Downtown – Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Photo of the Proprietary House from July 2024.
Proprietary House
This house was built by the Colonial proprietors of East Jersey in 1762 with bricks which were brought from England. It was first occupied by Frederick Smyth, Chief Justice of the Colony. Then, in 1774, by William Franklin who was appointed Governor by the King. The house became a British military headquarters during the Revolutionary War. In 1809, it became a hotel called the Brighton House at which time the south wing was added. During the Civil War it was patronized by Army and Naval officers of prominence.
Rear staircase and half-round window over door. Photos from 2019 and 2024 following painting of the exterior.
Going through the residential neighborhoods one is struck by the very substantial structures and architectural detailing. Photos from 2019 and 2024.
Perth Amboy City Hall
The Perth Amboy City Hall was built in 1714-1717 prior to incorporation of Perth Amboy in 1718. This is the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States. The first state ratification site of the U.S. Bill of Rights occurred here on November 20, 1789. It served as Capitol of the Province and the State of New Jersey from 1713 to 1790. The first and second African Americans, Thomas Mundy Peterson and Marcus Curless, voted here following the passage of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Market Square – City Hall Park
Site of 1680s Colonial Market. Dubbed “The Market House,” this building was erected in the early 1740s to store and sell produce and imports. The “Bill of Rights” Commemoration Arch was erected in 1989 to commemorate Perth Amboy as New Jersey’s First State Capital and where the Bill of Rights was first ratified.
This replica of the Liberty Bill was dedicated to the Gold Star Mothers of the State of New Jersey and placed here by public subscription.
City Hall
Built in 1714-1717. Site of First Ratification of the United States Bill of Rights. Prior to 1790, it served as New Jersey’s Colonial and State Capital. The oldest public building in continuous use in the United States. The first African American voted here under the 15th Amendment. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Surveyor General’s Office
The Surveyor General’s Office was constructed between 1852 and 1854 to house the headquarters of the Board of Proprietors of East New Jersey as well as the office of the Surveyor General. The Board of Proprietors owned land grants that were sold to arriving settlers on behalf of the British monarch. Such land grants were charted and cataloged by the Surveyor General. The small two room building was designed by Francis W. Brinley in the Greek Revival and Italianate styles. It was moved a short distance to its current location in 1909 and continued to serve as the headquarters and records library of the Board of Proprietors until 1998. The site was added to the New Jersey Registry of Historic Places in 1980 and the National Registry of Historic Places in 1981 along with the Perth Amboy City Hall.
George Washington
Earl of Perth
James Drummond of Scotland was credited with initiating Perth Amboy’s early growth and in whose honor the city is partially named. This statue was erected by the Tercentennial Committee in 1983.
New Brunswick and State Street Plaza
Perth Amboy Trust Company
603 Amboy Ave
Mural
Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church
Towers with bellcast roof and topped with crosses. Entrance is through a pair of double doors at the top of a flight of stairs.
Holy Trinity Church
View of the cherubim with Benedicite and Jubilate, Adorate and Laudate.
Carved capitals with the four evangelists.
94 Smith Street
This two story commercial building with terra cotta pilasters and frieze caught our eye during a visit in July 2021.
Streetscape Elements
While not elaborate, the wayfinding signs in Perth Amboy have visual interest on both sides. The red, white, and blue palette clearly refers to the American flag. As an alternative see our field note on two sided signs where the back is left blank.