The Boudinot Southard Ross Estate 
(Pronounced Boo -Din-know)
History
The fifty-acre Boudinot-Southard-Ross property, which borders the Basking Ridge Country Club and Lord Stirling Park, has three historic buildings: a house, barn, and outbuilding. The original house, which retains some early details, was built in 1777 by Elias Boudinot. The property is surrounded by preserved open space and offers wonderful panoramic views.
Famous Residents
Elias Boudinot
Boudinot was the 4th President of the Continental Congress (1782-1783) and served as a NJ Congressman and the Director of the US Mint. He was also the Founder of the American Bible Society.
Samuel Southard
10th Governor of New Jersey(1832), Chief Justice of the NJ Supreme Court and United States Senator.
He was the son of NJ Congressman Henry Southard and the brother of NJ Congressman Isaac Southard.
The son of the second owner, Samuel Southard, became a US Senator (1821), Secretary of the Navy for President James Monroe (1823), Secretary of War (1828), and Secretary of the Treasury (1825), 10th Governor of New Jersey (1832).
Samual was the 7th Secretary of the Navy, 16 September 1823 - 3 March 1829 serving under James Madison and John Quincy Adams.
The Destroyer USS Southard was named in his honor.
Samuel Southard was born on June 9, 1787 in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and died in Fredricksburg, Virginia on June 26, 1842. He was 55.
His father Henry Southard (US Congressman) is buried in the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Cemetary. (10/7/1747 to 5/22/1842). He was 94.
Ross
Historical Timeline Summary
- 1777 - House Built by Elias Boudinot (pronounced Boo-Din-Know)
- 1782, Nov 2 -
- 1782/83 - Elias Boudinot serves as President of the Continential Congress
- 1783- Boudinot signs the Treaty of Paris ending the
- 1789 - Boudinot serves as a US Representative (until 1795) where he was appointed Director of the US Mint (forerunner to the Treasury)
- 1803 - Boudinot has a house built on West Broad Street in Burlington NJ.
- 1816 - Boudinot also organized the American Bible Society.
- 1823 -
President James Monroe is seen discussing with his advisors the policy later known as the Monroe Doctrine. From left to right, they are Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, Secretary of the Treasury William H. Crawford, Attorney General William Wirt, President Monroe (standing), Secretary of War John C. Calhoun, Secretary of the Navy Samuel Southard, and Postmaster General John McLean. (Courtesy www.usdiplomacy.org)
GroundsThe gardens and property are maintained by the Somerset County Parks Commission.
Events
Held Annually normally during the second weekend in October.
Parking
Parking is available to the left of the estate after you enter up the long entrance driveway.
Directions
The Boudinot property is approximately 1/2 mile north of downtown Basking Ridge at 135 North Maple Ave.
Click the map for Directions.
Boudinot-Southard-Ross Property
135 North Maple Ave
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
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