In the 1700's the location that was eventually Lambertville was merely the end of the York Road on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. To continue the route to its intended destination of Philadelphia, ferry service was provided by a succession of ferry operators, each of whom gave his name to the spot. Eventually Emanuel Coryell gave the name "Coryells's Ferry" to this important transportation hub. In 1814 the name became Lambertville, honoring John Lambert, a local resident who was a U.S. Senator and Acting Governor of New Jersey
Lambertville's importance blossomed in 1834 when the Delaware and Raritan Canal was completed. With the addition of the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, Lambertville became a factory town with a wide range of products. When the canal became obsolete, the period of prosperity waned. Some manufacturing and the railroad continued into the 1970s.
The canal was dug by four thousand Irish immigrants with pick and shovel. A cholera epidemic killed dozens of men who were buried along the banks of the canal and the river.
Today Lambertville is a thriving, charming community of shops, restaurants, businesses, art galleries and many historic homes. With its New Hope neighbor across the bridge, the area has become a top tourist destination and is lively every weekend and most nights, especially with such events as the Lambertville-New Hope Winter festival, summer fireworks, and much more. Events in the Lambertville area can be seen here.
The Lambertville Historical Society is an excellent source of information on the history of Lambertville and surrounding parts of Hunterdon County. It also includes a comprehensive list of local historical resources and organizations.
Another superb historical source is Goodspeed Histories, a website devoted to New Jersey History and Genealogy. The website and blog are run by Marfy Goodspeed, who has researched Hunterdon County families since 1981 when she started her house history business. Of particular interest was her presentation A Lambertville House History at the Lambertville Historical Society in February 2019.
