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History of Trenton, New Jersey, USA
Journey back in time to Trenton, New Jersey, USA
Explore Trenton, New Jersey, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Trenton Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA
In order to meet the increasing demand for his wire rope John Roebling opened a factory in Trenton, New Jersey in 1848. John Roebling, along with his two sons, Washington and Ferdinand, built a suspension bridge across the gorge of the Niagara River. They then built the Brooklyn Bridge plus many other suspension bridges in the United States.
50states.com
Explore even more about Trenton, New Jersey, USA. Keep reading!
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Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Discover Trenton: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1776 - December 26 - Washington crosses the Delaware
Famous American victory that began with "Washington Crossing the Delaware." Actually, the whole army crossed the Delaware River, which was frozen in places, on Christmas night, 1776, from Pennsylvania to the outskirts of Trenton, New Jersey. There, the Americans surprised a drunken Hessian force that celebrated the holiday a little too much. The battle lasted about 45 minutes and resulted in 900 Hessian prisoners. The Americans then marched on Princeton and won there, too. They were smashing victories for the weary Americans, and they were also an opportunity to gain some badly needed guns and ammunition.
www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/trentondef.htm
December 26, 1776
Famous American victory that began with "Washington Crossing the Delaware." Actually, the whole army crossed the Delaware River, which was frozen in places, on Christmas night, 1776, from Pennsylvania to the outskirts of Trenton, New Jersey. There, the Americans surprised a drunken Hessian force that celebrated the holiday a little too much. The battle lasted about 45 minutes and resulted in 900 Hessian prisoners. The Americans then marched on Princeton and won there, too. They were smashing victories for the weary Americans, and they were also an opportunity to gain some badly needed guns and ammunition.
www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/trentondef.htm
December 26, 1776
January 3, 1777 - An overnight freeze enabled George Washington and his troops to flank the British at Trenton, cross their lines at Princeton, and seek security in the hills of northern New Jersey.
WeatherForYou.com
WeatherForYou.com
1784 - Trenton served as U.S. capital
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ njtimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ njtimeln.htm
1806 - January 30 - The original Lower Trenton Toll Bridge , which spans the Delaware River between Morrisville, Pennsylvania and Trenton, New Jersey, is opened.
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1848 - In order to meet the increasing demand for his wire rope John Roebling opened a factory in Trenton, New Jersey in 1848.
John Roebling, along with his two sons, Washington and Ferdinand, built a suspension bridge across the gorge of the Niagara River. They then built the Brooklyn Bridge plus many other suspension bridges in the United States.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ new-jersey.html
John Roebling, along with his two sons, Washington and Ferdinand, built a suspension bridge across the gorge of the Niagara River. They then built the Brooklyn Bridge plus many other suspension bridges in the United States.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ new-jersey.html
1854 - Trenton
Trenton, a city, capital of New Jersey, and seat of justice of Mercer county, is situated on the left bank of the Delaware, at the head of steamboat navigation, 30 miles N. E. from Philadelphia, and 67 miles S. W. from New York. Lat. 40° 14' N., Lon. 74° 46' 30" W. The Assunpink creek separates the city proper from South Trenton, which has several thousand inhabitants. The city is regularly planned, and well built, on a moderately uneven surface. Many of the finest residences are situated on State street, which runs parallel with the river, and is crossed at right angles by Main street, the principal thorough fare of business. The capitol, fronting on State street, is a handsome stone building, 100 feet by 60, commanding a fine view of the river in both directions. The county court house, in South Trenton, is built of stuccoed brick, with a portico in the Grecian style. Trenton is the scat of the State Lunatic Asylum, founded in 1848, and of the State Penitentiary. The former is a... Read MORE...
Trenton, a city, capital of New Jersey, and seat of justice of Mercer county, is situated on the left bank of the Delaware, at the head of steamboat navigation, 30 miles N. E. from Philadelphia, and 67 miles S. W. from New York. Lat. 40° 14' N., Lon. 74° 46' 30" W. The Assunpink creek separates the city proper from South Trenton, which has several thousand inhabitants. The city is regularly planned, and well built, on a moderately uneven surface. Many of the finest residences are situated on State street, which runs parallel with the river, and is crossed at right angles by Main street, the principal thorough fare of business. The capitol, fronting on State street, is a handsome stone building, 100 feet by 60, commanding a fine view of the river in both directions. The county court house, in South Trenton, is built of stuccoed brick, with a portico in the Grecian style. Trenton is the scat of the State Lunatic Asylum, founded in 1848, and of the State Penitentiary. The former is a... Read MORE...
1869 - A thousand and forty dollars in gold pieces of the year 1795, or thereabouts, was recently disposed of in Trenton, N. J., after being hoarded for seventy-four years. The loss of interest in that time was somewhat over $4,000.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 3, 1869
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 3, 1869
1887 - Samuel K. Wilson, the wealthiest citizen of Trenton, N. J., has startled his friends by suddenly marrying a second wife,
Miss Conway, of Boston, and sailing for Europe before congratulations could be offered. His wealth is put at $12,000,000. - N. Y. Tribune.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 12, 1887
Miss Conway, of Boston, and sailing for Europe before congratulations could be offered. His wealth is put at $12,000,000. - N. Y. Tribune.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 12, 1887
1888 - Four saloon-keepers at Trenton, N. J., were sent to jail for six months each on the 25th for selling liquor on Sunday.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 28, 1888
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 28, 1888
1889 - Maggie Mitchell, the actress, was granted a divorce from her husband, Henry T. Paddock, on the 5th at Trenton, N. J.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 13, 1889
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 13, 1889
1889 - THRUST THROUGH WITH A RED HOT IRON.
Trenton, N. J., Dec. 8. - THOMAS HOTCHKISS, a "rougher" in Roeblings' rolling mill, met a shocking death today. He was stepping down to repair a break when a red hot iron rod from the rolls ran into his bowels, passing out above his waist. He lived only a few minutes after the accident. HOTCHKISS came here from Worcester, Mass.
Logansport Journal
Logansport, Indiana
December 8, 1889
Trenton, N. J., Dec. 8. - THOMAS HOTCHKISS, a "rougher" in Roeblings' rolling mill, met a shocking death today. He was stepping down to repair a break when a red hot iron rod from the rolls ran into his bowels, passing out above his waist. He lived only a few minutes after the accident. HOTCHKISS came here from Worcester, Mass.
Logansport Journal
Logansport, Indiana
December 8, 1889
1893 - October 19 - The Trenton, N.J., battle monument was unveiled.
The World Almanac and Book of Facts, Volume 1894 Press Publishing Company. 1894
The World Almanac and Book of Facts, Volume 1894 Press Publishing Company. 1894
1900 - School Fire Causes Panic. Flames Cut Off Escape by Stairway and Many Children Are Hurt at Trenton, N. J.
Trenton, N. J., Feb. 2. – Flames broke out in the cellar of the Livingston Public School to-day when the afternoon session was partly over and the alarm was not given until after the fire had obtained considerable headway. The children responded promptly to the fire drill commands, and all went well until it was found that the fire had eaten its way from the cellar up under the stairway and was burning the stairs.
The teachers and children on the first floor had little trouble in getting out, but those on the second floor were imprisoned with the fire burning between them and the doorway below, and panic ensued. The only recourse was to jump from the windows. A big crowd gathered around the building within a few moments, and from the near-by houses quickly carried blankets, quilts, and comfortables. These were held beneath the windows, and into them the children jumped. About 125 made the leap, most of them landing safely.
Alice SHAW, ten years old, jumped too soon and fell on... Read MORE...
Trenton, N. J., Feb. 2. – Flames broke out in the cellar of the Livingston Public School to-day when the afternoon session was partly over and the alarm was not given until after the fire had obtained considerable headway. The children responded promptly to the fire drill commands, and all went well until it was found that the fire had eaten its way from the cellar up under the stairway and was burning the stairs.
The teachers and children on the first floor had little trouble in getting out, but those on the second floor were imprisoned with the fire burning between them and the doorway below, and panic ensued. The only recourse was to jump from the windows. A big crowd gathered around the building within a few moments, and from the near-by houses quickly carried blankets, quilts, and comfortables. These were held beneath the windows, and into them the children jumped. About 125 made the leap, most of them landing safely.
Alice SHAW, ten years old, jumped too soon and fell on... Read MORE...
1902 - WILL DIE FROM FALL
Helen McCray Fractured Her Skull Yesterday at the Cook Pottery Co. Plant.
Helen McCray, 22 years old, an employe of the Cook Pottery Company fell down a flight of stairs while at work yesterday and sustained a fractured skull from which she will die.
Miss McCray was about to come downstairs when her foot caught on her skirt. She was precipitated headlong down the steps striking her head violently at the bottom.
She was carried to her home at 290 North Clinton avenue. Dr. Reddan was summoned and after dressing the wound he called the police ambulance and the girl was removed to St. Francis Hospital.
Miss McCray came from Bordentown and had been employed here about seven years.
The Trenton Times
Trenton, New Jersey
February 22, 1902
Helen McCray Fractured Her Skull Yesterday at the Cook Pottery Co. Plant.
Helen McCray, 22 years old, an employe of the Cook Pottery Company fell down a flight of stairs while at work yesterday and sustained a fractured skull from which she will die.
Miss McCray was about to come downstairs when her foot caught on her skirt. She was precipitated headlong down the steps striking her head violently at the bottom.
She was carried to her home at 290 North Clinton avenue. Dr. Reddan was summoned and after dressing the wound he called the police ambulance and the girl was removed to St. Francis Hospital.
Miss McCray came from Bordentown and had been employed here about seven years.
The Trenton Times
Trenton, New Jersey
February 22, 1902
1906
Trenton, a city of New Jersey, the capital of the state and of Meroer co., is situated on the Delaware River, at the head of tidewater and of navigation, and on the Dela ware and Raritan Canal, 29 miles (direct) NE. of the centre of Philadelphia, on the Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia and Reading Rs. Lat. 40° 14' N. j Ion. 74° 46' W. The city is regularly laid out, with attractive residence quarters, and has a number of notable public buildings, among them the state capitol, county court-house, the new city library (with about 35,000 volumes), state armory, state penitentiary, state lunatic asylum, New Jersey Home for Girls (reformatory), etc. Among its educational institutions are the State Normal and Model Schools and a Catholic college. Riverside and Cadwalader parks are among the city's open grounds. Trenton's industries cover a wide range of manufactures and give employment to many thou sands of hands. They include the manufacture of pottery (made largely from material obtained ... Read MORE...
Trenton, a city of New Jersey, the capital of the state and of Meroer co., is situated on the Delaware River, at the head of tidewater and of navigation, and on the Dela ware and Raritan Canal, 29 miles (direct) NE. of the centre of Philadelphia, on the Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia and Reading Rs. Lat. 40° 14' N. j Ion. 74° 46' W. The city is regularly laid out, with attractive residence quarters, and has a number of notable public buildings, among them the state capitol, county court-house, the new city library (with about 35,000 volumes), state armory, state penitentiary, state lunatic asylum, New Jersey Home for Girls (reformatory), etc. Among its educational institutions are the State Normal and Model Schools and a Catholic college. Riverside and Cadwalader parks are among the city's open grounds. Trenton's industries cover a wide range of manufactures and give employment to many thou sands of hands. They include the manufacture of pottery (made largely from material obtained ... Read MORE...
1912 - 50,000 SEE FLIER FALL TO HIS DEATH. AVIATOR CHARLES F. WALSH KILLED IN 2,000-FOOT PLUNGE AT TRENTON FAIR. MACHINE LANDS IN A TREE.
RESCUING PHYSICIANS HAVE TO CLIMB IT TO REACH LIMP BODY - THE 193d FATALITY.
Special to The New York Times.
Trenton, N.J., Oct. 3. - With women fainting and men turning their heads away that they might not see, CHARLES F. WALSH, an aviator, plunged to his death in the presence of more than 50,000 persons at the Inter-State Fair here late this afternoon. He fell a distance of 2,000 feet, breaking every bone in his body and only living a few moments after his fall.
WALSH, who was only about 25 years old, had been startling the fair crowds all week with his daring flying, in which he not only raced an automobile around a half-mile track, but also made sensational "dip of death" descents from high altitudes.
He soared upward nearly 4,000 feet today, then came down half way to earth and began his circling glide. Scarcely had he begun it when a wing of his frail machine collapsed and he, with his craft, commenced falling to the ground. A gasp of horror went up from the army of... Read MORE...
RESCUING PHYSICIANS HAVE TO CLIMB IT TO REACH LIMP BODY - THE 193d FATALITY.
Special to The New York Times.
Trenton, N.J., Oct. 3. - With women fainting and men turning their heads away that they might not see, CHARLES F. WALSH, an aviator, plunged to his death in the presence of more than 50,000 persons at the Inter-State Fair here late this afternoon. He fell a distance of 2,000 feet, breaking every bone in his body and only living a few moments after his fall.
WALSH, who was only about 25 years old, had been startling the fair crowds all week with his daring flying, in which he not only raced an automobile around a half-mile track, but also made sensational "dip of death" descents from high altitudes.
He soared upward nearly 4,000 feet today, then came down half way to earth and began his circling glide. Scarcely had he begun it when a wing of his frail machine collapsed and he, with his craft, commenced falling to the ground. A gasp of horror went up from the army of... Read MORE...
1955 - Hurricane Diane
...Delaware Goes Wild.
As the rising Delaware River swirled over its banks in Trenton, capital of New Jersey, five fire companies pumped water from the basement of the statehouse in an effort to forestall damage to the building and its valuable records...
Chester Times
Chester, Pennsylvania
August 20, 1955
...Delaware Goes Wild.
As the rising Delaware River swirled over its banks in Trenton, capital of New Jersey, five fire companies pumped water from the basement of the statehouse in an effort to forestall damage to the building and its valuable records...
Chester Times
Chester, Pennsylvania
August 20, 1955
2023 - Trenton, New Jersey has a lot to offer! Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the area:
New Jersey State Museum:
Explore the cultural and natural history of New Jersey through exhibits on archaeology, fine art, cultural history, and natural history.
Old Barracks Museum:
Step back in time with a visit to this Revolutionary War-era barracks. The museum offers guided tours and reenactments to provide a glimpse into the city's history.
Grounds for Sculpture:
A unique outdoor sculpture park that blends art and nature seamlessly. Stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds adorned with contemporary sculptures.
The State House:
Take a tour of the New Jersey State House, the second-oldest continuously operating state capitol in the United States. Learn about the state's political history and architecture.
William Trent House Museum:
Visit the historic home of William Trent, the city's namesake, and learn about Trenton's colonial history.
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion:
Housed in a picturesque mansion, this museum showcases the local... Read MORE...
New Jersey State Museum:
Explore the cultural and natural history of New Jersey through exhibits on archaeology, fine art, cultural history, and natural history.
Old Barracks Museum:
Step back in time with a visit to this Revolutionary War-era barracks. The museum offers guided tours and reenactments to provide a glimpse into the city's history.
Grounds for Sculpture:
A unique outdoor sculpture park that blends art and nature seamlessly. Stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds adorned with contemporary sculptures.
The State House:
Take a tour of the New Jersey State House, the second-oldest continuously operating state capitol in the United States. Learn about the state's political history and architecture.
William Trent House Museum:
Visit the historic home of William Trent, the city's namesake, and learn about Trenton's colonial history.
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion:
Housed in a picturesque mansion, this museum showcases the local... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Trenton Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Trenton, New Jersey, USA
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