Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton, New Jersey has a population of 82,883, although the city lies in a much larger metropolitan region. It is the capital of New Jersey, as well as the seat of Mercer County. Lying along the Delaware River, close to the Pennsylvania border, Trenton has a long history as a governmental and manufacturing center. Although the city’s motto remains “Trenton Makes, the World Takes,” the city is more oriented toward service industries and government. These are the main draws for anyone moving to Trenton.
Economy:
Due to the city’s favorable location, between New York City and Philadelphia, Trenton became an early leader in the manufacturing of industrial goods. By the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Trenton was the national leader in the manufacture of several industrial commodities, including steel, wire, ceramics, rubber, rope and linoleum. These manufacturing industries waned in the 1960s and 1970s, turning the economy in the direction of government, trade and services. Some manufacturing continues, producing light bulbs, rubber goods, purses, textiles, electronics, food products, refrigerated showcases and automobile hardware. Today many moving companies are bringing people to Trenton for work and an exciting new life.
History:
The first settlers in what would become Trenton were Quakers, who arrived from England in 1679. The original leader, Mahlon Stacy, soon sold his land to William Trent. In 1719, the growing town was named “Trent-towne” in Trent’s honor. Trenton came to prominence during the American Revolution. Following his famous crossing of the Delaware River, George Washington defeated Hessian troops in the first Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776. The city remained important after the war, briefly (November-December, 1784) serving as the nation’s capital. Trenton became New Jersey’s capital on November 25, 1790 and was incorporated as a city two years later. After more than a century of steady industrial and manufacturing progress, Trenton was rocked by riots in 1968. For the week after Martin Luther King’s assassination, rioters burned more than 200 businesses, leading to a major residential and economic exodus from the urban center.
Tourism:
Overshadowed by nearby Philadelphia as a tourist destination, Trenton still has many attractions for residents and visitors. The city’s many museums and monuments include the New Jersey State Museum (with art from the 19th and 20th centuries), the New Jersey State House, the 1719 William Trent House Museum (featuring furnishings dating from 1675 to 1750) and the Battle Monument (commemorating the first Battle of Trenton). No commercial airlines serve the Trenton-Mercer Airport, but both the Philadelphia and Newark airports lie only a short distance from Trenton. Train and bus service to Trenton is provided by both New Jersey Transit (with service throughout New Jersey and to New York City) and SEPTA (the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, covering the greater Philadelphia region). Regional Amtrak trains also stop in Trenton.
Colleges/Universities:
• The College of New Jersey
• Mercer County Community College
• Thomas Edison State College
Interesting Facts:
• Many famous people were born in Trenton, including two Supreme Court justices (Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia), comedians like Jon Stewart and Ernie Kovacs and basketball player Dennis Rodman.
• The “Stephanie Plum” novels, written by Janet Evanovich, are set primarily in the Chambersburg neighborhood of Trenton and reflect the author’s life in the area.
• Trenton was the site of the first professional basketball team, a match between the “Trentons” and the Brooklyn YMCA.
Helpful Links:
• City of Trenton
• U.S Real Estate
• Trenton Moving Guide
• Trenton Insurance