About Elizabeth

As part of the great industrial, densely populated urban area associated with New York City, Elizabeth and the adjoining sections of Union County are home to more than 1,500 manufacturing concerns. The city's marine terminal is one of the largest container ports in the world. It was here that John Philip Holland assembled the first successful submarine, later purchased by the U.S. Navy. The school that ultimately would become Princeton University was founded here by Jonathan Dickinson in 1746 as the College of New Jersey.

Elizabeth was the home of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, both of whom attended the old academy on the site now occupied by the First Presbyterian Church parish house. Other historic figures from Elizabeth include James Caldwell, the fiery “Fighting Parson” of the Revolution, and Gen. Winfield Scott, the 1852 Whig presidential candidate.

Although the city suffered many attacks and skirmishes during the Revolution, nearly two dozen pre-Revolutionary War buildings remain. Identified by plaques, several of these are in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of E. Jersey Street; the Bonnell House, at 1045, dates from about 1682 and is one of the oldest structures in Elizabeth.

Several parks offer respite from business. One of the largest is Warinanco Park, at the west edge of town on Rahway Avenue. In addition to recreation, it offers a stadium and Chatfield Garden, adorned by flowering trees, shrubs and other seasonal displays.

Vistor Information

Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce: 456 N. Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ 07208; phone (908) 355-7600.

Elizabeth hotels