Lambertville, New Jersey - History

History

The Delaware River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal were instrumental in the prosperity of Lambertville. In June 1834, the opening of the canal was celebrated with a barge ride from Trenton to Lambertville. The canal's completion was not without hardship. 4,000 Irish immigrants were hired to dig the canal with pick and shovel. During the construction, an epidemic of cholera broke out and dozens of men were buried along the banks of the canal and the Delaware River.

Since the 19th century, Lambertville, due to its proximity to the canal and the (now defunct) United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company, became a factory town where the range of products produced went from underwear to rubber bands. After the introduction of motorized vehicles made the canals and, ultimately, the railroad obsolete, the factories shut down, one by one.

The town lagged for a long time, most definitely the poorer sibling to its sister city, New Hope, Pennsylvania, which lies across the Delaware River. In the 1970s, young people who had grown up in Lambertville but left to make their fortunes returned with a mission—to re-energize their home town. Ultimately, pioneers like the Jonsdottir art gallery, Hamilton Grill (still the city's most renowned restaurant) and the Lambertville Station eatery (a hotel soon followed), the city began to attract artists and other creative types. These days, much of its 18th and 19th century flavor remains—particularly in its houses, many of which have been restored. The town has become a tourist destination, with many shops, galleries, restaurants, and B&Bs. The canal path offers cyclists, joggers and walkers a level place to exercise and enjoy views of the canal and Delaware River in all seasons.