The "Bill of Rights Arch" erected and dedicated November 20, 1989, is in tribute to the importance of New Jersey, as the first state to ratify the "Bill of Rights," and also to the proud role the City of Perth Amboy, as the First Capitol of New Jersey, has as the designated place in which the "Bill of Rights" was first ratified in the old Court House (present City hall).

The "Bill of Rights Arch," which is built on the site of "The Public Square," is an authentic reconstruction of the south portal entry of the original market building which was a roof covered open air structure that measured approximately 20 feet wide by 100 feet long, which was erected because Fairs and market days were stipulated for by the Proprietaries, and that in the Act of Incorporation granted the city in 1718 was a clause directing two market days weekly throughout the year on Tuesdays and Saturdays...in the market place near the Court-house or City Hall and nowhere else", and that two fairs were also authorized to be held annually...in May and November...and that the market building was known to be erected much earlier...and that during the revolution this Market-house was closely boarded up and transformed into a barrack for the troops....It stood on November 20, 1789 at the same time as the General Assembly of New Jersey met in the adjacent Courthouse for the purpose of Ratifying the "Bill of Rights."

The "Arch" was chosen to symbolically represent the true spirit of life and purpose in our nation's history simplistic form is a powerful statement.

The "Arch" was funded by contributions to the Celebrate Perth Amboy Committee from citizens throughout the City, County and State. The labor was generously donated by the Middlesex County Building and Construction Trade Council (Bricklayers Local 35 in particular).

A person who gives his nation
his labor as his love
is a true patriot

Barry Rosengarten, Chairman, "Celebrate Perth Amboy"
Harold Augustine, Chairman, Bill of Rights Ceremony
Matt Fratterolo, Treasurer "Celebrate Perth Amboy"
Susan Sendelsky, Administrator "Celebrate Perth Amboy"
William Pavlovsky Historian-Architect "Bill of Rights Arch"

Source Early History of Perth Amboy, by William A. Whitehead, 1856

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Perth Amboy, NJ  |  Middlesex County  |  08861  |  New Jersey  |  United States of America

The Perth Amboy Fireman's Triangle Forged 1883
Dedicated to You, A Free Citizen in a Free Land
The Polish Veterans of World War II, Post 40
Perth Amboy City Hall
George Washington
Market Square
The Earl of Perth
Surveyor General's Office
Record Office
City Hall

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.