Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
Step back in time at Boxwood Hall, a historic gem in Elizabeth, NJ, home to Revolutionary War figures and a signer of the Constitution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Open during the week
Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
Best Time
Open during the week
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Boxwood Hall, a historic gem in Elizabeth, NJ, home to Revolutionary War figures and a signer of the Constitution.
"Katherine, the docent, was WONDERFUL!! She knew so much."
📞 Call Ahead for Tours
Confirm opening hours and tour availability by calling before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Parking Options
Street parking is available. A less obvious parking area might be located behind the Hall via a narrow alley.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elias Boudinot's Presidential Home
Main House
Explore the residence of Elias Boudinot, President of the Continental Congress who ratified the Treaty of Paris.
Jonathan Dayton's Constitutional Legacy
Main House
See where Jonathan Dayton, the youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution, lived.
Revolutionary War Significance
Elizabeth, NJ
Discover Elizabeth's role as a key site during the Revolutionary War, with Boxwood Hall as a central point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours Before You Go
Embrace the History Within
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead for Tours
Confirm opening hours and tour availability by calling before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Parking Options
Street parking is available. A less obvious parking area might be located behind the Hall via a narrow alley.
🌟 Knowledgeable Docents
Engage with docents like Katherine, who share extensive history and stories about the home. +1
🧡 Meet Puff Daddy
Say hello to the friendly big orange cat, Puff Daddy, often found on site.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead for Tours
Confirm opening hours and tour availability by calling before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Parking Options
Street parking is available. A less obvious parking area might be located behind the Hall via a narrow alley.
🌟 Knowledgeable Docents
Engage with docents like Katherine, who share extensive history and stories about the home. +1
🧡 Meet Puff Daddy
Say hello to the friendly big orange cat, Puff Daddy, often found on site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Boxwood Hall for its rich history and the exceptional knowledge of its docents, particularly Katherine, who brings the stories of Elias Boudinot and Jonathan Dayton to life. The home's interior is described as beautiful, with many appreciating the community's efforts to preserve this significant site. However, some visitors have experienced issues with inconsistent opening hours, leading to disappointment.
"Stop #4 on our Revolutionary New Jersey tour!
Using the map from the Crossroads of the American Revolution, we will attempt to visit all 59 places in NJ that “witnessed the Revolutionary War - the buildings, battlefields, homes and encampments, starting with “The Cockpit of the Revolution” (20 places).
This was a short visit, as the site was closed (even though we were there during posted open times). I suggest calling ahead to make sure there will be someone there if you want to tour the site.
Outside, there are posted signs depicting historic points. One can also visit several historic sites nearby, as Elizabeth was a major Revolutionary War site.
We parked on the street, though there may be parking behind the Hall, but it’s not well advertised."
Tatiana Hoover
"We very much enjoyed our hour here. Catherine, the tour guide, knows and shares so much history this home has. Don't let the exterior fool you - the interior is beautiful, and this home has many stories from the birth and early years of our nation. I was especially impressed with how the community saved the home from the wrecking ball nearly a century ago."
Cassandra Riggles
"Katherine was wonderful! She knew so much. And we got doubly lucky that they were doing an archaeological dig at the site and we got to see what they found! Love that it’s one of the only sites open Monday through Friday as opposed to weekends only."
Molly Burke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boxwood Hall is located in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Visitors typically find street parking available. Some reviews mention a less obvious parking area accessible via a narrow alley behind the Hall.
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in user feedback, Elizabeth is a city with public transit options. It's recommended to check local NJ Transit schedules for bus or train routes that serve the Elizabeth area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can be inconsistent. It's highly recommended to call ahead to confirm availability, as some visitors have found the site closed during posted hours.
Advance booking information is not widely available. However, due to potential inconsistencies in opening hours, contacting the site directly before your visit is advisable to arrange a tour.
Information regarding admission fees is not explicitly stated in user reviews. It's best to inquire directly with the site when confirming tour availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take guided tours of the historic home, learning about its residents like Elias Boudinot and Jonathan Dayton. The interior is noted as beautiful, with many stories from the nation's early years. +1
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. Docents like Katherine are praised for their extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling. +1
Boxwood Hall was home to Elias Boudinot, President of the Continental Congress, and Jonathan Dayton, the youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution. Elizabeth itself was a major Revolutionary War site.
Some visitors have been fortunate enough to witness archaeological digs at the site, offering a unique glimpse into historical discoveries.
Outside the Hall, there are posted signs depicting historic points of interest related to the Revolutionary War.
📸 📸 Photography
Information on photography policies inside Boxwood Hall is not readily available in user feedback. It's advisable to ask your tour guide upon arrival about any restrictions.
While interior photography rules are unclear, the historic architecture of the Hall and its surroundings offer potential photo opportunities. The presence of signs detailing historic points outside could also be of interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical content might be more suited for older children, the guided tours provide a structured way to learn. It's advisable to call ahead to ensure the site is open and tours are running, which is crucial for any family outing to maximize your time and avoid disappointment.
🏛️ History Buffs & Enthusiasts
The opportunity to witness archaeological digs adds an exciting layer for those interested in the process of historical discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Revolutionary Roots of Boxwood Hall
Elizabeth itself was a crucial hub during the Revolutionary War, earning the moniker 'The Cockpit of the Revolution.' Visiting Boxwood Hall offers a tangible connection to this pivotal period in American history. The site's preservation is a testament to community efforts, with one reviewer noting how the home was saved from demolition nearly a century ago, emphasizing its value to local heritage.
Beyond its famous residents, the site has also been a location for archaeological digs, providing opportunities for visitors to witness historical discoveries firsthand. This adds an element of active research and ongoing learning to the visitor experience, making Boxwood Hall more than just a static historical house.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips from Visitors
When it comes to parking, street parking is generally available. However, some reviewers mention a potentially less obvious parking area located behind the Hall, accessible via a narrow alley. This might be a good option if street spots are limited.
For those interested in the historical details, the guided tours are highly recommended. Docents, particularly one named Katherine, are frequently praised for their deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, bringing the history of the house and its inhabitants to life.
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