Harrison, New Jersey
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| Harrison, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| Name | Harrison |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Jersey |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Hudson |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | April 13, 1869 |
| Government type | Faulkner Act (mayor–council) |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | James A. Fife |
| Area total km2 | 3.40 |
| Area land km2 | 2.77 |
| Area water km2 | 0.63 |
| Population total | 19450 |
| Population as of | 2020 United States Census |
| Population density km2 | 7021.7 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 07029 |
| Area code | 973 and 862 |
| Website | www.harrisontownship.org |
Harrison, New Jersey, is a town in Hudson County situated along the western bank of the Passaic River, directly across from Newark. Historically a major industrial center, it has undergone significant redevelopment in the 21st century, transforming its former factory sites into a modern mixed-use district anchored by a major sports venue. The town is governed under the Faulkner Act system and is part of the New York metropolitan area.
History
The area was originally part of New Barbadoes Township and later Lodi Township, with its early development tied to the Morris Canal and the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. Incorporated on April 13, 1869, from portions of Kearny, it was named for William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States. Harrison became a powerhouse of American industry, hosting massive factories for companies like the American Locomotive Company, Alcoa, and the Worthington Pump and Machinery Corporation, earning it the nickname "The Beehive of Industry." The town was a focal point for labor organizing, with significant strikes occurring at the General Cable Corporation and other plants. The post-World War II decline of manufacturing led to decades of economic stagnation before large-scale redevelopment efforts began in the early 2000s.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.40 square kilometers, of which 2.77 square kilometers is land and 0.63 square kilometers is water, primarily from the Passaic River and its tributaries. It borders Kearny to the north and west, East Newark to the south, and is separated from Newark by the Passaic River to the east. The geography is largely flat, characteristic of the New Jersey Meadowlands, and has been extensively reshaped by industrial use and subsequent reclamation projects for new residential and commercial developments.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 19,450, representing significant growth from previous decades due to redevelopment. The population density was approximately 7,022 people per square kilometer. The racial makeup is diverse, with a large Hispanic or Latino community, alongside significant White, Black, and Asian populations. Historically, the town was a first home for many immigrant groups, including large numbers from Italy, Poland, and Hungary, who came to work in its factories.
Economy
Harrison's economy was historically dominated by heavy manufacturing, including locomotive production, aluminum fabrication, and cable manufacturing. The closure of major plants like those of the American Locomotive Company and Alcoa led to a prolonged economic downturn. Since the early 21st century, the economy has been revitalized by a large-scale redevelopment of its riverfront, featuring luxury apartment towers, retail spaces, and corporate offices. A major economic anchor is Red Bull Arena, the home stadium of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, which draws visitors and supports local businesses.
Government
Harrison operates under the Faulkner Act mayor–council system of municipal government, implemented based on a direct petition from voters. The government consists of a Mayor and a five-member Town Council, all elected on a partisan basis. The current mayor is James A. Fife. The town is located in New Jersey's 8th and 9th legislative districts and is part of New Jersey's 8th congressional district.
Education
Public education for students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade is provided by the Harrison Public Schools district. The district comprises four schools: Harrison High School, Harrison Middle School, Washington Elementary School, and Lincoln Elementary School. St. Augustine Preparatory School, a private school, was formerly located in the town. The Hudson County Community College serves the area for higher education.
Transportation
Major roadways serving Harrison include Interstate 280, U.S. Route 1/9 Truck, and New Jersey Route 21. The town is a significant public transportation hub, served by the Harrison station on NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor Line and North Jersey Coast Line, providing direct rail access to Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station. The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) system's Harrison PATH station connects the town to Journal Square, World Trade Center, and 33rd Street in Manhattan. Local bus service is operated by NJ Transit Bus Operations.
Category:Towns in Hudson County, New Jersey Category:Populated places on the Passaic River Category:1869 establishments in New Jersey