Newark

by The Linguist

Newark, New Jersey

Newark is the largest city in New Jersey with a population of 280,579 as of the 2010 US Census. It is located in Essex County in northeastern New Jersey, approximately 8 miles west of New York City.

History

Newark was originally founded in 1666 by Puritans from Connecticut led by Robert Treat. It was considered one of the most important cities in early America due to its busy port and strategic location near New York City. In the 19th century, Newark experienced massive industrial growth and became a manufacturing powerhouse. Major industries included leather tanning, jewelry, textiles, and metalworking. Newark thrived through World War II but began declining in the 1950s and 60s due to suburbanization and loss of industry. Riots in 1967 accelerated this decline. In recent decades, Newark has begun revitalizing its downtown and port areas. To learn more about the history of Newark, visit the Newark Public Library and the Newark Museum.

Economy

Today, Newark’s economy is service-based, with major industries including transportation, logistics, healthcare, education, insurance, and retail. Newark is home to Newark Liberty International Airport, Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal (the busiest port on the East Coast), and Newark Penn Station (one of the nation’s busiest rail stations). The city’s central location makes it a major transportation and distribution hub for the New York metro area. Major companies headquartered in Newark include Prudential Financial, PSEG, Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, Audible.com, and IDT Corporation. To learn more about business and economic development in Newark, visit the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation.

Landmarks

Some of Newark’s most famous landmarks and attractions include:

Some other notable landmarks include Branch Brook Park, Newark Liberty International Airport, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Public Transportation

Newark’s public transportation system includes buses, light rail, trains, and highways. The New Jersey Transit operates an extensive bus system and three light rail lines in Newark. Newark Penn Station provides Amtrak and NJ Transit train services. Newark is easily accessible from major highways including the New Jersey Turnpike, I-78, I-280, and Route 21. Newark Liberty International Airport provides domestic and international flights.

Education

Public education in Newark is provided by the Newark Public Schools district. There are 64 public schools including seven public high schools. Some of the top high schools include Science Park High School, Newark Tech High School, Arts High School, University High School, and American History High School. Newark is also home to several colleges and universities including Rutgers University – Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Seton Hall Law School, Berkeley College, and Essex County College.

For more information on Newark Public Schools, visit the district website or call (973) 733-7333. The district office is located at 2 Cedar Street, Newark, NJ 07102.

County Information

Newark is located in Essex County. The Essex County government is headquartered at the Essex County Hall of Records located at 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, (973) 621-4111.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources and community websites for Newark:

Sports Teams

Newark’s professional sports teams include the NHL’s New Jersey Devils who play at the Prudential Center arena.

Maps

Here are the GPS coordinates for 3 landmarks in Newark:

  • Prudential Center – 40.7357, -74.1724
  • Newark Museum – 40.7483, -74.1721
  • Branch Brook Park – 40.7559, -74.2096

This embedded Google map shows Newark, NJ with markers for the three landmarks mentioned above.