Trenton the Capital of the State of New Jersey: Trenton Makes the World Takes

Trenton became New Jersey’s capital as of November 25, 1790, and the city of Trenton was formed within Trenton Township on November 13, 1792.The first settlement which would become Trenton was established by Quakers in 1679, in the region then called the Falls of the Delaware, led by Mahlon Stacy from Handsworth, Sheffield, UK. Quakers were being persecuted in England at this time and North America provided the perfect opportunity to exercise their religious freedom.

The town adopted the name Trent-towne, by 1719, after William Trent, one of its leading landholders who purchased much of the surrounding land from Stacy’s family. This name was later shortened and changed to Trenton. The city was the site of George Washington’s first military victory during the Revolutionary War. Washington and his army, after crossing the frigid Delaware River to Trenton on December 26,1776, defeated the Hessian troops manned there. After the war, Trenton was briefly the national capital of the United States in November and December of 1784. The city was considered a permanent capital for the new country but the southern states favored a city south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Trenton is home to many places to visit if you are intrigued by arts and culture, or if you want to catch a sporting event downtown. The New Jersey State House, New Jersey State Library, Trenton City Museum, Trenton War Memorial, Trenton Battle Monument, and the Trenton City Hall are all great historic visits to anyone looking for a fresh look at Trenton.  Trenton is both home to great history and plenty of family fun!   

The Waterfront of Trenton is an especially vibrant part of town, including the iconic Arm & Hammer Park where the Trenton Thunder the Minor League Double-A affiliates of the New York Yankees host their baseball games.