Boxwood Hall

New Jersey’s Founding Fathers Estate — Home of Elias Boudinot President of Congress 1782-83 and Jonathan Dayton Youngest Signer of Constitution, Washington’s 1789 Inauguration Stop, Alexander Hamilton Visited as Student, Lafayette 1824, National Historic Landmark, Elizabeth Union County New Jersey

Boxwood Hall is a National Historic Landmark and state historic site in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey. This Georgian mansion was home to two of the most important figures of America’s founding era: Elias Boudinot (President of the Continental Congress 1782–1783, who signed the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolution) and Jonathan Dayton (the youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution). The house hosted George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette. The site features the mansion where Washington lunched on April 23, 1789 en route to his first presidential inauguration, connections to Elias Boudinot and his brother-in-law Richard Stockton (Declaration of Independence signer), the home of Jonathan Dayton, youngest signer of the Constitution, a visit by young Alexander Hamilton while studying at the nearby academy in the 1770s, and the Marquis de Lafayette’s overnight stay on September 23, 1824.

Elias Boudinot and the Treaty of Paris

Elias Boudinot owned Boxwood Hall from 1772 to 1795. As President of the Continental Congress, he signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783, officially ending the American Revolution. His brother-in-law, Richard Stockton, was one of New Jersey’s signers of the Declaration of Independence. Boudinot later served in the U.S. Congress and as Director of the U.S. Mint.

Washington’s Inauguration Journey

On April 23, 1789, George Washington stopped at Boxwood Hall for lunch with Elias Boudinot as his final stop in New Jersey while traveling to New York City for his first presidential inauguration. This visit made the house a witness to one of the most important moments in American democracy.

Jonathan Dayton

Jonathan Dayton owned the house from 1795 to 1824 and holds the distinction of being the youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution at age 26. During his ownership, the Marquis de Lafayette stayed overnight at Boxwood Hall on September 23, 1824, during his celebrated return tour of America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did a Declaration signer live here?

Elias Boudinot was not a Declaration signer, but his brother-in-law Richard Stockton was. Boudinot signed the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolution.

Why did Washington visit?

He lunched here on April 23, 1789 — his final stop in New Jersey en route to his presidential inauguration in New York.

Wildlife & Nature

Boxwood Hall — in Elizabeth — was the home of Elias Boudinot, President of the Continental Congress (1782-83). George Washington stopped here on his way to his 1789 inauguration. Urban songbirds inhabit the grounds.

Nearby Attractions

Elizabeth — surrounding. Liberty Hall Museum — adjacent. Newark — 10 miles north. New York City — 15 miles northeast.