History

New Jersey, Revolutionary in 1776 and Ever Since

Did you know that 2026 marks our nation’s 250th Anniversary? New Jersey is celebrating this momentous occasion by honoring its pivotal role in America’s founding and its ongoing contributions to progress and innovation. Governor Murphy expressed, “New Jersey is not just home to revolutionary history– we are, to this day, the birthplace for revolutionary possibilities.”

Over the next two years, there will be a series of engaging events, commemorations, and opportunities for visitors to experience the state’s rich history and dynamic present. Whether you’re exploring historic battlefields, visiting word-class museums, or learning about New Jersey’s leadership in modern innovation, there’s something for everyone!

Hudson County offers a wealth of historic sites like the Weehawken Dueling Grounds in Weehawken, Apple Tree House in Jersey City, Ellis Island in Liberty State Park, Hoboken Firehouses, Historic Monuments in Kearny, and many others! These places not only offer a glimpse into the past, but also an opportunity to experience New Jersey’s contributions to American History firsthand.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into New Jersey’s history, be sure to check out the wide range of tours and events in Hudson County and across the state by visiting VisitNJ.org

For more NJ History, click here! Download HC Historical Coloring Book

Historic Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City

Finished in 1910, the William J. Brennan Courthouse is the seat of Hudson County’s government. After serving the public for fifty-six years it was closed and abandoned. Placement on the National Register saved it from destruction and its restoration has preserved the magnificent edifice we see today. Make an appointment to tour the museum-quality murals by artists like Howard Pyle and Charles Yardley Turner.

All tours are free; for an appointment contact Brian Murray at bmurray@hcnj.us or 201-459-2070 ext. 6419.The building is open to the public.
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Tours available 10 am-4 pm. 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.

Lafayette Neighborhood / Civil Rights
In this tour we will focus on some the achievements of the area’s African American citizens, who have dwelled in this city for nearly four hundred years. We will discuss their engagement in the struggle for racial equality and learn how Jersey City played a crucial role in the Civil Rights movement.

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
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.

Monuments of West Side of Jersey City
This tour features statues and monuments throughout the Hudson County treasure that is Lincoln Park in Jersey City. Lincoln Park is the largest park in Hudson County and offers athletic facilities, trails and wildlife habitats.