The Gray Lady of Old Queens

The Grey Lady of Old Queens, lurks in the shadows of the building’s bell tower, peering out toward the southwest before vanishing. Some allege to have seen the pale face of a woman peering out of its windows late at night. Supposedly, Livingston had a brief love affair with U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton while he was stationed nearby during the Revolutionary War, as suggested by a series of letters exchanged between the two. Livingston’s ghost is rumored to stare longingly at the Raritan River, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hamilton ordering a battery of artillery to combat British enemies. She is believed to be the ghost of Catherine Livingston, who supposedly had an affair with Alexander Hamilton during the Revolutionary War while he was stationed near New Brunswick – as suggested by a series of letters exchanged between the two, Gillespie said.

• Catharine Livingston was the daughter of William Livingston, Revolutionary War governor of New Jersey. He had met and become well acquainted with the members of the Livingston family when he lived at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, soon after his arrival in this country.
• It will be recalled that Alexander Hamilton had lived with William Livingston in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, back in 1772–73. During this time, Hamilton befriended Suky and Kitty, as they were both living with their father.
• Rutgers was founded in 1766 as Queens College, named after the queen consort (Charlotte, the daughter of a German duke) to King George III. During the initial period of the institution's history, the college actually housed the college itself, a grammar school (now Rutgers Preparatory), and the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Eventually, the grammar school and seminary moved elsewhere. The college's name was changed in 1825 after Revolutionary War hero and philanthropist Colonel Henry Rutgers who donated funds to the college. 
• Now serving as the main administration building, Old Queens is the oldest building on Rutgers' historic campus. Designed by architect John McComb in the Federal style, it was constructed between 1809-1823 (it could not be completed right away due to lack of funds). McComb was well known in New York City at the time, having designed New York City Hall, the Montauk Lighthouse, located on the eastern end of Long Island, and other landmarks. Old Queens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.
• The cornerstone of Old Queens was laid April 27, 1809. The building originally housed the preparatory school, college and theological seminary as well as residential units for faculty. Presently, Old Queens is occupied by Rutgers’ central administrative offices. 
• Old Queens was Rutgers (formally Queen’s College) first building. Due to financial difficulties and the War of 1812, the building was not finished until 1825. 
• Failed to raise certain amounts of money needed for construction due to money being sent to war efforts
• Just as the college itself overcame obstacles on its path to greatness, the Old Queens building, which would eventually cost an estimated $30,000

M., Ben and Clio Admin. "Old Queens Rutgers University." Clio: Your Guide to History. June 12, 2017. Accessed April 18, 2024.

Yanni, Carla. Old Queens is heart, symbol of Rutgers, The Daily Targum. April 17th, 2016. Accessed April 18th, 2024. https://dailytargum.com/article/2016/04/old-queens-is-heart-symbol-of-rutgers.

Rutgers Old Queens turns 200 years old, Rutgers Today. April 23rd, 2009. Accessed April 18th, 2024. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-old-queens-turns-200-years-old.