John Adams and Abigail Visit New Brunswick 1797

This was not President Adams’ first time in New Brunswick. On September 9th, 1776, Adams wrote about spending an intimate night in an unnamed New Brunswick tavern alongside Benjamin Franklin. Adams is unclear about whether the two stayed in the Indian Queen, but it is a legitimate possibility. A New Brunswick newspaper titled the “Guardian” captured the details of Adams’ 1797 visit. The article mentioned that Adams stayed at ‘The Bell’, which is what the Indian Queen Tavern would have been known as at the time.

Adams and Abigail were escorted into New Brunswick by calvary from nearby Woodbridge at about noon. They were well-received upon arrival, and after a Federal salute and the ringing of bells, the couple was introduced to their room in The Bell. Around 2pm, Adams gave a passionate address to an enthusiastic crowd. After the speech, many of New Brunswick’s citizens were presented to the President, who graciously received them. Adams then briefly retired to his lodging at The Bell after hashing out dinner plans.

At 4pm, the President was escorted from The Bell to the White Hall Tavern through a human lane formed by townspeople, and New Brunswick soldiers donning uniforms. Many citizens watched the spectacle unfold. Adams then dined with approximately 50 New Brunswick residents at White Hall Tavern. After finishing supper, more than 16 toasts were boisterously drunk in honor of Revolutionary War heroes, Congress, the press, agriculture, commerce, and the American character, among other related subjects. When evening came the company disbanded, feeling pleased with how the day unraveled.

At 8am the next morning, the President’s retinue continued its journey back to Philadelphia. A sizable crowd followed Adams’ carriage. After about 8 miles, he exited his carriage and bid a formal farewell to the people. Adams generously thanked them for their hospitality and affection. In response, the people wished him a pleasant trip and offered their hopes for his tenure.

The local citizens were proud to receive President Adams as a guest, and they went to great lengths to render his visit indelible. Thanks to local organizers, what could have been a routine sojourn became a jubilant celebration. In return, Adams payed his respects to the people as much as he could. Adams’ day in New Brunswick highlighted who he was. He proved himself a personable, genuine, humble, and patient leader to the people of New Brunswick. President John Adams and First Lady Abigail only stayed one night in New Brunswick, but the impact of their stopover surely lasted a lifetime in the hearts and minds of local patriots.    

Somerset County Historical Quarterly (Vol. 3). (1914). Somerville, NJ.