Trenton, New Jersey

History

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.

Related Topics:
Quakers - Mahlon Stacy - Handsworth - Sheffield - England

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By 1719, the town adopted the name "Trent-towne", after William Trent, one of its leading landholders who purchased much of the surrounding land from Stacy's family. This name later was shortened to "Trenton".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the American Revolution, the city was the site of George Washington's first military victory. On December 26, 1776, Washington and his army, after crossing the icy Delaware River to Trenton, defeated the Hessian troops garrisoned there (see Battle of Trenton). After the war, Trenton was briefly the national capital of the United States in November and December of 1784. The city was considered as a permanent capital for the new country, but the southern states favored a location south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Related Topics:
American Revolution - George Washington's - December 26 - 1776 - Hessian - Battle of Trenton - United States - 1784 - Mason-Dixon Line

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Trenton became the state capital in 1790, but prior to that year the Legislature often met here. The town was incorporated in 1792.

Related Topics:
1790 - 1792

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1896 the first professional basketball game was played in Trenton between the Trenton Basketball Team and the Brooklyn YMCA.

Related Topics:
1896 - Basketball

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~