Trenton, New Jersey
The Lenape Native Americans, specifically the Axion band, inhabited the area that would become Trenton during the mid-17th century. They were the largest tribe on the Delaware River at that time. European settlement began in 1679 when Quakers established a community called the Falls of the Delaware. Mahlon Stacy led this group from Handsworth, Sheffield, England. These settlers sought religious freedom after facing persecution in their home country. By 1719, the town adopted the name Trent-towne to honor William Trent, one of its leading landholders. He purchased much of the surrounding land from Stacy's family. This wealthy Philadelphia merchant built his summer home near the banks of the Delaware River around 1720. The name eventually shortened to Trenton as the settlement grew.
George Washington and his army crossed the icy Delaware River into Trenton on the 25th of December 26, 1776. They defeated Hessian troops garrisoned there during the Battle of Trenton. This victory marked America's first major success in the Revolutionary War. A second battle occurred here on the 2nd of January 1777, known as the Battle of the Assunpink Creek. During the war, the Old Barracks housed British soldiers starting in 1758. It was constructed by the colony of New Jersey to avoid quartering soldiers in private homes. Both Continental Army forces and British troops used the barracks during the conflict. The Trenton Battle Monument stands today to commemorate the 26th of December 1776, victory. John H. Duncan designed the monument with a statue of George Washington atop a granite column. The structure is located in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood.
Trenton became a world-class producer of rubber, wire rope, ceramics, and cigars during the late 19th century. The city adopted the slogan Trenton Makes, The World Takes in 1917 to represent its industrial dominance. John Roebling moved his wire rope mill to the city in 1848. His factory produced suspension cables for famous bridges including the Brooklyn Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge. American Standard operated its largest plumbing fixture manufacturing facility there. Scores of pottery companies called the city home from the 1850s to the 1950s. Walter Scott Lenox founded the Ceramic Art Company which eventually became Lenox Inc. This company manufactured White House china for multiple Presidents of the United States. Industrial jobs declined significantly during the 1970s when many factories closed or relocated to suburbs.
The Trenton Riots of 1968 took place during the week following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination on April 4. More than 200 businesses, mostly in Downtown, were ransacked and burned. Over 300 people, most young black men, were arrested on charges ranging from assault to looting. The losses incurred by downtown businesses were initially estimated at $7 million but total insurance claims reached $2.5 million. The Battle Monument neighborhood suffered heavily during these events. Since the 1950s, North Trenton experienced a steady exodus of middle-class residents. By the 1970s, this region had become one of the most blighted areas in the city. Demographic shifts changed Trenton into an enclave of middle and lower income African Americans and newer immigrants from Latin America. Guatemalans now account for 14.66% of the population while Puerto Ricans make up 10.09%. The Hispanic or Latino population grew from 14.13% in 1990 to 45.01% in 2020.
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Common questions
Who were the first people to inhabit the area that became Trenton, New Jersey?
The Lenape Native Americans, specifically the Axion band, inhabited the area during the mid-17th century. They were the largest tribe on the Delaware River at that time.
When did European settlement begin in Trenton, New Jersey and who led it?
European settlement began in 1679 when Quakers established a community called the Falls of the Delaware. Mahlon Stacy led this group from Handsworth, Sheffield, England after facing persecution in their home country.
What major battle occurred in Trenton, New Jersey on the 25th of December 1776?
George Washington and his army crossed the icy Delaware River into Trenton on the 25th of December 1776 to defeat Hessian troops garrisoned there. This victory marked America's first major success in the Revolutionary War.
Which industries made Trenton, New Jersey a world-class producer during the late 19th century?
Trenton became a world-class producer of rubber, wire rope, ceramics, and cigars during the late 19th century. John Roebling moved his wire rope mill to the city in 1848 and produced suspension cables for famous bridges including the Brooklyn Bridge.
How did the population demographics change in Trenton, New Jersey between 1990 and 2020?
The Hispanic or Latino population grew from 14.13% in 1990 to 45.01% in 2020. Guatemalans now account for 14.66% of the population while Puerto Ricans make up 10.09%.