Looking at Hoboken in 2012, it is difficult to imagine what it might have been like in colonial times. The city has a very rich history. In the 1600’s it was a seasonal campsite for a group of Lenape Indians, who used the serpentine rock found there to carve pipes. In 1609, a man named Henry Hudson was the first European recorded to set foot on the land.
Three Lenape Indians eventually sold the land that became known as Hoboken for a combination of shell beads (known as “wampum”), cloth, kettles, blankets, guns and a half a barrel of beer. The land then acquired by Hendrick Van Vorst was leased in-part to a farmer by the name of Aert Van Putten, and the colony was known as “Pavonia.” North of what is now known as Castle Point, in 1643 he built a house and brewery, the first in North America. It was an amazing show of entrepreneurial vision, but Van Putten was eventually killed in a raid and his buildings were destroyed.
The residents of Pavonia were ordered to go back to New Amsterdam. The island remained virtually unsettled due to its isolation, deteriorating relations with the Lenape and distance from New Amsterdam.
It is difficult to imagine now, but Hoboken was mainly an agricultural area populated by the Dutch and English-speaking settlers. Eventually, the land changed hands again and was occupied by the British before being confiscated by the Revolutionary Government of New Jersey at the end of the Revolutionary War.
It was not until the year 1784 that the land was purchased by Colonel John Stevens for the equivalent of $90,000 and renamed it “Hoboken”.
This year, tens of thousands of guests are expected to attend the Macy’s Fireworks event to celebrate Independence Day. Not only is Hoboken a great place to celebrate the birth of our nation, it is also your chance to slow down and see the city, and learn the history. Due to the tremendous amount of visitors, many streets will be closed to traffic, so public transit is highly recommended and walking of course, is always encouraged. Visitor or long time resident, this is your opportunity to get out your camera and take some snap shots of the amazing historic homes!
About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line, while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie@InvestHoboken.com. To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him directly at 201.344.2886.