History

History Abounds in Hudson County

We keep Hudson County’s rich and diverse history alive through educational experiences and monuments. Our county was the first stop for numerous immigrants who entered America through Ellis Island. It’s also where America’s favorite pastime—baseball—had its first recorded GAME. Here are some of the best ways to soak up Hudson County’s rich history.

Ellis Island

Few destinations transport visitors back in time like Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants once arrived and took their first steps onto American soil. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is the island’s most popular attraction. Admire artifacts from the 1500s to present throughout the museum’s exhibits, or spend time researching your own ancestors with trained historians at the site’s American Family Immigration History Center. Visit Ellis Island by booking a Statue Cruises trip to Ellis Island and the Statue, departing from Liberty State Park.

Statue of Liberty

See Lady Liberty up close and personal with a quick visit from Hudson County’s Liberty State Park, where the Statue Cruises ferries depart. A visit to the historic Statue of Liberty can include many things: a walk around the statue, a stop at the Statue of Liberty Museum (home to the original statue torch), or a climb up to the top of the Statue of Liberty to see the views and soak up U.S. history (advance tickets required). Statue Cruises is the only authorized official ticket provider for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can catch one of their ferries near Liberty State Park’s historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal.

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Get the latest scoop on Hudson County’s History over on the HC Sights & Bites blog!

Historic Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City

Built in 1910, the William J. Brennan Courthouse is the seat of Hudson County’s government. This courthouse went from grandiose to abandoned, before ultimately being saved from destruction and restored into the architectural wonder we know and love today. Stop by to see museum-quality murals by artists like Howard Pyle and Charles Yardley Turner, and enjoy the stunning marble workmanship this place is known for.

You can visit the historic Brennan Courthouse for free; just contact Matt Caranante at mcaranante@hcnj.us or 201-459-2070 ext. 6419.

The building is open to the public

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
William J. Brennan Court House
583 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07306

Hoboken Historical Museum

For a one-square-mile city, Hoboken sure has a lot of history. It’s the birthplace of Frank Sinatra. The spot of America’s first baseball game. And home to rows of gorgeous Victorian row houses—not to mention a waterfront that was integral during WWII. You can learn all about this history and more at the Hoboken Historical Museum, which educates visitors through a variety of rotating exhibitions, events, and guest speakers.

The building is open to visitors Tuesdays through Sundays.

Hoboken Historical Museum
1301 Hudson St.
Hoboken, NJ 07030

Self-Guided Walking Tours at your Fingertips!

With our array of self-guided walking tours, you can explore Hudson County’s history, culture, and dining scenes straight from your smartphone. Our easy-to-follow walking route maps wind you through some of the best Hudson County sights, with interesting background, flashback photographs, and fun facts that showcase the region’s rich history.

For an overview of the six self-guided tours currently have available, click here.

Hudson County Walking Tours

Journal Square
Stop by some of Journal Square’s most famed sights, including the Jackie Robinson Statue and William J. Brennan Courthouse, on this historical and culturally rich walking tour.

Downtown Jersey City

This downtown walking tour includes some of Jersey City’s most popular highlights, with stops at the Colgate Clock, Paulus Hook Monument, and Barrow Mansion.

Weehawken
From the historic dueling ground of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr to the iconic Weehawken Water Tour, this experience takes you on an immersive stroll through Weehawken’s past.

View Neighborhood map

Liberty State Park
Liberty State Parks offers some of the area’s best views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. On this walking tour, you’ll pass by highlights like the Central Railroad Terminal and Black Tom Explosion Site, while soaking up the best of Liberty State Park along the way.

Kearny
History is everywhere in Kearny, and this locally curated walking tour will introduce you to a handful of renowned and important sights, including the Irish Heritage Monument and the Kearny War Memorial.

Hoboken Firehouses (Coming Soon)
The Mile Square City is full of historic firehouses, and this scenic walk will take you by some of the best of them, with a stop at the Fire Department Museum, too.

Hudson County | Historical Landmarks

Hoboken (Coming Soon)

Erie/Lackawanna Terminal
City Hall
Jefferson Trust Company
Clock Towers
Sinatra Birthplace
Hoboken Library
Elysian Fields | Birthplace of Baseball
Elk’s Lodge
Yellow Flats
Machine Shop | Hoboken Museum
Sybil’s Cave
Steven’s Gate House
Steven’s Hall
Hoboken Fire Houses