Hoboken
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Jersey City
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Weehawken
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North Bergen
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Bayonne
WEEHAWKEN
From 1799 t o1835, Weehawken, overlooking the Hudson, was notorious for its “infamous dueling ground,” a grassy shelf some 20 feet above the tidewater. The most famous duel to take place there was that between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. A monument can be found in Weehawken on Hamilton Avenue. Just north of the monument, on Boulevard East, is Hamilton Plaza, a popular scenic overlook maintained by the town of Weehawken. A spectacular view of Manhattan can be seen from here. Awareness of Weehawken as a viewing spot goes back the the 18th century when it was once a resort town, occupied by estates, beer gardens and large Adirondack-style wooden hotels. Ferry service ran from NY and elevators carried visitors up to the buildings on the cliff.
The Hackensack Water Company’s brick tower dating from 1883 is all that remains of a large complex where the Tower Plaza Mall now sits. Modeled on the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, the 175 foot tower formerly held the water company’s offices in its base and a 150,000 gallon water tank at its top; it is listed in the navigation guides for river boats and blimps.
A 600-seat restaurant has been built on one of the no-longer active piers. Ferry service to New York City was restored in 1986 and various plans are underway to develop the entire waterfront area.
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