Hub City: New Brunswick's Historical Crossroads

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is known as Hub City due to its history as a bustling centre of trade in the early nineteenth century. During this period, the city was transformed into a hub of economic activity, with the slave trade becoming a part of larger commercial enterprises in the area. New Brunswick's status as a hub city is also reflected in its dense population, with 55,266 residents within 5.8 sq. miles, making it one of the most densely populated areas in Central New Jersey.

New Brunswick's history of slavery

New Brunswick, a "hub" for trade and commerce during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, also had a history of slavery. While not as prevalent or well-known as in other regions, the enslavement of Black people did occur in New Brunswick, and the international and interstate slave trade grew into a part of the larger commercial enterprises in the area.

During this period, slave advertisements were commonly found in the city's newspapers, and enslaved people were used as house servants or errand runners. New Brunswick's large Black population during the mid-nineteenth century also made it a valuable refuge for runaways and a hotspot for slave hunters. The city's location along the Raritan River, between the port cities of New York and Philadelphia, made it a popular place for the slave trade.

Slavery in New Brunswick was characterised by blurred lines between freedom and enslavement, with enslaved individuals moving between rural and urban landscapes and performing a variety of jobs. The Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery in New Jersey changed the ways in which the slave trading industry operated and the futures of the enslaved in the region.

New Brunswick also had a significant presence of free Black communities, including the Black Settlement Burial Ground in Willow Grove and St. Peter's Anglican Church in Fredericton, constructed in 1837 by the local Black community, including former slaves and their descendants.

The arrival of the Loyalists, who remained faithful to the British Crown and relocated to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick after the American Revolution, marked a surge in slavery in New Brunswick. Among these Loyalists were several thousand Black individuals, including enslaved people, indentured servants, free Blacks, and Black Loyalists. Ownership of slaves was not uncommon among Loyalist officers, and prominent individuals who were slave owners included Gabriel G. Ludlow, Saint John's first mayor, and Colonel Edward Winslow, a member of New Brunswick's Executive Council.

Population density

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is often referred to as "Hub City". Although it may seem that New Brunswick has a small population relative to other cities, its high population density makes it one of the most densely populated areas in Central New Jersey. With an official population of 55,266, the city only occupies 5.8 square miles, resulting in a concentrated population.

New Brunswick's population density can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the city is home to a large number of undocumented immigrants and college students, who may not be included in the official data. The presence of Rutgers University, with its main campus and several other campuses in the city, significantly contributes to the population density. The areas surrounding the university campuses, particularly the College Avenue Campus and the Downtown Campus, are popular residential choices for students, creating dense neighbourhoods.

The city's status as the county seat of government and its position as a bustling centre of trade throughout history have also played a role in attracting residents. New Brunswick's downtown area has undergone intense development, expanding from Somerset Street to neighbourhoods between Morris Street and Paul Robeson Avenue. This development has included the construction of numerous apartment buildings, further increasing the population density.

In addition, New Brunswick's location along the Raritan River and its proximity to other major cities, such as New York City, have made it an attractive place to live. The city is well-connected, with state highways and rail lines passing through it, making it accessible to those commuting for work or education.

The population density in New Brunswick has led to a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its unique characteristics, architectural styles, and businesses. The city's political subdivisions, known as wards, encompass a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, contributing to the dense and vibrant community that defines Hub City.

Immigration

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a hub of immigration, with a diverse population that includes thousands of undocumented immigrants and international students. The city's proximity to Rutgers University, which has a large international student population, contributes to its status as a hub for new arrivals.

New Brunswick's history as a centre of trade and transport also played a role in shaping its immigrant population. In the early nineteenth century, the city was a bustling trade centre, and the slave trade was a part of its commercial enterprises. Enslaved individuals moved between rural and urban areas, performing a variety of jobs, and their circumstances were influenced by the conflicting ideologies surrounding slavery held by powerful individuals and organisations in New Jersey.

Today, New Brunswick is home to a large Hispanic community, with immigrants from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and other nations. The city's neighbourhoods are rich in cultural diversity, with historic architecture and unique businesses. The area near Rutgers University, in particular, is characterised by a large number of young people living independently, many for the first time.

New Brunswick's status as an immigration hub is further evidenced by its population density. Despite having a relatively small population of around 55,000, the city's 5.8 sq. miles make it one of the most densely populated areas in Central New Jersey. This density, combined with its cultural attractions and educational institutions, makes New Brunswick a vibrant and dynamic place.

Rutgers University

The university is situated in central New Jersey, near New York City and Philadelphia, and is home to five campuses across New Brunswick and Piscataway. These campuses offer a diverse range of environments, from bustling urban settings to tree-lined, collegiate campuses. The Raritan River divides the large campus, and a free intercampus bus service connects the various locations. Students can enjoy a mix of eateries, housing, and academic spaces, as well as recreational and wellness opportunities.

The university upholds values of academic excellence, accessibility, affordability, and community engagement. It offers financial aid programs such as the Scarlet Guarantee, which helps make college more accessible and affordable for students. Rutgers University–New Brunswick is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful culture, providing a range of student support services, and contributing to the betterment of society through its educational and research endeavours.

Johnson & Johnson's headquarters

Johnson & Johnson's world headquarters are located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, US. The address is One Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08933. The company has been in operation for over 130 years and is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare company, with over 130,000 employees worldwide.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to improving access to healthcare and making it more affordable. The company strives to create healthier communities and make physical and mental well-being accessible to everyone, everywhere. To achieve this, the company blends heart, science, and ingenuity to redefine healthcare and profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity.

The Johnson Hall Clock Tower is a notable feature of the headquarters. It raises awareness of global health-related observances and their significance to the company. The tower is lit in different colours to mark various initiatives and important dates. For example, it was lit in rainbow colours for Pride Month and in red, white, and blue to commemorate Veterans Day in 2021.

New Brunswick, also known as Hub City, has a history of slavery in the early nineteenth century. It was a bustling centre of trade, with the slave trade being a significant part of the larger commercial enterprises in the area. Enslaved individuals moved between rural and urban areas, performing various jobs, and lived in a blurred state of freedom and enslavement.

Today, New Brunswick is a thriving community with various restaurants, nightlife, parks, and cultural initiatives. Hub City Soles, a local business selling sneakers, apparel, and accessories, is an example of a community-focused small business contributing to the culture of New Brunswick.

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