History of Jersey City, New Jersey in Timeline
Jersey City is the second largest city in New Jersey, located in Hudson County. Its population has seen significant growth, increasing by 18.1% between 2010 and 2020, reaching 292,449. As of 2023, the estimated population is 291,657, ranking it as the 72nd most populous municipality in the United States. This represents continued growth from the 2000 and 2010 census counts.
1906: Dickinson High School Opens
William L. Dickinson High School opened in 1906 as Jersey City High School, one of the oldest school sites in the city.
1908: First Permanent Water Disinfection System
In 1908, the first permanent water disinfection system in the U.S. was installed in Jersey City.
1911: Hudson Tubes Opening
The Hudson Tubes opened in 1911, providing train access to Manhattan as an alternative to ferries.
July 30, 1916: Black Tom Explosion
On July 30, 1916, the Black Tom explosion, an act of sabotage by German agents, targeted American ammunition supplies to prevent their use by the Allies in World War I.
1917: Frank Hague Becomes Mayor
Frank Hague became mayor of Jersey City in 1917, starting his era of "bossism."
1923: Journal Square Created
Journal Square, a broad intersection with Hudson Boulevard, was created in 1923.
1927: A&C Bus Corporation Established
A&C Bus Corporation was founded in Jersey City in 1927.
1947: Frank Hague Leaves Office
Frank Hague retired from his position as mayor of Jersey City in 1947.
1950: Beginning of Urban Decline
Between 1950 and 1980, Jersey City's population decreased by 75,000 due to issues like rising crime and economic hardship.
1964: Our Lady of Mercy Academy Founded
Our Lady of Mercy Academy was established in Jersey City in 1964.
1973: Phil-Am Food Opens
Phil-Am Food, the largest Filipino-owned grocery store on the East Coast, opened in Jersey City in 1973.
1975: Job Losses Begin
From 1975 to 1982, Jersey City lost 5,000 jobs, equivalent to 9% of its workforce.
1976: Peak Enrollment at St. Anne School
St. Anne School in Jersey City had a peak enrollment of 700 students in 1976.
1977: First Annual Santacruzan Procession
Jersey City's first annual Santacruzan procession took place in 1977 along Manila Avenue.
1980: End of Population Decline Period
By 1980, Jersey City had lost 75,000 residents since 1950.
1982: End of Job Loss Period
By 1982, Jersey City had lost 9% of its workforce since 1975.
1983: Jersey City Selected for Urban Enterprise Zone Program
In 1983, Jersey City was selected as one of the initial ten zones to participate in the Urban Enterprise Zone program.
1985: Lady Pank Films Music Video in Jersey City
The Polish band Lady Pank filmed the music video for their single "Minus Zero" in Jersey City in 1985.
1989: Bloodhounds of Broadway Filmed in Jersey City
Parts of the 1989 film "Bloodhounds of Broadway," starring Madonna, Matt Dillon, and Jennifer Grey, were filmed in Jersey City.
1990: Smallest Land Area
As of the 1990 census, Jersey City had the smallest land area among the 100 most populous cities in the United States.
1990: Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST) Founded
The city-sponsored visual art showcase, Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST), was founded in 1990.
November 1992: Establishment of Jersey City's Urban Enterprise Zone
Jersey City's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) status was established in November 1992.
1992: Hudson Shakespeare Company Becomes Resident Festival
In 1992, the Hudson Shakespeare Company became the resident Shakespeare festival of Hudson County, offering free Shakespeare productions throughout the summer in various city parks.
1993: Liberty Science Center Opens
The Liberty Science Center, New Jersey's first major state science museum, opened in 1993 within Liberty State Park.
1998: Ellis Island Ownership Dispute Resolved
In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court settled the ownership dispute over Ellis Island, awarding portions to New Jersey.
1998: WFMU Relocates to Jersey City
WFMU, the longest-running freeform radio station in the United States, moved to Jersey City in 1998.
2000: 2000 United States Census
The 2000 United States census recorded Jersey City's population as 240,055.
2000: Basis for 2010 Census Comparison
The 2000 census data was used as a basis for comparison with the 2010 figures in Jersey City.
2001: Start of Cuban Parade and Festival
The annual Cuban Parade and Festival of New Jersey was established in Jersey City in 2001, held at Exchange Place on the downtown waterfront.
2004: Presidential Election Results
John Kerry won Jersey City in the 2004 presidential election with 74.5% of the vote, compared to George W. Bush's 22.8%.
2006: Red Ribbon Bakeshop Opens
In 2006, Red Ribbon Bakeshop opened its first East Coast branch in Jersey City.
2006: JC Fridays Arts Festival Begins
JC Fridays, a city-wide quarterly arts festival organized by Art House Productions, was first held in 2006, occurring each March, June, September, and December.
2008: McNair High School Ranking
In 2008, Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School was ranked second out of 316 schools in New Jersey.
2008: Presidential Election Results
In the 2008 presidential election in Jersey City, Barack Obama secured 81.8% of the vote, while John McCain received 16.8%.
2009: Gubernatorial Election Results
Jon Corzine won the 2009 gubernatorial election in Jersey City with 76.2% of the vote, followed by Chris Christie with 18.7%.
May 2010: Roadway Mileage in Jersey City
As of May 2010, Jersey City had a total of 218.57 miles of roadways, with the majority maintained by the municipality.
September 2010: McNair High School Ranking
In September 2010, Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School was ranked the number one public high school in New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly magazine.
2010: Declining Enrollment at St. Anne School
By 2010, St. Anne School's enrollment had dropped to 240 students, contributing to its eventual closure in 2011.
2010: Indian American Population and India Square
In 2010, Indian Americans comprised 10.9% of Jersey City's population, the highest proportion in any major US city. India Square, known as "Little India," served as the center of this community, hosting significant events such as Navratri and Holi festivals.
2010: High Number of Same-Sex Couples in Hudson County
In 2010, data revealed a substantial number of 2,726 same-sex couples residing in Hudson County, with Jersey City serving as a central hub for this community.
2010: Asian American Population Growth
In 2010, there were 58,595 Asian Americans in Jersey City. By 2017, this population had grown by 15.2%, reaching an estimated 67,526 residents.
2010: 2010 Census and Population Challenge
Jersey City challenged the 2010 census results, believing they undercounted the population.
2010: Demographic Data from 2010 Census
The 2010 United States Census enumerated 64,002 African Americans and 68,256 Hispanic or Latino Americans in Jersey City.
2010: Non-Hispanic White Population Census
The 2010 United States census counted 53,236 non-Hispanic white residents in Jersey City.
2010: 2010 United States Census
The 2010 United States census recorded Jersey City's population as 247,597, an increase of 3.1% from 2000.
2010: Vietnamese American Population Census
The 2010 census counted 1,607 Vietnamese Americans living in Jersey City.
2010: Census Leads to Redistricting
The 2010 census triggered redistricting efforts in Jersey City, affecting its representation in both state legislative and congressional districts.
2010: Your Move Modern Dance Festival Established
The Your Move Modern Dance Festival, produced by Art House Productions, was founded in 2010.
January 2011: Charter Schools Approved
In January 2011, the Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Science Charter School (grades 6-12) and the Dr. Lena Edwards Charter School (K-8) were approved in Jersey City.
March 23, 2011: Voter Registration Statistics
As of March 23, 2011, Jersey City had 120,229 registered voters: 58,194 Democrats (48.4%), 7,655 Republicans (6.4%), and 54,293 Unaffiliated (45.2%).
June 2011: St. Mary High School Closure
St. Mary High School in Jersey City closed in June 2011 due to low student enrollment.
2011: Closure of St. Anne School
After 112 years, St. Anne School in Jersey City closed in 2011 due to decreasing student enrollment.
2011: Jersey City Ranked Among Most Artistic Cities
Based on 2011 census data analysis of the artist population percentage, The Atlantic magazine ranked Jersey City as the tenth most artistic city in the United States.
2011: Waterfront Development and Financial Center Growth
By 2011, Jersey City's waterfront had 18,000,000 square feet of office space, becoming the nation's 12th-largest downtown and home to major financial institutions.
2011: McNair High School National Ranking and Dickinson High School History
In 2011, Newsweek magazine ranked McNair High School 41st best in the United States. William L. Dickinson High School, opened in 1906 as Jersey City High School, is the oldest high school in Jersey City.
2011: Reapportionment Following 2010 Census
Jersey City underwent reapportionment in 2011, following the 2010 census, impacting its state legislative districts.
2011: Golden Door Film Festival Launched
The Golden Door Film Festival began in 2011.
April 2012: Initiation of Morris Canal Greenway Plan and Temporary Bike Lanes
In April 2012, Jersey City started planning the Morris Canal Greenway, including a bike path, and added temporary bike lanes on Grove Street.
June 2012: East Coast Greenway Designation in Jersey City
A section of the East Coast Greenway, a planned bike route, was officially designated in Jersey City's Lincoln Park and over the Lincoln Highway Hackensack River Bridge in June 2012.
November 2012: General Elections Impact Redistricting
The November 2012 general elections influenced the redistricting of Jersey City for congressional representation.
December 2012: Permanent Bike Lanes on Grove Street and Expansion of Bike Lane Network
Jersey City announced that the Grove Street bike lanes would be permanent and planned to add 54 more miles of bike lanes in December 2012.
2012: Study and Authorization for Bus Rapid Transit System
In 2012, studies on public transit usage in Jersey City led to the authorization of investigating a potential Bus Rapid Transit system between Journal Square and Bayonne.
2012: Presidential Election Results
In the 2012 presidential election, Barack Obama won Jersey City with 85.5% of the vote, ahead of Mitt Romney with 13.5%.
2012: Closure of Our Lady of Mercy Academy and Resurrection School
Our Lady of Mercy Academy and Resurrection School in Jersey City closed in 2012 due to declining enrollment and rising costs.
2012: BelovED Community Charter School Opens
The BelovED Community Charter School opened in Jersey City in 2012.
2012: Snooki & JWoww Filmed in Jersey City
The first season of the reality TV show "Snooki & JWoww" was filmed in Jersey City in 2012.
January 2013: Congressional District Changes
In January 2013, Jersey City was divided between the 8th and 10th Congressional Districts after the 2010 census and 2012 general elections. This placed 111,678 residents in the north and east in the 8th District and 139,519 residents in the southwest in the 10th District.
October 2013: Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
In October 2013, Jersey City passed ordinance 13.097, requiring employers with ten or more employees to offer up to five paid sick days annually.
October 21, 2013: Same-Sex Marriage Legalization in New Jersey
On October 21, 2013, same-sex marriage became legal in New Jersey. Before this date, there were a significant number of same-sex couples residing in Hudson County, particularly in Jersey City, which is known for its LGBT-friendly environment.
2013: Non-Hispanic White Population Estimate
Between 2013 and 2017, Jersey City's non-Hispanic white population was estimated at 55,493, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 census.
2013: Arab American Population Estimate
Between 2013 and 2017, an estimated 18,628 Arab Americans lived in Hudson County, comprising 2.8% of the county's population. Jersey City housed a significant portion, predominantly Egyptian Americans, including the largest Coptic Christian population in the US. Hudson County had the second highest percentage of Arab Americans in New Jersey after Passaic County.
2013: African American and Latino Population Estimates
Between 2013 and 2017, estimates indicated a modest decrease in African Americans in Jersey City while the Hispanic or Latino population saw a substantial increase. Hudson County overall experienced a growth in African Americans during the same period.
2013: Exploration of Bike-Share Program
Hudson County began exploring the possibility of a bike-share program in 2013.
2013: Simplified Bike Rack Installation
In 2013, Jersey City made it easier and cheaper for businesses and homes to install bike racks.
2013: Gubernatorial Election Results
In the 2013 gubernatorial election in Jersey City, Barbara Buono received 66.5% of the vote, while Chris Christie garnered 31.8%.
February 2014: Proposed Casino Tower in Jersey City
In February 2014, a proposal was put forth by Paul Fireman for a 95-story tower in Jersey City, which would have included a casino. The project, endorsed by Mayor Steven Fulop, was estimated to cost $4.6 billion (approximately $5.83 billion in 2023). New Jersey State Senate President Stephen Sweeney suggested that a casino in Jersey City could potentially benefit the city, should construction outside of Atlantic City be permitted.
June 2014: Expansion of GCT Bayonne Shipping Facility
In June 2014, GCT Bayonne, a major post-panamax shipping facility operated by Global Container Terminals, underwent a significant expansion.
2014: Forbes Magazine Relocates Headquarters to Jersey City
In 2014, Forbes magazine moved its headquarters to Jersey City after receiving a $27 million tax grant in exchange for creating 350 jobs in the city over a ten-year period.
2014: American Community Survey Demographics
The American Community Survey from 2014 to 2018 reported that 7.7% of Jersey City residents were under 5, 13.2% between 6 and 18, 69% between 19 and 64, and 10.1% 65 or older. The median age was 34.2, with females comprising 50.8% of the population. Educational attainment showed 86.5% high school graduation and 44.9% with bachelor's degrees or higher. Disability and healthcare figures revealed 7.1% of residents under 65 were disabled and 15.9% lacked health insurance.
2014: Delayed Launch of Bike-Share Program
The planned launch of the bike-share program in Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken was postponed in 2014 due to a lack of sponsors.
April 2015: Goya Foods Opens New Headquarters in Jersey City
Goya Foods relocated its headquarters from Secaucus to Jersey City in April 2015, opening a new facility that included a 600,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center.
September 21, 2015: Citi Bike Launch in Jersey City
The bike-share program, Citi Bike, launched in Jersey City on September 21, 2015.
2015: High Percentage of Car-Free Households
In 2015, 40.1% of Jersey City households did not own a car.
2015: National Blue Ribbon Award for Our Lady of Czestochowa School
In 2015, Our Lady of Czestochowa School in Jersey City received the National Blue Ribbon School award for its high performance.
July 2016: MOL Benefactor Docks at Port Jersey
In July 2016, the MOL Benefactor, the largest ship to ever call at the Port of New York-New Jersey, docked at Port Jersey after its journey from China through the expanded Panama Canal.
2016: Berry Lane Park Completion
Berry Lane Park, Jersey City's largest municipal park, was completed in 2016.
2016: Taiwanese Airlines Offer Bus Service to JFK
China Airlines and EVA Air started offering private bus services from Jersey City to JFK Airport in New York City in 2016.
2016: Decrease in Car-Free Households
The percentage of car-free households in Jersey City decreased to 37.1% in 2016, still significantly higher than the national average.
June 2017: St. Anthony High School Closure
St. Anthony High School, a renowned basketball program in Jersey City, closed in June 2017 due to financial difficulties and declining enrollment.
2017: Growth of Indian American Population
By 2017, the Indian American population in Jersey City had increased to an estimated 31,578, a 16.5% rise from the 27,111 counted in the 2010 census.
2017: Filipino American Community and Landmarks
In 2017, 16,610 Filipino Americans (6.2% of the population) lived in Jersey City. The Five Corners district, a prominent "Little Manila", housed Filipino businesses. Phil-Am Food, the largest Filipino-owned grocery store on the East Coast, has been on Newark Avenue since 1973. Manila Avenue, named for the Philippine capital, commemorates Filipinos settling there in the 1970s. A memorial for Filipino-American Vietnam War veterans and a statue of Jose P. Rizal are located downtown. The city hosts the Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade and raises the Philippine flag annually.
2017: Arab American Population Estimate
In 2017, Hudson County had an estimated 18,628 Arab American residents, making up 2.8% of the total county population, with the largest concentration in Jersey City. Egyptian Americans were the largest Arab American group, including a significant Coptic Christian community.
2017: Jersey City's Tax Base Growth
In 2017, Jersey City experienced significant growth in its tax base, adding US$136 million and resulting in the largest municipal tax base in New Jersey. A revaluation process projected an increase in the property tax base from $6.2 billion to $26 billion.
2017: Demographic Changes and Cuban Parade
In 2017, Jersey City had an estimated 63,788 African Americans (24% of the population), slightly less than the 2010 census. This contrasted with Hudson County's 2.3% increase. Growth in Nigerian and Kenyan American communities partially offset this decline. Additionally, 76,637 Hispanic or Latino Americans resided in the city, a 12.3% increase from 2010, with Puerto Ricans being the largest group. Though Cuban Americans were less concentrated, Jersey City has hosted the annual Cuban Parade since 2001.
2017: Chinese American Population Growth and Investment
In 2017, Jersey City's Chinese American population was estimated at 9,379, a 66.2% increase from the 5,643 counted in 2010. Chinese nationals also invested in downtown Jersey City skyscrapers through EB-5 visas.
2017: Non-Hispanic White Population Estimate
In 2017, the number of non-Hispanic white residents in Jersey City was estimated at 55,493, marking a 4.2% rise compared to the 53,236 recorded in the 2010 census.
2018: Housing and Income Statistics
In 2018, Jersey City had 110,801 housing units and 102,353 households with an average size of 2.57. The average per capita income was $36,453, and the median household income was $62,739. 18.7% of residents were below the poverty line. 67.9% of residents aged 16 and older were in the civilian labor force. The average commute to work was 36.8 minutes, and 28.6% of housing was owner-occupied with a median value of $344,200. The median gross rent was $1,271.
2018: American Community Survey Demographics
In 2018, according to the American Community Survey, Jersey City's population had a median age of 34.2 years old, with females accounting for 50.8% and 100.1 males per 100 females. 86.5% of residents had completed high school, while 44.9% held a bachelor's degree or higher. 7.1% of those under 65 had disabilities, and 15.9% lacked health insurance.
December 2019: Shooting Incident
In December 2019, a shooting at a kosher market in Greenville, Jersey City, resulted in the death of three bystanders and two assailants.
February 2020: Via Jersey City On-Demand Transit Launch
Jersey City partnered with Via Transportation to launch an on-demand microtransit service, Via Jersey City, in February 2020.
April 2020: Yousef J. Saleh Appointed to City Council
Yousef J. Saleh was appointed to the Ward D City Council seat in April 2020 following the death of Michael Yun.
November 2020: Yousef J. Saleh Elected to City Council
In November 2020, Yousef J. Saleh was elected to the City Council, securing the Ward D seat for the remainder of the term.
2020: Racial Makeup Census Data
As per the 2020 U.S. Census, including Hispanics in racial counts, Jersey City's racial composition was: 27.32% White, 19.87% Black, 0.66% Native American, 28.01% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 14.35% Other Race, and 9.74% Multiracial.
2020: Redistricting Controversy in Jersey City
Following the 2020 United States census, Jersey City's ward boundaries were redrawn, leading to controversy.
2020: Organon International Establishes Headquarters in Jersey City
In 2020, Organon International, a spin-off of Merck & Co, decided to establish its headquarters at the Goldman Sachs Tower in Jersey City.
2020: 2020 United States Census
The 2020 United States census recorded Jersey City's population as 292,449, an increase of 18.1% from 2010.
2020: 2020 Census Results
The 2020 census recorded Jersey City's population at 292,449, an increase from the 2010 count.
March 2021: Via Jersey City Weekend Service Expansion
Via Jersey City expanded its services to include weekends starting in March 2021.
May 3, 2021: Citi Bike Expansion to Hoboken
Citi Bike expanded its service to Hoboken on May 3, 2021.
2021: School District Statistics
During the 2021-2022 school year, the Jersey City Public Schools district had 39 schools, 27,134 students, and a student-teacher ratio of 12.9:1.
2021: High School Enrollment Data
Enrollment data from the 2021-2022 school year for Jersey City high schools was recorded by the National Center for Education Statistics.
July 2023: A&C Bus Corporation Ceases Operations
In July 2023, A&C Bus Corporation, headquartered in Jersey City, announced it would stop running its bus services.
October 2023: NJ Transit Takes Over A&C Bus Routes
NJ Transit assumed control of the four bus routes formerly operated by A&C Bus Corporation in October 2023.
November 2023: Expiration of Jersey City's Urban Enterprise Zone Status
In November 2023, Jersey City's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) status is set to expire.
2023: 2023 Population Estimate
The Population Estimates Program calculated Jersey City's population to be 291,657 in 2023, making it the 72nd-most populous municipality in the nation.
2023: Berry Lane Park Cost Update
The cost of Berry Lane Park, completed in 2016, was equivalent to approximately $47.3 million in 2023.
2024: New Jersey Legislature Session Begins
The 2024-2025 session of the New Jersey Legislature commenced in 2024 with representation from Jersey City in the 31st and 32nd legislative districts.
2025: Craig Guy Serves as County Executive
As of 2025, Craig Guy served as the Hudson County Executive.
2025: Sheriff's Term Expires
Sheriff Frank Schillari's term will expire in 2025.
2025: New Jersey Legislature Session Continues
The 2024-2025 session of the New Jersey Legislature will continue into 2025.
2026: Register's Term Expires
The term of Register Jeffery Dublin is set to expire in 2026.
2026: Hudson County Commissioners' Terms
The terms of several Hudson County Commissioners are set to expire in 2026.
2027: Cory Booker's Senate Term Ends
Cory Booker's Senate term representing New Jersey will end in 2027.
2027: Constitutional Officers' Terms Expire
The terms of Clerk E. Junior Maldonado and Surrogate Tilo E. Rivas will expire in 2027.
December 31, 2027: Craig Guy's Term Expires
Craig Guy's term as Hudson County Executive will expire on December 31, 2027.
2031: Andy Kim's Senate Term Ends
Andy Kim's Senate term representing New Jersey is set to end in 2031.
