History

The Heights neighborhood of Jersey City was a German enclave from the middle of the 19th century until World War I. Prosperous citizens, often of German descent, built the biggest and best houses on Summit Avenue and Sherman Place. Today, in the ongoing preservation conversation, we feature four of these well-preserved homes.

Several of New Jersey’s most historic sites are located within a few miles of each other in Newark. A newly-launched self-guided walking tour allows residents and visitors to see nearly all of them.

Bergen Hill, in its heyday, was considered “the suburbs” by people who left Downtown, Jersey City for suburban mansions. Today, in the ongoing preservation conversation, we feature three JCLC Historic Homes still standing on Summit Avenue.

Over Columbus Day weekend, curious Jersey City citizens gathered at the newly opened First Street Park for a tour of the Italian Village, the neighborhood spanning the lower Western side of Downtown.

Towering over Jersey City’s Hilltop neighborhood, the Hudson County Courthouse is a building many locals hope they never have to enter. But the hulking Beaux-Arts structure isn’t just home to plaintiffs and defendants; it’s a reminder of the city’s past and a symbol of what can happen when historical preservation is done right.

When the first plane hit the World Trade Center 15 years ago, three PATH trains were en route to the station below the buildings. One train was abandoned under the station when the towers fell. Now, 15 years later, cars from that train are open to the public.

American history, from the landing of Columbus onward, is about individuals and how their efforts impacted our brand new country. Jersey City played an important role in this history. One Jersey City resident in particular, Peter Henderson, is known as the father of horticulture and ornamental gardening. Here’s his story.

Thor Equities announced yesterday its purchase of the historic “The Up-town Bank” building at 1400 Washington Street in Hoboken.

The hulking, four-building industrial complex at 154 Avenue E was converted into the SilkLofts rental complex in 2014. But before that, the building facilitated the manufacturing of everything from the modern bra to military parachutes and carrier pigeon vests. Last night, a homecoming of sorts was held to commemorate the building's history.

While barbeques and fireworks will likely take center stage this weekend, history buffs can also locally explore Hudson County's connection to the holiday by visiting these historical Revolutionary War spots.