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Settled in 1666 by Puritans from New Haven Colony, Newark is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Its location at the mouth of the Passaic River, where it flows into Newark Bay, has made the city's waterfront an integral part of the Port of New York and New Jersey.
- Overview
- History
- The contemporary city
Newark, city and port, Essex county, northeastern New Jersey, U.S. It lies on the west bank of the Passaic River and on Newark Bay, 8 miles (13 km) west of lower Manhattan Island, New York City. Newark was incorporated as a city in 1836. Pop. (2010) 277,140; Newark-Union Metro Division, 2,147,727; (2020) 311,549; Newark Metro Division, 2,280,061.
Puritans migrating from Connecticut founded Newark in 1666 on land purchased from Delaware Indians. The settlement, first named Pesayak Towne and later New Milford, was probably renamed for the home of the Reverend Abraham Pierson, who went there from Newark-on-Trent, England. Another version holds that the name was of biblical significance (New Ark). Newark became the seat of Essex county (1682) and was chartered as a township in 1693.
After the American Revolution, Newark became (c. 1790) noted for leather tanning, jewelry, and shoe manufacturing. The shoe industry profited greatly from the inventiveness of Seth Boyden, who, regarded by Thomas Edison as one of the greatest American inventors, came to Newark from Massachusetts in 1815 and developed a process for making patent leather (1818). He is credited as the first producer of malleable cast iron (1826) and as a developer of an improved, larger strawberry. There is a statue of him in Washington Park. Newark’s other industrial pioneers included the Reverend Hannibal Goodwin, who patented a flexible film for motion pictures (1887), and Edward Weston, who invented electrical measuring instruments (1888).
Newark’s proximity to New York City places it within the country’s most highly industrialized and populous area. The city is the largest in New Jersey and is a leading industrial centre. Its manufactures are highly diversified and include electronic equipment, leather goods, chemicals, rubber, jewelry, furniture and fixtures, textiles, industrial machinery, and foodstuffs. Printing, publishing, and the insurance business are also significant. Newark is a transportation centre and a major East Coast distributing point. Newark International Airport is one of the world’s busiest, since it serves both Newark and the New York City area. The Port of Newark, started in 1915, is now leased and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Located in Newark are the New Jersey Institute of Technology (1881), the Newark campus of Rutgers University, a branch of Seton Hall University (1856; Roman Catholic), Essex County College (1968), and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (1956). Near the city centre is Military Park, used as a drill ground in colonial times and now the site of a bronze group of figures, The Wars of America, by Gutzon Borglum. Branch Brook, a county park, is noted for its Japanese cherry trees. In front of the county courthouse, designed by Cass Gilbert, is a seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, also by Borglum. Historic buildings include Trinity Cathedral (1733), used as a hospital during the Revolution; House of Prayer (1850), with its older stone rectory, Plume House (1710); and the First Presbyterian Church (1790). Adjacent to and part of the Newark Museum of Art (which has a variety of exhibits) is the Ballantine House (1880s), a restored Victorian mansion. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC; 1997), across from Military Park, is a multipurpose venue with fine acoustics and a mix of small and large performance spaces; it is home to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Several blocks away, near City Hall (1908) and the Depression-era Newark Penn Station (which serves Amtrak, subway, and commuter trains), is the Prudential Center (2007), venue for the New Jersey Devils ice-hockey team and host to other sports and entertainment events.
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Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey: See Tripadvisor's 31,860 traveler reviews and photos of Newark tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. We have reviews of the best places to see in Newark. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- Branch Brook Park. Branch Brook Park is one major attraction in Newark city and a perfect place for the entire family to hang out. The park is proclaimed the largest public park in the city, offering both locals and visitors large spaces to carry out activities.
- CityPlex 12 Newark. CityPlex 12 Newark is owned and operated by Mr. O’ Neal and Boraie Development, and it has undergone an enormous process of refurbishment.
- Vonda’s Kitchen. When you begin to feel peckish in the city of Newark, there is only one important stop to make, which is visiting Vonda’s Kitchen. Vonda’s Kitchen provides a comfortable ambiance for visitors to relax while enjoying some of the delicious meals offered.
- The Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau is your travel and tourism guide in Netwark, and a must visit for every visitor.
Aug 29, 2022 · Learn about Newark, the most populous city in New Jersey and a major transportation hub in the US. Discover its history, climate, population, economy, and cultural attractions, such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Branch Brook Park.
Jun 23, 2023 · Newark is a city in Essex County, New Jersey, that is often eclipsed by New York, its louder, shinier neighbor. However, there are many Newark landmarks to visit, which you won't find anywhere else. Newark is known for many historical places of interest, like the Old Presbyterian Church and Lincoln Park.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka welcomes you to Newark, the largest city in New Jersey. Use our site to get connected to city resources and each other. SUMMER FUN IN NEWARK: Free, fun, family-friendly programs at public parks and recreation centers
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