Trenton, New Jersey
Steeped in military and historical roots, Trenton city offers an array of attractions, events and cultural festivals that honor the county's unique heritage. Throughout the year, locals as well as visitors have several opportunities to enjoy its exceptional events that blend theater, art and music.
Trenton is the principal seat of Mercer County and capital of New Jersey in the United States. According to Koppen climate classification, the city experiences a very humid continental climate temperature with marine influence because of the adjoining Atlantic Ocean. The city can be accessed by various modes of travel. Air travelers can benefit from Trenton Mercer Airport or major airports in Philadelphia or Newark. The city is connected to the Northeast Corridor railway line and hence, various train services such as New Jersey Transit, Amtrak and SEPTA stop at the Trenton Amtrak Station. For automobile travelers, they can drive across U.S. Highway 1 that runs through the city.
Whether it is a revolutionary war battleground, a historic village, cultural and arts museum or a city park, there is something exciting for everyone to enjoy and experience at Trenton's historic sites. The city also has dozens of forests, state parks and recreational areas that offer an endless range of opportunities and outdoor activities.
Trenton has a lot to offer those who enjoy city life as well as the outdoors. The city also has a bustling nightlife, various places to eat, places to see and can also offer you a great shopping experience. The city is known for its ambient social atmosphere and its lively residents.
Trenton History
The region, now well-known as Trenton, was at one point of time an important base for the Lenni Lenape Indians (pronounced as Len - au' - pay, which means "Men of Our Nation") long before the Europeans arrived. These early settlers were known as Wapenachki which means "People of the Rising of the Sun" by the primitive non-Indian settlers. The area's culture and landscape quickly changed once the European settlers arrived. This first settlement was established in 1679 by Quakers in the region called "The Falls of the De La Warr" that was led by a tanner, Mahlon Stacy from Handsworth, UK. Stacy's gristmill was constructed on the banks of Assunpink Creek along the area that is now called the Mill Hill Park. During that era, Quakers were persecuted in England and North America offered a perfect opportunity for exercising their religious freedom.
In 1719, the town was named as "Trent-towne" in the honor of William Trent, a leading landlord who purchased almost 800 acres of land on both sides of Assunpink Creek from Stacy's. Although, the town became increasingly popular, "The Falls" was used by the locals throughout the revolution. The name was later shortened to "Trenton".
Two important war battles that were fought in the city marked a turning point in nation's battle for independence. During the American Revolutionary War, Trenton became the place of George Washington's initial military victory. Washington along with his army defeated the Hessain troops after crossing the Delaware River on December 26, 1776. This war was termed the "Battle of Trenton" and after the war, the city became the national capital in November and December of 1784. Although the city remained the permanent capital, the southern states preferred south of Mason-Dixon Line location as their capital.
After the completion of the Raritan and Delaware canal and extension of the Amboy and Camden railroad to Trenton, it was assured that the city would play a significant role in the industrial revolution. By the 20th century, the expanding city became first in producing pottery and ceramics, second in rubber production and was among the top ten in producing steel rope, cable and steel. The major inventions that were created as well as developed in Trenton are John Roebling's steel cable, Peter Cooper & Charles Hewitt's I-beam and John Fitch's steamboat.
Trenton became the capital of the state in 1790 and was incorporated in 1792. During the 19th century, the city grew steadily as many Europeans arrived to work in the city's wire rope and pottery mills. In 1837, as the population became too large for the government, a new mayoral was adopted that still remains operational.
About Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton is a part of Greater New York City Combined Statistical Area. The city is governed under Faulkner Act of Municipal government. According to 2010 U.S Census, the city is a home to 84,913 residents and has an area of 8.1 square miles, out of which 7.7 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water.
Old Barracks Museum is the only original Indian and French War Barracks standing still in the US. This museum serves as a great educational center for American and Colonial history by providing daily interpretation and tours. The Trenton City Museum also has a fine collection of artifacts that is related to the city's cultural and historical past and present. The museum boasts a great collection of decorative arts, fine arts, historical objects and industrial memorabilia that are displayed on a rotating basis. The William Trent House is considered as the city's oldest house built by William Trent.
New Jersey State House offers tours of assembly, state legislature house, senate and also permit people to visit the governor's office depending on the schedules. The Planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum offers seating for 150 people. Thousands of visitors and school children travel to the planetarium every year to see exhibits and laser shows of the Solar System. Trenton War Memorial Theater is also a fascinating attraction where it has a seating capacity of 1800 people and organizes various graduations, plays and events.
Jenkinson's Breakwater Beach Water Park located at Casino Pier is considered the largest interactive water park on the North Atlantic Coast. It is an exciting and fun family attraction as it offers rides, games and arcades for all age groups. The Assunpink Creek or Delaware River offers a great location for fishing and outdoor activities. Cadwalader Park is the oldest and biggest park in Trenton. This 100 acre park includes Ellarslie Mansion and a Zoo. The Sovereign Bank Arena also hosts countless events all year round including ice shows, Trenton Devils hockey games, monster truck shows, conventions, concerts, graduations, circuses and boxing matches. Sesame Place is a Sesame Street-themed amusement park that features kid friendly thrill and water rides and is great for families. Besides this, you can also watch Trenton Thunder, a Double-A minor league baseball team which is affiliated with the New York Yankees.
The city is a home to two famous post-secondary institutions: Mercer County Community College and Thomas Edison State College. The city also has various other colleges, public schools and charter schools that emphasize the importance of education for its bright future.
The surrounding area of Trenton has many shopping options. A few minutes from Route 1 is the Quaker Bridge Mall with various stores to choose from.
About Mercer County, New Jersey
Mercer County is located in New Jersey and its principal seat is Trenton. Officially, the county is a part of Trenton-Ewing Metropolitan Statistical Area and New York Metropolitan Area. It is named after Hugh Mercer, Continental Army General who died in the Battle of Princeton.
The County was founded in February 22, 1838 from different portions of other counties. The county had a historical impact after the battles of the American Revolutionary War. General George Washington on December 25, 1776 led American forces to Delaware River in order to defeat Hessian barracks. On January 2, 1777, the general also followed the assault and attacked General Charles Cornwallis' forces in the Battle of Princeton. These successful attacks built the morale among many pro-independence colonists.
According to 2010 U.S Census Bureau, the total population of the County is 366,513 and occupies an area of 229 square miles, out of which 3 square miles is water and 226 square miles is land. Located midway between Philadelphia and New York City in New Jersey's center, the county is a hub of culture and commerce in the Garden State. Transportation infrastructure in the county is excellent. Interstates 95, 195 and 295 as well as state highways routes 1, 29, 31 and 130 makes the county attractive. The county offers access to light rail system, commuter rail services and Trenton-Mercer Airport. With an educated and highly skilled labor pool, the county is home to Rider University, Princeton University, Thomas Edison State College, Mercer County Community College and The College of New Jersey. The county also hosts some of the greatest historic and cultural sites along with the revolutionary War battle locations in Princeton and Trenton.
Entertainment and recreation are plentiful with park systems and four public golf courses. The New York Yankees AA-affiliate, the Trenton Devils professional hockey team, Trenton Thunder at Waterfront Park and Sun National Bank Center are ranked as excellent performing venues. The county is also a home to some of the best shopping places such as Hamilton Marketplace, Nassau Park, Marketfair, Palmer Square, Quakerbridge Mall and Princeton Shopping Center.
The county's tourist destinations, excellent schools and well educated, diverse workforce make the county, a remarkable place for living, working and playing.