In 1836, the City Hotel, also known as the McGregor House and Stuart's Hotel, was built on the land formerly occupied by the Eagle Tavern on the corner of William & Broad Streets. The hotel was a favorite place for fairs and balls.  The New Jersey Battalion ws entertained there when it marched throught Newark on its way to New York to take transport for the Mexican War.  In 1853, President Franklin Pierce gave a speech from the front steps while on his way to open the New York World's Fair. In 1863 the Common Council overrode Mayor Bigelow's veto and purchased the property and transformed it over the next two years into City Hall.  The cost of the hotel was $31,000.