Chambersburg, Trenton, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chambersburg
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Chambersburg Station post office on Broad Street
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 Chambersburg
Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
Chambersburg
Location in New Jersey
Chambersburg
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Mercer |
| City | Trenton |
| Named for | Robert Chambers |
Chambersburg is a lively neighborhood in Trenton, a city in New Jersey. It's part of Mercer County. For a short time, from 1872 to 1888, Chambersburg was its own town.
The neighborhood got its name from Robert Chambers. He was one of the people who helped start the area. His family is remembered by Chambers Street, a local road. Robert Chambers passed away in 1865. This was just before Chambersburg became its own official town.
Chambersburg officially became a borough on April 2, 1872. This happened through a special law from the New Jersey Legislature. It was formed from parts of Hamilton Township. Later, on March 27, 1874, it was renamed the Borough of Chambersburg Township. Finally, on May 1, 1888, Chambersburg joined the city of Trenton.
Chambersburg is also famous in books! It's the home of Stephanie Plum. She is a fictional bounty hunter character. Author Janet Evanovich created her. Many of Stephanie Plum's adventures happen in "The 'Burg."
Contents
Chambersburg's Industrial Past
Chambersburg has a rich history of industry. John A. Roebling started his wire-making company here in 1849. He was the famous engineer who built the Brooklyn Bridge. His company was located along the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Today, this area is covered by Route 129.
Roebling's Legacy in Trenton
Under the leadership of Roebling's sons, the company grew very large. It became Trenton's biggest employer. They had a huge factory complex in western Chambersburg. The factory stopped working in 1974. Some parts of the complex have been reused for new purposes. Other parts are waiting to be redeveloped.
Two sections of the Roebling complex are very important. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are the Roebling Machine Shop and John A. Roebling's Sons Company, Trenton N.J., Block 3.
A Changing Community
For most of the 1900s, Chambersburg was known as Trenton's "Italian section." It had many family-owned Italian businesses. These included restaurants, bakeries, butchers, and grocery stores. Every year, a special event called the Feast of Lights was held there.
New Neighbors in the 'Burg
Over time, the Italian immigrants who shaped the neighborhood grew older. Their children and grandchildren moved to other areas. Many of the Italian businesses eventually closed down.
Since then, many new immigrants have moved to Chambersburg. Today, it has Trenton's largest Latino community. Many people come from countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. The number of Puerto Rican residents has gone down a bit. However, they are still an important part of Chambersburg.
Current Local Spots
Today, some important places in Chambersburg include St. Francis Medical Center. There is also Columbus Park and Immaculate Conception Church.
You can still find parts of the Italian community. Places like Panorama Musicale and Italian Peoples Bakery are still open. Our Lady of the Angels Parish was once the Italian church of St. Joachim's. It was renamed in 2005. This "Little Italy" part of Trenton has also seen new Italian restaurants open recently.
Gallery
- National Register of Historic Places Sites
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In and Out Social Club, founded 1889 for "social, intellectual, and recreative purposes."
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The Roebling Machine Shop, oldest building in the Roebling complex, now a museum space
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John A. Roebling's Sons Company, Trenton N.J., Block 3, once produced wire for bridges nationwide including the Golden Gate Bridge. Slated for conversion to lofts and commercial space
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The Henry Clay and Bock & Co. Ltd. Cigar Factory, now apartments
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The American Cigar Company building, converted to lofts
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