Ironbound and Ferry Street, Newark (must see)

The roots of today’s Ironbound neighborhood in Newark, trace back to the 19th-century transformation of the region into one of the nation’s first industrial corridors. This transition began with Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, who co-founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures in 1792. The Society purchased 700 acres of land around New Jersey’s largest waterfall to establish the city of Paterson. Hamilton envisioned this city as a "New National Manufactory" that would drive the U.S. towards economic independence by fostering a shift from an agricultural to a manufacturing economy.

By the 1970s, the Portuguese community became the dominant ethnic group in Ironbound, following Portugal's "flower revolution" which ended the dictatorship of Antonio Salazar. The influx of Portuguese immigrants turned Ironbound into a vibrant center for the Portuguese diaspora in the U.S., earning it the nickname "Little Portugal." Throughout its history, Ironbound has been a mosaic of ethnic identities and cultural traditions, showcasing how diverse communities can coexist and enrich a multicultural society.

The mile-long stretch of Ferry Street, extending from Penn Station to St. Stephan’s Grace Community Church, forms the spine of Ironbound. Originally chartered in 1765 as Old Ferry Road, it was designed to connect ferries transporting goods and people from Manhattan and Jersey City to Newark’s marketplace. Over the years, Ferry Street has been a gateway for newcomers, providing a starting point for many immigrants to begin their new lives.

Today, Ferry Street is synonymous with food, particularly Iberian cuisine, which has attracted visitors and bolstered the local economy since the 1970s. More recently, immigrants from Latin American countries have diversified the culinary landscape, adding new flavors and cultural dimensions to the neighborhood. The rich tapestry of restaurants and eateries along Ferry Street not only showcases the diverse food offerings but also reflects the complex histories and memories of the Ironbound community. This vibrant food scene, coupled with the historical narratives of the buildings housing these establishments, tells the story of Ironbound's past and the resilient spirit of its people.