The New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marks important sites in NJ and US African American history. Perth Amboy nominated a site marker for the Black Heritage Trail to celebrate Thomas Peterson, the first African American voter in the nation. Peterson is a national symbol of American voting rights, casting his vote one day after the ratification of the 15th amendment allowing the vote for African American men. Peterson, a Perth Amboy resident, voted at Perth Amboy City Hall on March 31, 1870. The marker was unveiled on Perth Amboy Day.