing how educational achievement and civic pride go hand in hand. This marked Elizabeth’s second Guinness World Record in two years, building on a tradition of excellence and innovation in public education.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, moments like this highlight how Elizabeth, NJ continues to shape the national narrative—one bold story at a time.
Overhead photo of students forming a red and black submarine on a green field in Elizabeth, NJ
🔗 Source – Read official article on Patch.com
1855 – The Breakup of Elizabethtown: Birth of Elizabeth and Its Neighbors
What we now call the City of Elizabeth was once known as Elizabethtown—a vast township established in 1664. As the population surged and communities matured, Elizabethtown’s original footprint began to fragment. These breakups reflected both demographic growth and evolving civic needs. Over time, several neighboring towns sprang from this original settlement, marking major moments of local self-determination and identity formation.
The final transformation came on March 13, 1855, when the City of Elizabeth was officially created, absorbing both Elizabeth Township and Elizabeth Borough. This moment dissolved Elizabethtown as a governmental entity, formally setting the stage for the Elizabeth we know today.
Yet the story of division began much earlier. Key municipalities carved from Elizabethtown include:
Westfield Township – Created January 27, 1794
Springfield Township – Created April 14, 1794
Rahway Township – Created February 27, 1804
Union Township – Created 1808
New Providence – Created 1809
Clinton Township – Created April 14, 1834
Later, towns like Roselle and Roselle Park formed from areas originally included in these early breakouts. Importantly, Union County itself didn’t exist until 1857, two years after Elizabeth’s incorporation, when it officially separated from Essex County.
Each new township marked a shift in governance, community identity, and administrative autonomy—changing the political landscape of North Jersey while still maintaining shared roots in Elizabethtown.
Map from 1775-1783
Historic 1778 map of Elizabethtown, NJ showing roads, landowners, and military movements during the Revolutionary War
In a powerful celebration of athletic achievement and community legacy, the 2025 Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner honored eight extraordinary individuals and one legendary team. Hosted by Stan Neron, Director of Recreation and proud EAHOF Board Member, the event was filled with heartfelt tributes, emotional speeches, and unforgettable moments.
The event highlighted not only athletic excellence but also the enduring spirit of giving back to Elizabeth. Each inductee’s journey reflected resilience, leadership, and pride in their hometown.
To learn more about the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Association click here: ElizabethAthleticHOF.org
View Full Ceremony below
🗓️ 1780 – Martyrdom Sparks a Movement
In the heart of Union County stands a solemn tribute to two of Elizabeth’s most revered Revolutionary-era figures: Rev. James Caldwell and his wife Hannah Caldwell. Their sacrifice, service, and tragedy etched them into the collective memory of New Jersey and made Elizabethtown a sacred ground in the fight for American independence.
Rev. James Caldwell, the minister of Elizabethtown’s First Presbyterian Church, was known as the “Fighting Parson.” A chaplain to the New Jersey militia, he was a powerful voice for liberty, preaching against tyranny in both sermons and strategy meetings. With unshakable patriotism, he became a symbol of spiritual and civic resistance.
His wife, Hannah Caldwell, stood with him through constant wartime uncertainty—managing their home and raising nine children while British troops advanced ever closer.
On June 7, 1780, during the Battle of Connecticut Farms, British and Loyalist troops raided the region. That day, Hannah Caldwell was fatally shot in her home, an act believed by many to be deliberate. She became an instant martyr, and her death electrified patriot support across the state.
“Remember Hannah Caldwell” became a rallying cry for the American cause.
In 1845, the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth raised a monument to Rev. James and Hannah Caldwell. Today, that monument is more than stone—it is a public vow never to forget.
In 2025, the Union County Historical Society invites the public to a rededication ceremony, reaffirming the Caldwells’ central role in our local and national story.
Location: 42 Broad St. • Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 11am
Hosted by: Union County Historical Society
During the American Revolution, Elizabethtown, New Jersey, served as a critical outpost just miles from British-occupied New York. Its homes, churches, taverns, and public spaces played pivotal roles as headquarters, meeting places, and encampments for Continental troops and patriot leaders.
This elegant home, once occupied by Governor Jonathan Belcher and later by prominent local figures, became an important meeting place for Revolutionaries. It symbolized Elizabethtown’s deep commitment to the patriot cause
Churches often served as makeshift military hospitals and meeting halls during the war. Given its central role in Elizabethtown’s life, the Old First Church likely hosted key gatherings and strategy sessions during the conflict.
Residences belonging to men like Elias Dayton, a colonel in the Continental Army and father of Constitution signer Jonathan Dayton, were natural gathering places for military planning and coordination.
Taverns such as the Red Lion Inn near Elizabethtown were strategic centers where soldiers met, exchanged intelligence, and coordinated raids across the Arthur Kill from British-held Staten Island
This public common became a rallying point for militia drills, official proclamations, and possibly served as a staging area for temporary encampments. The Green remained a symbol of civic pride and resistance throughout the war.
Because of its strategic importance, Elizabethtown suffered repeated raids and devastating attacks. In January 1780, for instance, British forces conducted one of several nighttime assaults, burning parts of the town and driving patriot forces back inland.
Despite the destruction, Elizabethtown’s commitment never wavered. It remained an active link between Washington’s army and other Continental forces in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
1895 – The Dix Building: A Commercial Pillar of Broad Street
Tucked along one of Elizabeth’s most storied corridors, the Dix Building at 208–210 Broad Street stands as a quiet witness to the city’s vibrant commercial past. Though now only three stories tall, its history once soared to six—mirroring the energy and ambition of late 19th-century Elizabeth.
The first known reference to the Dix Building appears in city directories from 1895, a time when Broad Street buzzed with industrial and retail expansion. Early photographs and architectural records suggest the building was a six-story structure with a stone façade, arched windows, and intricate moldings—hallmarks of the period’s commercial architecture.
🧑🏫 A Center for Commerce & Education
In its early years, the building hosted Elizabeth Clothiers, a retail store owned by William B. Daland. The upper floors became home to professional offices and even the Union Business College, reflecting the building’s multi-use function during an era of rapid economic and population growth.
By 1904, Leo H. Schwed, a prominent local clothier, relocated his business to the site. Eventually, he purchased the building outright and renamed it the Schwed Building—a name that may still ring familiar for longtime residents. These transitions reflect the dynamic nature of Elizabeth’s business district and the immigrant families who helped shape it.
🕰️ Then & Now
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding the Dix Building is its transformation from six stories to three. Though the exact date is unknown, it’s believed to have occurred sometime between the 1920s and 1940s, perhaps as a result of structural changes or modernization efforts. Today, the building is home to two ground-floor storefronts and five residential units across its remaining three stories.
Our knowledge of the Dix Building’s evolution is thanks in part to Arnold Christian Samuelsen, a lifelong Elizabeth resident and local historian. Samuelsen documented its significance in his research, noting the building’s first appearance in local directories and its role in the city’s retail history.
Though altered in height, the Dix Building remains an architectural and historical landmark—a physical link between the Elizabeth of today and the bustling, industrious city it was becoming in the late 1800s.
In 1966, Rev. Joseph Garlic arrived at the newly formed Elizabethport Presbyterian Center to tackle poverty, juvenile unrest and racial tension along the industrial waterfront. A New Jersey native, Garlic set out to meet residents on their own streets—believing ministry must be rooted in real community needs rather than distant platitudes.
During the late‑1960s urban unrest, Garlic organized “Adult Walkers”—volunteer neighbors who patrolled Elizabethport streets, day and night. By simply talking one‑on‑one with youth and residents, they defused tensions and built trust. Though sometimes met with skepticism, this continuous presence fostered civic pride and opened dialogue with leaders like Stephen Sampson, Graville Nesbit and Nida Thomas.
By 1985, Garlic codified these efforts into Brand New Day (BND), securing federal HOPE VI grants to transform derelict buildings into quality rentals and affordable townhouses. Partnering with local banks and former Singer Sewing Machine executives, BND also launched the Joseph Garlic Child Care Center—providing after‑school programs, adult literacy classes and a true community hub driven by residents themselves.
In July 2000, Garlic hosted one of Governor George W. Bush’s first town‑hall meetings at the Center, famously grilling the candidate with the question, “What do you think of the NAACP?” His unflinching style ensured Elizabethport’s voices were heard well beyond New Jersey’s borders.
Decades later, Rev. Joseph Garlic’s mantra—“neighbors know best”—continues to guide Elizabethport’s multiethnic coalition of clergy, activists and public servants. His blend of pastoral care and practical action laid a blueprint for community‑driven renewal still evident in every block of the Port.
Nestled at 11 South Broad Street in old Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth, NJ), Samuel Smith’s Red Lion Inn witnessed key moments in our nation’s birth and rebirth:
In colonial Elizabethtown, fairs and market days were more than economic necessities—they were vibrant social rituals. By the late 1600s, Broad Street had become the town’s central artery for trade, where farmers, artisans, and merchants converged to sell livestock, produce, and goods ranging from handmade tools to imported wares. These open-air markets, often set up near the courthouse or churches, played a crucial role in the town’s development as a commercial hub, especially given its proximity to key port routes.
Beyond trade, these gatherings offered rare moments of leisure and community connection. Residents used market days to exchange news, enjoy food vendors, watch performances, and participate in contests or civic announcements. According to Theodore Thayer in As We Were, the fairs often coincided with religious holidays or harvest celebrations, blending the practical with the festive.
Elizabethtown’s early market days laid the foundation for the public gatherings, festivals, and street parades that would define community life for centuries. They reflect the city’s early identity: industrious, communal, and joyfully spirited.
Founded amid the turbulence of the Civil War in 1861, The Pingry School began not as the prestigious preparatory school many know today, but as a modest boys’ school in a house on Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Its founder, Dr. John F. Pingry, believed in combining rigorous academics with strong moral character—an ideal that would shape generations of students.
As demand for quality education grew, Pingry moved from its first humble location to a newly constructed campus on Union Avenue near Parker Road in 1894. This grand building served as an academic home for decades and became an anchor in the educational life of Elizabeth.
By 1953, modernization pushed the school to build again—this time a newer structure on North Avenue, still within Elizabeth’s borders. But Elizabeth was evolving, and so was Pingry. The school eventually became co-educational, with its first female graduates walking the stage in 1976—a milestone reflecting changing times.
In 1983, the Pingry School made a bold move out of Elizabeth, settling in Martinsville, and later expanding to campuses in Short Hills and Basking Ridge, where it continues to thrive.
Still, Elizabeth holds an indelible place in Pingry’s history:
The Union Avenue building is now home to Nicholas M. Butler School 23.
The North Avenue campus lives on as part of Kean University, continuing to serve future generations in a new capacity.
Pingry’s story is a perfect reflection of Elizabeth’s spirit: innovative, evolving, and committed to excellence. As we reflect on 250 years of Elizabeth’s contributions to the American story, the Pingry School stands as a testament to the city’s long legacy of education, leadership, and growth.
To learn more about The Pingry School click here
In 1999, the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame hosted its second annual induction dinner, continuing its mission to honor the men and women whose athletic achievements and civic contributions helped shape the spirit of Elizabeth, New Jersey. This year’s honorees reflected the city’s diversity—not only of sports, but of backgrounds, eras, and impact.
The inductees of 1999 embodied more than personal success—they represented what’s possible when opportunity meets determination in a city that has always been a proving ground for greatness.
From Olympic glory to grassroots leagues, this class included:
Arthur W. Brinkmann, a soccer star who represented the U.S. in the 1952 Olympics and went on to excel in college and community leadership, including service as Urban League Director and Deputy Attorney General of NJ.
Leonard N. Green, who turned his passion for baseball and radio into a lifelong contribution to local athletics, co-founding multiple leagues and managing the Elizabeth Colonials Club for 25 years.
Milton A. Feller, who left his mark as a semi-pro baseball player, coach, councilman, judge, and educator. Feller’s legacy lives on not only in law and sports but also in the classrooms of Seton Hall.
Anthony “Tony” Mack, who battled early setbacks to become one of the Union County League’s most consistent and respected players and managers. His story is one of quiet tenacity.
Daniel F. O’Brien, a behind-the-scenes legend in Major League Baseball administration. The Elizabeth native rose through the ranks to oversee USA Baseball and serve as GM of multiple pro teams.
Chester Paterek, a WWII veteran and Elizabeth police officer, who coached the P.A.L. Packers to four championships and mentored young athletes like Gil Chapman and Richard Wood toward college and pro careers.
Shirlynn Shirley, the first woman inducted into the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame, who shattered scoring records at Elizabeth High School and Union County College. Her story stands as a landmark for women’s sports in the city.
Thomas V. Quinn, a decorated runner, Olympian, and longtime coach whose influence stretched from Eastern Michigan to Madison Square Garden. He devoted over 50 years to youth and pro athletics.
Frank O’Rourke, who debuted for the Boston Braves at age 18, spent two decades in Major League Baseball, and later scouted for the Yankees into his 90s—helping build dynasties and inspire new generations.
This class reflects a fundamental truth: Elizabeth’s story isn’t just told through buildings or politics—it lives in the people who laced up cleats, mentored youth, coached on sidelines, and used sports to open doors that would have otherwise remained shut.
As we look toward America’s 250th birthday, the stories of these individuals remind us that our city has never just watched history—it has made it. The Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame, in honoring its own, gives future generations something to aim for—and someone to thank.
Take a look at the Journal below.
To learn more about the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame and how you can support click this link elizabethathletichof.org
As Elizabeth, NJ moves toward its 250th anniversary, we continue to highlight the local legacies that have shaped our city’s story. One of the more spirited reflections of our community’s pride can be found in the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame—a celebration of athletes, coaches, and contributors who brought distinction to our city on courts, fields, and tracks across the country.
In 1998, the Hall of Fame welcomed a remarkable class of inductees. Each name echoed through the streets of Elizabeth, not just for athletic greatness but for the values they instilled: dedication, perseverance, and hometown pride.
Among those honored:
Rick Barry: A basketball legend and NBA Hall of Famer, Barry grew up in Elizabeth and went on to become one of the greatest shooters in the history of the game. Known for his unorthodox underhand free throws and fierce competitive spirit, Barry reminded the nation that greatness can rise from humble beginnings.
Don Newcombe: Before Jackie Robinson broke barriers in Major League Baseball, Don Newcombe was paving his own path. Born in Madison, New Jersey, and raised in Elizabeth, Newcombe became a star pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, winning the first-ever Cy Young Award and MVP in the same season.
Chris Gatling: A product of Elizabeth High School, Gatling brought his talents to the NBA, playing for multiple teams during a long career. His hustle, rebounding, and scoring off the bench made him a fan favorite.
Hubie Brown: A highly respected coach and broadcaster, Brown started his life in Elizabeth before influencing the game of basketball as both a strategist and commentator.
Edward L. Beach Jr., Gordon Joseph Coletti Sr., Edward “Buzzy” Fox, Ron Freeman, John Shumate, and Edward Williams Madjeski were also part of this distinguished class, each with stories deeply rooted in the city’s sports culture—whether on the track, in a pool, or as mentors to younger generations.
The 1998 journal chronicling these inductees serves as more than a yearbook. It’s a time capsule that shows how athletics have been a powerful force in building identity and community in Elizabeth. It reminds us that while our city has long served as a hub for commerce, immigration, and culture—it has also been a proving ground for champions.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of Elizabeth, we honor these athletes not only for what they accomplished in their sports but for how they represented our city with pride. Their names are etched not just in plaques, but in the collective memory of Elizabethans who believe in showing up, turning out, and giving their all.
Take a look at the Journal below.
To learn more about the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame and how you can support click this link elizabethathletichof.org
Standing as one of the most historically significant homes in New Jersey, the Belcher-Ogden Mansion has witnessed centuries of change, from the colonial era through the founding of the United States. Its story begins in 1680, when John Ogden Sr. (1609–1682) and his son, John Ogden Jr. (1638–1702), constructed the oldest portion of what would later become this celebrated estate.
Their contributions to the development of Elizabeth, NJ, as some of its earliest settlers, laid the foundation for a home that would eventually be associated with governors, Revolutionary War figures, and a rich architectural legacy.
The Ogdens were among the earliest English colonists to arrive in North America. Originally from Bradley Plain, Hampshire, England, John Ogden Sr. and his family migrated to the American colonies around 1641. Their journey took them to Connecticut and Long Island, where they engaged in early colonial trade and governance.
In 1664, they became founding settlers of Elizabeth, one of the first English communities in New Jersey. With land newly acquired from the Lenape people, the Ogdens saw an opportunity to establish a lasting presence in the colony.
By 1680, the Ogden family had constructed the earliest section of their home, a modest yet enduring structure that reflected the architectural trends of the time. Built primarily with local materials, the home featured hand-hewn timber beams, brick masonry, and a simple, symmetrical design—characteristics that would later evolve into the grandeur of the Georgian style.
The home remained within the Ogden family for decades, expanding in both size and historical significance as Elizabeth grew into a thriving colonial settlement.
In 1664, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as Elizabethtown was formally established, becoming the first permanent English settlement in what would become New Jersey. This event marked a significant shift in power, as the English took control from the Dutch following the capture of New Amsterdam (present-day New York City). Elizabethtown’s founding laid the groundwork for commerce, governance, and cultural transformation.
Before the English arrived, the region was part of New Netherland, a Dutch colony primarily focused on trade. The Dutch had established a network of settlements and trading posts across the area, engaging in commerce with the indigenous Lenape people.
However, in August 1664, England, under King Charles II, sought to expand its colonial footprint. Without a battle, English warships seized New Amsterdam, forcing Governor Peter Stuyvesant to surrender. This transfer of power granted England control over New Netherland, which was rebranded as New York.
As part of this transition, Charles II granted a vast land charter to his brother, the Duke of York, who then awarded a portion to two loyal supporters: Sir George Carteret and Lord John Berkeley. This land would become known as New Jersey.
In October 1664, a group of English settlers from Long Island, known as the Elizabethtown Associates, arrived in the region. Seeking opportunity and religious freedom, they purchased land from the local Lenape sachem, Mattano. This transaction marked the formal beginning of Elizabethtown, making it the first English community in the new colony of New Jersey.
Early settlers, including notable figures like John Ogden, Robert Treat, and Philip Carteret, quickly established homes, a governing structure, and trading operations. The settlement was strategically located along waterways, fostering trade and communication with neighboring colonies.
