Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

New Jersey Historic Trust Affiliated with the Department of Community Affairs

Boxwood Hall

Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Grant
Capital Level I Grant
Grant Award: $128,140 (2022)
Grant Recipient: State of New Jersey, DEP, Div. Parks and Forestry
County: Union
Municipality: Elizabeth City

Boxwood Hall is a two-story, wood frame building in the Georgian style of architecture. Built in the 1750’s, Boxwood Hall served as the residence of the Woodruff, Boudinot, Dayton, Spencer, and DeHart families. It is best known for having been the home of Jonathan Dayton, the youngest signer of the Constitution, and Elias Boudinot IV, President of the Continental Congress that ratified the Peace Treaty with Great Britain. Boxwood Hall also hosted notable guests including Alexander Hamilton and George Washington. From 1845 to 1855, the building operated as a Young Ladies’ Academy. In the 1880’s, Boxwood Hall became the Elizabeth Home for Aged Women. In 1938, Boxwood Hall was threatened by demolition; however, it was saved by a group of citizens who raised funds to purchase and deed the building to the State of New Jersey. Boxwood Hall underwent restoration in the early 1940’s, stripping away late nineteenth century alterations. It was subsequently opened as a museum in 1947.

The 2022 Trust grant will help fund the rehabilitation of eighteen damaged/weathered windows, entrance door and hardware repairs, foundation repointing, and resetting of dislodged stones.


Back
to top