The city of Elizabeth, New Jersey is situated in the states Union County. Presently, the city has a population approaching 125,000 residents, based on the newest 2010 census. By population numbers, it is the fourth biggest city in New Jersey. From the 2000 Census population of approximately 120,600 there was an increase of 4,401 people or approximately 3.7% by the year 2010.
Popular Science Magazine named the city of Elizabeth among the "50 Greenest Cities in the USA" in the year 2008. It was the only New Jersey city to be selected.
When the town was first settled in 1664 by its English settlers, the community was officially known as Elizabethtown. The name was chosen to honor the wife of noted colonial proprietor, Sir George Carteret. Elizabeth was the first capital of the state of New jersey. Officially, the name changed to become Elizabeth during the year 1855 upon its incorporation.
Singer Sewing Machine Company was the very first major business in the area and they hired thousands of individuals. The city of Elizabeth has seen a substantial growth in its transportation facilities ever since World War II. The Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, often known as Port Elizabeth, has become the main container ship facility serving North America's northeastern quadrant. Furthermore, it is among the world's busiest ports.
Within Midtown Elizabeth, there are over a dozen historical sites and landmarks, and in recent years, the Elizabeth Public Library has undergone significant upgrades. The structure was in fact a gift from Andrew Carnegie, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Boxwood Hall is one more historic place. This was the former home of Jonathan Dayton, the youngest person to sign the Constitution as well as the home of Elias Boudinot, President of the Continental Congress. Amongst the oldest and biggest operating theatres in the state is the historic Ritz Theatre. This incredible structure dates back to the year 1926 and has much history attached.
Called the Belcher Ogden Mansion, the former home of Royal Governor Jonathan Belcher is situated close by. It represents the last of the original Royal Governor's mansions within the nation. There are numerous parades and annual festivals which celebrate the ethnic diversity of the city of Elizabeth. For example, the Elizabeth Latin Carnival is held at the beginning of the month of September on an annual basis and brings hundreds of thousands of tourists. Other popular events consist of Portugal day, the Pride day in the Port, Unity Day and Julyfest. The annual Tour De Elizabeth is held every Sunday before Memorial Day and it is a bike tour of the entire city of Elizabeth.
The Newark Liberty International Airport is an extremely busy place and parts of it are actually within the city of Elizabeth. The city likewise features the popular Jersey Gardens outlet mall, Little Jimmy's Italian Ices since the year 1932, the Elizabeth Center and Loews Theatre. All of these ventures bring millions in revenue each and every year.
The Bayway Refinery makes its home in Linden and Elizabeth. This is a ConocoPhillips refining facility which produces approximately 37,000m3 or 230,000 barrels each and every day, supplying petroleum based products to the New York/New Jersey regions.