Jersey City is mainly known as a major American city. It is often called as the “Sixth Borough” of New York City because of its proximity, urban infrastructure and density that is similar to that of the New York City. Did you know that the Statue of Liberty is in Jersey City, though New York has a legal jurisdiction of it? Did you know that approximately 41 percent of the households in Jersey City do not possess an automobile? Read on some more interesting facts about the Jersey City- the “Chilltown”.
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Jersey City Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts
- Jersey City is the county seat of Hudson County.
- It is a part of the New York metro area and is a neighbor of Manhattan.
- It is the second most populous city in New Jersey, US.
- It is surrounded by Hudson River and Upper New York Bar (east) and the Newark Bay and Hackensack River (west).
- It is served by many highways, including I-78, US Route 1-9, New Jersey Turnpike, and New Jersey State Highways 440,139 and 7.
- The ethnic composition is diverse in New Jersey that includes White-32.67%, African American or Black- 25.85%, Native American- 0.51%, Asian- 23.67%, Pacific Islander-0.07%, other races- 12.81%, and two or more races- 4.42%.
Jersey City History Fast Facts
- In 1609, the area that includes Jersey City was explored by Henry Hudson, an English navigator.
- In 1660, Jersey City was developed around Bergen Square.
- It is the oldest town in New Jersey.
- In 1820, it was incorporated as the City of Jersey by an act of the New Jersey Legislature.
- In 1838, the city of Jersey was reincorporated and became independent of North Bergen.
- The Jersey City became the part of the Hudson County on 22 February, 1840.
- The economic strength of the factories and consolidation of many municipalities led to the growth in the city’s population from 1860 to 1970.
Jersey City Government and Economy Fast Facts
- Jersey City has a Mayor-Council form of government under the Faulkner Act.
- It is a major commercial and industrial hub for the region.
- In 19th and 20th centuries, it was a manufacturing and dock town.
- It is home to the headquarters of Forbes Magazine.
Jersey City Important and Interesting Fast Facts
- Jersey City has a few nicknames- “The Sixth Borough”, “Wall Street West” , “Chilltown”, and “J.C.”.
- Though New York has a legal jurisdiction of the Statue of Liberty, but it is located in the Jersey City.
- It is the tenth most artistic city in the US according to The Atlantic ranking.
- Approximately 41 percent of the households in Jersey City do not possess an automobile, thus making it the second lowest car per household ratio in the US cities of same size.
- Akon, the popular hip-hop artist spent his school years here.
- Some of the famous personalities who have their roots in this City are: Howard Stern, Patrice O’Neal, Martha Stewart and Michelle Rodriguez.
- The Colgate Clock in Jersey City is the fourth largest timepiece in the world with a diameter-15.24 meters.
- It is ranked as the 12th largest in terms of the most vibrant downtown districts.
- It is home to the largest population of Egyptian Copts in America.
- In 1908, it got the first permanent drinking water disinfection system established.
- It is home to WFMU-the longest running independent free form radio station in the United States.
- The Newkirk House located in Jersey City, built in 1690 is one of the oldest houses in the US.
- The Jersey Journal is the daily newspaper of Jersey City.
- The online newspaper of Jersey City is the Jersey City Independent.
