New Jersey’s Oldest City Predates America by 116 Years

As we hit 2024, I realized that America (founded in 1776) will celebrate its 248th birthday this year.

But did you know that New Jersey's oldest city predates that by 116 years?

It’s mind-boggling that our country is so old yet so young depending on which way you choose to think about it.

There are a lot of New Jersey towns that even predate the ‘The United States of America’.

We know that America was founded in 1776, but did you realize that there are towns and cities in our state that came over 100 years BEFORE the signing of the Declaration of Independence?

It is an eye-opening fact and it puts into perspective how much history there is to explore in New Jersey.

So this raises the question:

What Is The Oldest City in New Jersey?

According to Finally Home JC, the oldest city in New Jersey is none other than Jersey City, New Jersey!

“Jersey City was first founded in 1660 by the Ditch and was originally called Netherlands, Hudson, Paulus Hook or in Dutch, “hoek” meaning Point of Land," they say.

By the way, the year 1660 marked the moment when a permanent settlement had been established in Jersey City, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. 

Since then, Jersey City, of course, has a rich history. Shortly after being established, the British seized it in 1664, multiple reports say. They returned it to the Dutch and regained it in 1674.

In the 1700s, Jersey City played a big role in the American Revolution (given its proximity to New York City).

Today, Jersey City is one of New Jersey's most populated cities and is home to some amazing bars, restaurants, art, and more.

Given its proximity to New York City (and the rest of New Jersey), it also serves as a transportation hub for thousands of travelers and commuters each day.

By the way with a recent estimate of 292,000 residents, Jersey City is the second most populous city in the state of New Jersey — behind only Newark, NJ by about 20,000 residents, reports say.