Jersey City

The Battle of Paulus Hook was fought on August 19, 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, at the site of present-day Jersey City, New Jersey. Continental Army troops under Light Horse Harry Lee surprised and defeated the British garrison. The attack took place at a fort situated on a marshy peninsula that was the only land access across the marshes that then surrounded the Hudson River at that point.

On September 10, 1838, Jersey City was incorporated. The city was established from portions of Bergen Township. It grew rapidly throughout the 19th century, with many immigrants settling in the city due to its prominent position alongside the Hudson River and its proximity to New York City. Jersey City is located on the New Jersey side of the Hudson Waterfront and has evolved into a major port of entry and manufacturing center.

Jersey City Medical Center opened its doors on January 1, 1889. It quickly became a significant health facility for Jersey City and the surrounding area, eventually expanding on nearly 15 acres and offering a wide range of medical services. The facility grew over the decades and became vital during times of war by serving injured soldiers, later transforming into a hub for healthcare and medical research.

The Black Tom explosion occurred on July 30, 1916, at Black Tom Island, which is now part of Liberty State Park in Jersey City. This act of sabotage by German agents was a significant event during World War I, causing substantial damage, killing several people, and injuring hundreds. The explosion also damaged the Statue of Liberty and was one of the largest artificial non-nuclear explosions in history.

The Holland Tunnel, connecting Jersey City, New Jersey, to Manhattan, New York City, officially opened on May 1, 1931. It was the first mechanically ventilated vehicular tunnel in the world and marked a monumental engineering achievement. The tunnel significantly enhanced traffic flow between New Jersey and New York, encouraging economic growth and urban development across the Hudson River region.

On June 15, 1950, the Pulaski Skyway was officially opened. This four-lane bridge was built to facilitate traffic between Jersey City and Newark and crossed the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers. Named after Kazimierz Pułaski, a Polish hero of the American Revolutionary War, it was an engineering marvel of its time and remains a vital transportation link in New Jersey, recognized for its unique design.

Liberty State Park, located in Jersey City, was officially opened on July 4, 1976, during the United States Bicentennial celebrations. This 1,212-acre park provides beautiful public open space, offering a panorama that includes views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The park hosts millions of visitors annually and features noteworthy facilities such as the Liberty Science Center.

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail commenced operations on October 1, 1996. This light rail system provides vital transit services across Hudson and Bergen counties, with connections to key locations such as Liberty State Park, Exchange Place, and Hoboken Terminal. The rail network has significantly improved local connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and contributed to regional economic development and urban revitalization.

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy's storm surge caused catastrophic flooding in Jersey City, affecting infrastructure, homes, and businesses. The hurricane overwhelmed the city's emergency services and led to severe power outages, causing long-term disruptions. Sandy became a pivotal point in urban planning and disaster preparedness efforts, as the city invested significantly in resilience infrastructure to manage future climate risks.

On June 5, 2020, thousands of people in Jersey City marched peacefully to protest against police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd. This was part of the larger Black Lives Matter movement. The protests were a reflection of the widespread calls for systemic change and accountability in law enforcement, featuring speeches from local leaders and community organizers emphasizing justice and equality.