Around Town With Jill: The Westfield Historical Society Installs a New Historic Marker
The Westfield historic marker located at PNC Plaza
When I heard about the new historic marker installed at PNC Plaza in Downtown Westfield, I decided to set out with my good friend and our babies to check out the marker for myself. I’m always game for a stroll through town and to see what Westfield has in store for me that day! As I have had an account at PNC Bank, and the many banks that came before it since I was a child, I thought I should be on top of all the happenings going on at the Plaza. Not to mention it will give me a chance to stop in to my favorite local coffee shop, Rock’n’Joe’s on Prospect, for a delicious Vanilla Chai Tea Latte or Dark Side of the Moo.
Washington-Rochambeau trail marker
As I set out to get a cup of Joe and find this new marker, I learned a little bit more about Westfield history, which I always enjoy! The Westfield Historical Society historic marker commemorates the settlement of Westfield in 1720 as the West Fields of Elizabethtown. This marker is installed at PNC Plaza, the site of the Old York Road to Philadelphia, located at the corner of East Broad Street and North Avenue. This marker was approved and funded by the Westfield Historical Society Board of Trustees and is the first in a series of markers planned at locations throughout town to celebrate Westfield’s history and to help educate residents and visitors.
Washington-Rochambeau trail marker
After we located this marker and took pictures, we headed up East Broad Street in search of the two Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail markers. The Washington-Rochambeau trail marks the 680 miles of land and water trails that follow the route taken by General Washington and General Rochambeau to and from the siege of Yorktown in 1781. Fun fact: in 2014, Union County became the first County in New Jersey to sign and dedicate the trail where it passes through the state. One marker is located on East Broad Street and the other one is located at the corner of Elm Street and East Broad Street. With our tour complete, we decided to stop in to a few local stores for some great finds. What a great way to spend the afternoon and learn a little local history in the process! If you would like more information about this historic marker, please click here and if you would like more information about the Westfield Historical Society, please click here
