The capital of New Jersey, Trenton is famous for the battle of Trenton fought in 1776 during the American Revolution. The city lies 28 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and about 55 miles (89 kilometers) southwest of New York City.

Places of interest

The Washington Crossing State Park, an 841-acre (340-hectare) park northwest of Trenton, is a popular tourist spot. General George Washington and his army began their march to fight the battle of Trenton in 1776 from the park. The 150-foot (45-meter) Battle Monument, topped with a statue of George Washington, pays tribute to this battle.

Stacy Park includes The Old Barracks and the Douglass House. The Old Barracks was erected in 1758–59 as winter quarters for British troops during the French and Indian War. George Washington held a council of war at the Douglass House in 1777.

Other points of interest include the Old Friends Meeting House, built in 1739, and the William Trent House, the oldest landmark in the city, built in 1719. The New Jersey State Cultural Center contains a museum, auditorium, planetarium, and state library.

Economy

Government is the largest employer in Trenton by far. Health care, banking, and other services also employ a large percentage of the workforce. Manufactures include drugs, computer components, and metal products.

History

Mahlon Stacy established a settlement known as the Falls on the site of what is now Trenton in 1679. It was later called Stacy's Mills. In 1714 William Trent, a merchant from Philadelphia, bought a parcel of land from Stacy's son and established the town. In 1719 it was named Trenton in his honor.

On December 25, 1776, during the American Revolution, General Washington led the American Army across the Delaware River at a site just north of the town. The next morning the army attacked the British troops stationed in the town. The surprise attack resulted in a victory for the Americans.

Trenton served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1784 and again in 1799. It became the capital of New Jersey in 1790. Population (2000 census), 85,403.