Uncovering the History of Union Square, NJ

The personal injury lawyers in Union Square, NJ, at Garden State Justice Group, have provided the following details on the area.

Union Square

The historic Union Square is located within the Peterstown neighborhood of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The area is just over six miles south of Newark and 4.4 miles from the Newark Liberty International Airport. Atlantic and South Spring Street create the area's borders.

History

The area was initially owned by the Peters family, headed by John and George. The area was home to many German immigrants but by the 1920s became a mix of German and Italians.

Elizabeth Avenue is one of the oldest streets in the United States. Union Square anchors this street, and a Minuteman Statue was placed in the square to commemorate the battle of 1780. During this battle, 5,000 British soldiers arrived in Port Elizabeth and marched west through the area down Elizabeth Avenue to attack General George Washington and his army. With only 15 men defending Union Square, the British were delayed until Washington's Continental Army could drive them out of the state, preventing them from taking control.

North Jersey Mafia

The area was once home to the Italian-American crime family, the DeCavalcantes. During the Prohibition era, several organized crime families were in the area, including:

• the Newark Family - led by Gaspare D'Amicok
• the Elizabeth Family - led by Stefano Badami
• the DeCavalcante Family - led by Simone DeCavalcante or "Sam the Plumber."

The family would become known for the many crimes they committed in the extended area, including the following:

• illegal transporting of alcohol
• operating gambling facility
• extortion
• loansharking
• at least seven murders and 14 murder conspiracies

The criminal organization behind the family began in 1964, and although many involved have been imprisoned, they are believed to still be in operation.

Neighborhood

The neighborhood is mainly low-income, with most residents holding manufacturing careers. The occupational makeup of the residents is the following:

• 50.3% manufacturing and laborer
• 24.7% sales and service
• 12.6% assistant and tech support
• 12.4% executive and management

Home costs in the area are pricier than 53.9% of other New Jersey neighborhoods averaging $393,747. On the other hand, Rent is lower than 78.6% of other neighborhoods in the state, averaging $1,834 per month. The majority of the inhabitants rent due to the overpricing of the homes.

Demographics

As many as 56% of Union Square's population were born outside of the United States. Spanish is spoken by 79.8% of the households, and 3.8% speak Portuguese.

• 27.2% South American
• 12.5% Dominican
• 12.3% Puerto Rican
• 4.9% Mexican
• 4.8% Cuban

Continue Reading: Discovering Elmora, NJ

Our Local Office

Our experienced Union Square, NJ personal injury lawyers at Garden State Justice Group will work to get the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.

Garden State Justice Group
1114 Elizabeth Ave #6
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
(908) 442-8395