Iron and steel manufacturing began in the Trenton area around the mid 1700s, providing armament for the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
It was not until 1847 that the Trenton Iron Company (founded by Peter Cooper and his son, Edward, and Abram Hewitt) was functioning, and included a wire mill on Hamilton and South Broad Streets.
In 1831 John A. Roebling migrated from Germany, moving to Trenton in about 1848, when he purchased some acres of land on South Broad Street where his new wire plant would be located.
His main focus was in producing wire for the telegraph, telephones, electric power lines, the newly invented elevator by the Otis brothers and the massive twisted cable for suspension bridges, the most famous being the Brooklyn Bridge, which he did not live to see completed in 1883.
The WIRE ROPE DISTRICT occupies the area immediately surrounding the now defunct John A. Roebling's Sons Company complex. It borders
the Chambersberg Italian District, famous for its fine Continental and American cuisine, on the east
the East State Street Redevelopment District, on the south
the Mill Hill District and the Capital South District on the north, and
the Riverfront District along the Delaware River on the west
comprising the area between South Broad Street, Hamilton Avenue, South Clinton Avenue and Dye Street, roughly an eight block parcel of land which was the site of some 44 Roebling industry buildings.
It is now the hub of a major area redevelopment effort, retaining as much of its vintage mileau and charm, yet in a somewhat more modern setting.
The New Wire Rope District
[to be continued]
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