Our story begins with one of Jersey City’s most notable residents, Cornelius Van Vorst who enjoyed local
fame for his generous hospitality, as well as for his lush and exotic garden. However, the most notable
attribute of Van Vorst’s residence was a slab of marble that served as the ‘step’ from his kitchen down to this
lavish display of horticulture.
This ‘slab’ held great significance. Prior to its Jersey City dwelling, it served as the pedestal of a statue of
England’s King George III that fell to citizens revolt, a historic moment during America’s road to
independence, thus earning its title as ‘a cornerstone of liberty.’
