Jersey City New Jersey

The Central of New Jersey Station

For many years this structure, originally built in 1889 to replace an earlier out-dated one, meant for many people, the beginning of not just a train trip, but a whole new life. This was the closest rail station to Ellis Island, the first destination for so many immigrants into the United States during the latter half of the 19th century. This station was so close, it could be seen from the north-facing windows of the facility.

This station saw not only Central of New Jersey trains, it also saw the "Royal Blue Line" trains of the Baltimore and Ohio. And there-in lies the problem. Because unlike the Pennsylvania, the Baltimore and Ohio did not go into New York. It stopped here, and you had to make a bus/ferry connection to get into downtown New York. During World War I and up until 1926 an exception was made and the B&O came into Penn Station. But then the exception was ended and the B&O came back to Jersey City.

And that was too much for many people. And so, while the Pennsylvania struggled to hold onto the New York Passenger Train market, the Baltimore and Ohio finally gave up.


Today, the station is part of Liberty State Park. It has a small exhibit about its role in the Ellis Island Operation. It also is one of two places where you can catch the ferry boat out to Ellis Island, and to the Statue of Liberty (Battery Park on the tip of Manhattan is the other place). Because it is not as well known, it does not appear to be as busy as the Manhattan stop, so if you want to visit Ellis or the Statue, this might be your best bet.


There is also a Science Museum at the entrance to the park. It has been recently remodeled.


All of this can be reached by using the Jersey City Light Rail Line (you can get it at the old Lackawanna Station in Hoboken which is now called "Exchange Place", and then use a shuttle bus.


The Station is obviously in good condition both inside and out. The authentic Bush Train shed out back, alas, is in a very advanced state of decay. I expect before too long they will either have to do a major renovation, or tear it down out of a concern for the safety of the visitors.