Introduction to Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton is located in Mercer County and is the capital of the state of New Jersey. The town borders the Delaware River. The city was created within the Trenton Township in 1792. The municipality contains the distinct neighborhoods known as North Ward, South Ward, East Ward and West Ward. "The island" is another noteworthy area in Trenton and the historic Mill Hill is located near downtown.
History
Quakers established the first settlement in the area in 1679. In 1719 the town had taken the name Trent-towne in tribute to William Trent who was a primary landowner in the area. Later, the name was shortened and the city became known as Trenton. The city was the location of the first victory achieved by George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. For a short time in 1784, during the months of November and December Trenton was the national capital of the country.
The city was incorporated in 1792. During the late 1800's and the early portion of the 1900's the town was a prominent manufacturing area. The slogan "Trenton makes, the world takes" was a well known slogan during this era. The city was a prominent location for the production of steel, rope, ceramics, rubber, wire and linoleum.
Transportation
The New Jersey Transit provides extensive bus transportation for the city and the nearby suburbs. Train service emanating from Trenton Rail Station runs along the Northeast Corridor and connects the city with Newark as well as New York. SEPTA offers train service which begins at the Trenton Station and runs by the side of the Northeast Corridor and connects with Philadelphia. The Trenton-Mercer Airport offers limited air transportation.
Attractions
- Battle Monument
- Contemporary Victorian Museum
- Ellarslie: The City of Trenton Museum
- New Jersey State House
- Meredith Havens Fire Museum
- New Jersey State Museum
- Friends Burying Ground
- The Old Barracks Museum
- The 1719 William Trent House Museum
- Old Masonic Lodge
- Chambersburg
Higher Education
The Thomas Edison State College and Mercer County Community College are situated in Trenton. The College of New Jersey is located nearby. The Thomas Edison State College is the location of the prominent John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy. The institute offers public policy analysis as well as other consulting services to government agencies, community agencies and for the private sector.
