About Ewing, NJ & Trenton

About Ewing & Trenton

The College of New Jersey is located in Ewing, about one mile north of the capital city of Trenton. CCE considers Trenton, Ewing, and the wider Mercer County area our home and has a long-standing history with the city of Trenton. Trenton became New Jersey's capital as of November 25, 1790, and the City of Trenton was formed within Trenton Township on November 13, 1792. The first settlement which would become Trenton was established by Quakers in 1679. By 1719, the town adopted the name Trent-towne, after William Trent, one of its leading landholders who purchased much of the surrounding land from Stacy's family. This name later was shortened to Trenton. During the American Revolutionary War, the city was the site of George Washington's first military victory. After the war, Trenton was briefly the national capital of the United States in November and December of 1784.

Currently, Trenton has a population of over 83,000, and is approximately eight square miles. As a former industrial center, Trenton became famous for its steel and ceramic manufacturing. The phrase “Trenton Makes, The World Takes” can be found on the bridge connecting Morrisville, PA to Trenton over the Delaware River. This phrase harkens to this industrial history, such as steel from Trenton being used in the cables on both the Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Trenton is currently home to a large diversity of different cultures. According to the 2020 census, the three largest populations racially and ethnically in Trenton are Hispanic of any race (45%), Black and African American (42%), and White (9%). This diversity has opened the city to be a destination for cultural events and an attraction for foodies discovering the restaurant scene— from a wide variety of downtown eateries to the new Chambersburg which features the culinary arts of many Latin American countries. Trenton’s art scene is exploding. From Art All Night, ArtWorks’ 24-hour community art show, to Jersey Fresh Graffiti jam to Passage Theatre’s awardwinning productions to the Trenton Film Festival. The city is a canvas for those looking for creativity and inspiration. Trenton natives take pride in other products of their city, such as the stunning artwork and music created by local artists, and the resilience of its neighborhoods throughout deindustrialization.