How much do you really know about Hoboken? Founded in 1630 after being purchased for half a barrel of beer, 12 kettles, 6 guns and a few other treasured items, Hoboken has accrued a rich history with some impressive Hollywood ties, sports facts and inventions. So here it goes:

Hoboken was originally an island (seriously). It was surrounded by the Hudson River.

The first organized baseball game was played in Hoboken in 1846 (New York Nine vs. Knickerboxers).

The zipper was invented here by Automatic Hook & Eye Co. Could you imagine life without them?

Eli Manning, the quarterback for the NY Giants lives in Hoboken, NJ. Check out his rap skills here







Justin Timberlake filmed a commercial at Maxwell’s in 2013.

The legendary crooner Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken in 1915 on Monroe St.

An Acadamey Award winning film, “On the Waterfront” was shot entirely in Hoboken.

For 43 years the floats for the Macy’s Day Parade were stored in North Hoboken, in a former tootsie roll factory.

Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana, The Black Keys & many others



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EDITS MADE: Timeline for the Macy’s day parade floats was updated. Thanks Mental Floss!