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Perth Amboy 250: Our City, Our Story

Perth Amboy 250

Perth Amboy 250: Our City, Our Story

Perth Amboy helped shape America’s beginning. As we approach the nation’s 250th, explore portraits, places, and stories from our city’s founding era. New posts will appear here and on our social channels.

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Portrait of George Washington by William Dunlap.
Pastel portrait of George Washington by William Dunlap. Courtesy of City Historian John Dyke.

Latest stories

Pastel portrait of George Washington by William Dunlap.

When George Washington came to Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy’s William Dunlap created a pastel portrait after Washington sat for him around 1783. The work later hung in the U.S. Senate.

Exterior of the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy.

Proprietary House and the Governor’s seat

From royal governor to revolutionary change, the house witnessed a political shift that shaped the state.

Waterfront view with docks and boats at Perth Amboy.

On the waterfront in wartime

The harbor’s ferries, shipyards, and vantage points tied Perth Amboy to regional defense and supply.

This week in 1776–1783

May 22, 1776. George Washington arrives in Perth Amboy to survey defenses and respond to British control of Staten Island.

1783. William Dunlap completes his pastel portrait after Washington sits for him. The work launches Dunlap’s career.

Upcoming events

No upcoming events are scheduled at this time. Please check back soon for new 250th Anniversary activities and programs.

Share Your Perth Amboy History

Have a photo or document that helps tell Perth Amboy’s story? Please email it to the Mayor’s Office so it can be considered for inclusion in the Perth Amboy 250th Anniversary celebration.

Send to: [email protected]

In your email, please include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • About — a short description of the photo or document

Tip: Attach JPG, PNG, or PDF files. If your file is large, you can share a link to a cloud folder instead.

Thank you for sharing your piece of Perth Amboy’s history. A member of the Mayor’s Office or the City Historian’s team may contact you for more details. Selected submissions may be featured on the City’s website or social media as part of the Perth Amboy 250 celebration.

Sources and credits

  • City Historian John Dyke for images, permissions, and historical content.
  • Courtesy of the 1683 Society for use of their Walking Tour of Historic Sites.
  • Terra cotta imagery and information from John Dyke’s documentary Perth Amboy Terra Cotta.
  • Partners: Proprietary House Association, Historic Preservation Commission, Concerts by the Bay, Office of Recreation.

© City of Perth Amboy