Why Trenton? (Newark, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy: neighborhoods, airport, suite)

[Black & White]

I know the story of how Trenton became the capital. However, I always thought it was such an inappropriate location: too small, not centrally located, too close to PA.... I think New Brunswick or perhaps Morristown would be better choices.

What city do you think would make a better state capital or do you think Trenton suffices ?

[NEWARK MAGIC]

I would go with New Brunswick.

[Stripes17]

I thought someplace in a centralized area like Woodbridge would be a good area. Many of the states major highways intersect or pass through there, as well as the rails. It's only a short hike to Newark Airport and I would imagine a higher concentration of qualified people for staffing.

[NEWARK MAGIC]

Woodbridge is an interesting choice; I never thought of it as a candidate for NJ state capital but it does make sense. New Brunswick is also centrally located with the Turnpike, Rt. 18, Rt.1, and 287 running through or very close by.

Freehold is another place that is centrally located and better suited than Trenton.

[luckyshoes]

Trenton is a good pick. It's in the middle of North and South and has a lot of history. New Brunswick already has Rutgers.

[Gerania]

I think that it was an excellent choice. It's not far from the geographic center of the state which is Plumsted Township, New Egypt. It was a stop on one of the main roads between Philadelphia and New York: Philadelphia, Trenton, Princeton, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Staten Island.

Being closer to Philadelphia also made a lot of sense. Philly was then the largest city in the US and the nation's capital from 1790 to 1800.

[Kracer]

As stated, it is centrally located and is considered South J by the north and North J by the south.

Perth Amboy was the capital at one time. Access for boats and shipping was a plus in days of yore.

NJ had to deal, partner and do business with NY and PA and in the old days a straight line was the shortest route between the two established capitol cities. Perth Amboy next to NYC and Trenton across from Philly. Delaware and Raritan canal was a major connection from New Bruswick, up river from Perth Amboy to Trenton.

These days, the modern road system layout would make Perth Amboy the ideal location. But who the heck would want a state capitol and all the rundown neighborhoods associated with them? Good that Trenton was chosen and good thing it is far enough away.

[STrapani1105]

Originally Posted by Black & White

I know the story of how Trenton became the capital. However, I always thought it was such an inappropriate location: too small, not centrally located, too close to PA.... I think New Brunswick or perhaps Morristown would be better choices.

What city do you think would make a better state capital or do you think Trenton suffices ?

you think Trenton is too small? it's actually larger than both New Brunswick and Morristown. Morristown isn't that big, the population is less than 20,000.

I like how you're going for cities that were important during the Revolutionary War though.

[VeradoDan]

Also, why would it be all the way up in Morristown? Talk about places that aren't centrally located. Imagine having to drive from Cape May to Morristown to take care of some type of state business. Of course, in a way, it would more accurately reflect the region of the state our Democratic machine favors. I actually think Trenton is a great location - right in the middle, easily accessible from I-195 for those east and the Turnpike for those north, west and south.