A city is defined by its history as surely as it is defined by the people who live there or the terrain it occupies. Learning about the history of a city can help you understand what your life there in the present might be like and what you can expect from the future. Since these are important things to know if you're planning on moving to Jersey City to operate a lumber debander, we thought we would give you an overview of some important moments in the city's history.
1609
Henry Hudson arrives. Though on his way to find a new route to Asia, Hudson lands in what would later become Jersey City, making first contact with the Lenape group of Native American tribes and opening the way for colonization by the Dutch New Netherlands Company.
1779
Jersey City changes hands from the British Empire to the United States of America. British forces stationed at Paulus Hook are attacked by American cavalry led by Major Harry Lee who would later have a son who would go on to be the subject of a sheaf of history pages: Robert E. Lee.
1820
The city of New Jersey is first incorporated. It consists of portions of the North Bergen Township in Bergen County. It would be re-incorporated and new borders drawn approximately every ten years until the current configuration is arrived at in 1873.
1861
President Abraham Lincoln delivers as speech in Jersey City as part of a national tour meant to keep the states united. No vinyl wall letters were later made of the speech, but over 25,000 people show up to cheer.
1916
The Black Tom explosion occurs at a World War I ammunition depot just off the Jersey City piers. It is an act of sabotage by German agents, retaliation for American contributions of steel benders, materials, and munitions to the Allies. Seven people were killed and hundreds injured.
1946
African American baseball player Jackie Robinson breaks the major league baseball color bar when he his team, the Montreal Royals, plays against the New Jersey Giants in an International League game at Roosevelt Stadium.
1947
Mayor Frank Hague retires from politics, leaving behind a network of organized crime that allowed him to live like a millionaire on an official salary of $8,500. He is rumored to have a cut of everything, right down to the sale of copper lugs.
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