A forgotten deed whispers tales of Union City. This seemingly ordinary city in New Jersey holds a history far older than its 1925 incorporation. Long before it was Union City the land belonged to the Munsee-speaking Lenni-Lenape Native Americans. They roamed the woodlands Henry Hudson explored centuries ago.
The Dutch claimed this area as New Netherland. In 1658 Governor Peter Stuyvesant purchased the land that would become Hudson County. The purchase agreement a remarkable document survives in the New York State Archives. It details the land’s boundaries. It also lists the surprisingly modest price: 80 fathoms of wampum 20 fathoms of cloth 12 brass kettles 6 guns one double brass kettle 2 blankets and half a barrel of strong beer. This transaction the foundation of Union City.
The early relationship between the Dutch settlers and the Native Americans was tense. Conflicts over land led to skirmishes and war. To protect the vulnerable farmhouses Stuyvesant ordered the construction of a fortified village in 1660. This village Bergen is now part of Jersey City. It was the first permanent European settlement in New Jersey. The English later took control of New Netherland from the Dutch in 1664. Bergen Township’s boundaries at that time included the entire area now known as Hudson County.
North of Bergen lay unpopulated Bergen Woods. Over time settlers claimed this land. Some of Union City’s streets today still bear the names of these early settlers. Sipp Street Brown Street Golden Lane Tournade Street and Kerrigan Avenue all echo this early history. Kerrigan Avenue for example is named after J Kerrigan who donated land for Saint Michael’s Monastery.
Despite this early activity Union City remained sparsely populated until the 19th century. The English issued a new charter for Bergen in 1668. Then in 1682 they created Bergen County which included today’s Hudson Bergen and Passaic Counties. This recognition of Bergen’s Dutch roots is notable.
The population of Bergen County’s southeast section increased in the early 1800s. This led to the creation of Hudson County in 1840. Further divisions followed. Old Bergen Township became Jersey City. North Bergen Township was split into numerous municipalities including Hoboken Weehawken Guttenberg and Union City. Union City itself emerged from the merger of two distinct towns Union (Union Hill) and West Hoboken. Their distinct heritages fused creating the rich cultural tapestry of Union City today.
In the 1890s a small area of West Hoboken known as the Dardanelles showcased this diversity. Nineteen nationalities were represented there. Germans were among the first to settle the area that became Union Hill. Immigrants from Switzerland Belgium Italy Ireland Armenia Greece China Poland Syria and Russia followed. This rich influx of people shaped Union City’s character. Today that same cultural diversity is visible on Bergenline Avenue in the vibrant stores and restaurants.
The 20th and 21st centuries saw further waves of immigrants particularly Cubans. The 1950s and 1960s saw a surge of Cuban immigration as people fled Castro’s regime. Many worked in Union City’s factories and embroidery mills. This wave significantly reshaped the city leading to its nickname “Little Havana on the Hudson”. This wave of immigration was augmented by the Mariel boatlift in 1980 adding thousands more Cuban refugees. Their contributions continue to influence Union City’s culture.
Union City boasts numerous houses of worship reflecting its diverse religious community. Many are over a century old admired for their architectural beauty. The former Saint Michael’s Monastery Church (now Hudson Presbyterian Church) is particularly noteworthy. Its octagonal dome laid in 1869 completed in 1875 was a landmark visible for miles.
The artistic spirit of Union City is undeniable. William Ranney Antonio Jacobsen James Buttersworth and Andrew Melrose were prominent artists who lived there. This artistic tradition continues to thrive with an ongoing renaissance and the creation of the Union City Artist Collective. Union City’s embrace of art continues to grow.
Union City a place of remarkable history and vibrant culture. Its past its people and its ongoing transformations make this city a unique and compelling destination.