Most of us know the basics about Jersey City —and of course that’s what we love about it — it’s a diverse and historic city with people from all different cultures, home of the iconic Colgate Clock, incredible foodie and art scene, and of course, boasts some ridiculous NYC views. But we thought we’d bring you 10 facts about Jersey City you might not know.
The view from Jersey City to NYC
1. As of 2022, JC has held strong to its status as the most diverse city in the US.
2. The oldest structure in Jersey City is the Newkirk House, from the first of the original Dutch settlers in the late 1600s.
3. While Jersey City is the second most populous town in New Jersey, Newark being the first, it is definitely the oldest city in the state — dating back to 1630 when it was deeded to Michael Reyniersz Pauw.
4. Jersey City has been home to celebrities including Akon, Martha Stewart, Christina Milian, Nathan Lane, Nancy Sinatra, Derek Luke + more here.
5. The Jersey City Medical Center was not only the first medical center in New Jersey, but also one of the first in the United States.
6. The Pulaski Skyway, completed in 1932 (and then ahem— re-completed/in process recently), cost about the same as Manhattan’s famous Chrysler Building, making it the most expensive bridge of its day.
7. The Goldman Sachs Tower used to be the tallest building in New Jersey, and now 99 Hudson, also located in Jersey City, is the tallest building in New Jersey and Jersey City.
8. Thanks to a $5 million donation, the Liberty Science Center’s IMAX theater became the country’s and North America’s largest planetarium.
9. Despite New York having legal jurisdiction over her, the Statue of Liberty’s residence is actually in Jersey City.
10. When Henry Hudson first landed in the area, he described it as offering “safe harborage.” Over 10 million of the original immigrants coming through Ellis Island claimed the same place — Communipaw in Liberty State Park — as their first footing in the United States. Jersey City still offers safe harborage to all who visit.
