Notable early residents include Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, both of whom attended the old academy on the site now occupied by the First Presbyterian Church parish house; James Caldwell, the fiery “Fighting Parson” of the Revolution; and Gen. Winfield Scott, the 1852 Whig party presidential candidate.
Nearly two dozen pre-Revolutionary War structures remain standing in a city that suffered many attacks and skirmishes. Several of them, identified by plaques, are located in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of E. Jersey Street. The Bonnell House, 1045 E. Jersey St., dates from about 1682 and is one of the city's oldest buildings. Boxwood Hall , 1073 E. Jersey St., was built around 1750 and is the former home of Elias Boudinot, president of the Continental Congress 1782-83. In 1789 George Washington visited the Boudinot home en route to New York for his presidential inauguration. Hamilton also was a frequent visitor, having lived for a time with the Boudinot family while attending school.
Enjoy the floriferous beauty at Henry S. Chatfield Memorial Garden; the spring display of tulips in late April and early May is particularly noteworthy. The garden is in Warinanco Park, designed by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The city's largest park is an oasis of huge old trees, winding paths and recreational facilities that include tennis courts, an ice-skating rink and football, baseball and soccer fields. The park is off Garden State Parkway exit 137 at the intersection of Rahway and Park avenues; for directions and other information phone (908) 527-4900.