Chinatown, Newark, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newark Chinatown
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Neighborhood of Newark
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Essex County |
| City | Newark |
| ZIP Code |
07102
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| Area code(s) | 973 |
Chinatown was a special neighborhood in Newark, a city in New Jersey. It was a place where many Chinese immigrants lived and worked. This community was mainly found along Mulberry Street. It started around 1875 and lasted for almost 100 years.
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Exploring Newark's Chinatown History
This neighborhood was located just east of the city's main government buildings. It was centered around Mulberry Street, between Elm and Lafayette Streets. The first Chinese people in Newark came from a nearby town called Belleville. Belleville had the very first Chinese community on the East Coast of the United States.
When Did Chinatown Begin?
Chinese businesses started appearing in Newark in the late 1800s. More businesses opened in the early 1900s. By the 1920s, this small area had grown. Over 3,000 Chinese people lived there.
What Was Mulberry Arcade?
In 1910, a special lane was built. It had homes and shops and was called Mulberry Arcade. This arcade connected Mulberry Street and Columbia Street. It was located between Lafayette and Green Streets. Mulberry Arcade was like the heart of Chinatown.
What Happened to Chinatown?
The Mulberry Arcade was taken down in the 1950s. Today, there are very few signs that a Chinatown ever existed there. Only a small number of Chinese people still live in the area. You can find a Chinese restaurant on Lafayette Street. Another one is on Green Street.
Sumei Multidisciplinary Arts Center
Nearby, on Liberty Street, is the Sumei Multidisciplinary Arts Center. It is in an old factory building that was once part of the Chinatown neighborhood. This center shows art from many different cultures around the world. It helps keep the spirit of diverse communities alive in Newark.
