More on the Ironbound
Neighborhoods: East Ward
The East Ward has an approximate population of 54,570 residents which comprise what could be a sizable city that shares a common bond: the enrichment of a compact neighborhood, by the Portuguese, and Spanish. This section of Newark also shares its neighborhoods with German, Irish, Italian, Polish, Jewish, Slavic and Lithuanian cultures. This ward is broken into three neighborhoods, Ironbound, Dayton and the Downtown section. Ironbound got its name from the fact that it is bounded by iron rails that still remain from when the train was king of transportation.
The largest ethnic group is Portuguese, with some 18,000 or just less than 40 percent of the population. Those of Spanish origin make up about 15 percent with Puerto Ricans comprising of 10 percent and Cubans 5 percent.
The Ironbound is known throughout the metropolitan region for its fine restaurants serving Portguese and Spanish cuisine.
The Ironbound Community Corporation was founded in 1969 by community residents to assist neighborhood people in developing community based programs. The Ironbound Educational & Cultural Center is the force behind New Jersey’s first multi-ethnic heritage museum and theatre.
The East Ward is comprised of 13 public schools, 2 Universities, 3 police stations, 7 fire stations, 2 library branches, 3 daycare centers and 1 hospital.
via The City of Newark: East Ward
Whenever I read or hear about the population of the Ironbound it is always around 50,000 people. I honestly think that the number is very, very low. In my opinion, it seems like the number should be more like 100,000. I am planning a trip downtown to the Chamber of Commerce to find more demographic data on this side of Newark. I will keep you updated.
The piece above should also be updated to include the Brazilian population. What are your thoughts?
