History of Newark, New Jersey
Newark, nicknamed The Brick City, is the largest City (New Jersey)|city in New Jersey, United States, and the county seat of urban Essex County, New Jersey|Essex County. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city had a total population of 273,546, making it List of Municipalities in New Jersey (by population)|the largest municipality in New Jersey. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's 2004 population estimate is 280,451, an increase of 2.5% from 2000.
It is located approximately five miles (8.04 km) west of Manhattan and two miles north of Staten Island. Its location near the Atlantic Ocean on Newark Bay has helped make its port facility, Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal|Port Newark, the major container shipping port for New York Harbor. Together with Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth, it is the home of Newark Liberty International Airport, which was the first major airport to serve the New York metropolitan area.
Newark was originally formed as a township (New Jersey)|township on October 31, 1693, based on the Newark Tract, which was first purchased on July 11, 1667. Newark was granted a Royal Charter on April 27, 1713, and was incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial 104 townships by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. During its time as a township, portions were taken to form Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey|Springfield Township (April 14, 1794), Caldwell Township (February 16, 1798, now known as Fairfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey|Fairfield Township), Orange, New Jersey|Orange Township (November 27, 1806), Bloomfield, New Jersey|Bloomfield Township (March 23, 1812) and Clinton Township, Essex County, New Jersey (Historical)|Clinton Township (April 14, 1834, remainder reabsorbed by Newark on March 5, 1902). Newark was reincorporated as a city on April 11, 1836, replacing Newark Township, based on the results of a referendum passed on March 18, 1836. The previously independent Vailsburg, Newark|Vailsburg borough was annexed by Newark on January 1, 1905."The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 130.
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