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Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth at 250: A Historical Timeline of Our City2025-06-10T12:29:24-04:00

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

1700

Fairs and Market Days

1775

Revolutionary War Headquarters in Elizabethtown (1775-1783)

1780

James & Hannah Caldwell: Elizabeth’s Revolutionary Legacy

1861

The Pingry School

1895

The Dix Building

1966

Rev. Joseph Garlic

1998

Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

1999

Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

2025

Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

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Revolutionary War Headquarters in Elizabethtown (1775–1783)

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.

🗝️ Key Sites of Revolutionary Activity in Elizabethtown

Belcher-Ogden Mansion

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

First Presbyterian Church

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.

Homes of Patriot Leaders

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, Especially the Red Lion Tavern

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​

Elizabethtown Green

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.

🔥 Elizabethtown Under Fire

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.

Revolutionary War Headquarters in Elizabethtown (1775–1783)

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.

🗝️ Key Sites of Revolutionary Activity in Elizabethtown

Belcher-Ogden Mansion

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

First Presbyterian Church

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.

Homes of Patriot Leaders

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, Especially the Red Lion Tavern

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​

Elizabethtown Green

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.

🔥 Elizabethtown Under Fire

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.

From Westminster Ave. to the World: The Pingry School’s Elizabeth Roots

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.

A Legacy Grows

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.

Moving On, Remembering Home

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.

Why It Matters

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

Revolutionary War Headquarters in Elizabethtown (1775–1783)

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.

🗝️ Key Sites of Revolutionary Activity in Elizabethtown

Belcher-Ogden Mansion

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

First Presbyterian Church

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.

Homes of Patriot Leaders

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, Especially the Red Lion Tavern

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​

Elizabethtown Green

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.

🔥 Elizabethtown Under Fire

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.

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.

Honoring Champions: The 1998 Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Class

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

EAHOF 1998

1664: The Founding of Elizabethtown, New Jersey’s First City

Introduction: A New Chapter in Colonial America

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.

The Dutch Influence & English Takeover

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.

The Founding of Elizabethtown

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.

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