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Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth at 250: A Historical Timeline of Our City2025-03-12T11:37:20-04:00

Elizabeth at 250: The Timeline That Shaped America

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.

1664

Founding & Colonial Era

1680

The Ogden Family Home

2022

December

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1680: The Origins of the Belcher-Ogden Mansion

A Historic Landmark in Elizabeth, NJ

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 Ogden Family – From England to Elizabeth

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.

Constructing the Family Home (1680)

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.

1680: The Origins of the Belcher-Ogden Mansion

A Historic Landmark in Elizabeth, NJ

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 Ogden Family – From England to Elizabeth

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.

Constructing the Family Home (1680)

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.

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