Paulus Hook Park consists of four pocket parks at the intersection of Grand and Washington Streets. It was once the vibrant social hub Jersey City’s oldest neighborhood.  The park was part of the original plot plans for the neighborhood laid out by Washington Associates.  The park appears in the 1804 Mangin Map of Paulus Hook, where it was depicted as a large public square.  

What we know today as Paulus Hook was a tidal swamp; the geographical high point was, and still is, the park.  During the Revolutionary War the British held the fort that was located near the park.  The Battle of Paulus Hook, in which an American force, led by Major Henry Lee overtook the fort occurred at the fort.  In the 19th century, the Paulus Hook neighborhood developed as a result of the robust trade associated with the waterfront, the growth of railroad and canal networks, and the establishment of major factories in the area.  The park appeared in maps throughout this period when it was known as Washington Square Park.

To commemorate the Battle of Paulus Hook the Daughters of the American Revolution erected an obelisk in 1903 at the center of the intersection of Grand and Washington Streets.  As early as 1919 maps indicate a playground at the southwest quadrant of the park, and PS 16 was built adjacent to it in the 1920s.

Auto traffic made the obelisk difficult to maintain; it was removed in 1936.  Photos from the mid-20^th century show boxing matches and other activities in the park.  The general configuration of the park as it exists today was established from 1975-78 when Jersey City renovated the park.  Additionally, the Paulus Hook Historic District, established in 1982, incorporated the park within its boundaries.  Interest in bringing the obelisk back to the Park grew in the 1970s and under leadership of Joe Duffy, HPHA founder and community activist, a new obelisk was erected in 1985 in the southeast corner of the park. In 1974 the Historic Paulus Hook Association (HPHA) was formed, incorporating within its mission promoting and advocating for open space.  However, the 1970 and 1980s were a difficult period for the neighborhood and as a result the park was fenced and gated.  Since its formation, and like many neighborhood associations in Jersey City, the HPHA has helped maintain its neighborhood park, Paulus Hook Park, by cleaning, planting and alerting the City to maintenance needs.

In 2017 the HPHA formed a relationship with the Exchange Place Alliance, which did some renovations in the park, added play equipment to the southwest corner and now maintains Paulus Hook Park.

The Historic Paulus Hook Association (HPHA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since its founding in 1974, the HPHA's goal has been to promote the common good of area residents while improving quality of life and advocating for open space, historic preservation, and responsible development in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of downtown Jersey City. We actively support local recycling efforts, work with local businesses to create and run community events, and engage in negotiations with local construction to ensure residents' lives have limited disruption. We are committed to making Paulus Hook a safe environment for our families and pets.

Non-members and guests are welcome to attend all general meetings, so please come join us! General meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm. Meetings typically take place in the Community Room at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church located at 109 Grand St. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, all live meetings are postponed and we will instead by meeting virtually. Links to our meetings and news about our events are posted on our website and on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds.

To be a member of the HPHA, an individual must be over 18 years of age and a resident, property owner, or business owner within the boundaries of our neighborhood, which are shown in the map below. Annual membership dues are $10 for individuals, and $100 for businesses. Visit our "Business" section to see the businesses we work with, and be on the lookout for storefronts with the HPHA decal in their window. Help us support the local businesses that help support our community!

 PAULUS HOOK NEIGHBORHOOD