Ferry Street (Newark)

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Ferry Street is a major street in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey. It is also nicknamed Portugal Avenue for its cultural background and the shops that are located on the street. It is similar to Broad Street, which is another highly populated and business-oriented street in Newark.

Ferry Street was named after the ferry that would travel between Newark and points east. In 1849, "The Newark Plank Road Company" was hired to fix the road with planks to provide a smoother form of travel. Ferry Street was then changed to "Plank Road." It was not completed within the fifty year charter that it was given to accomplish the work. A legal dispute occurred and the Hudson County section changed "Plank Road" to the Lincoln Highway while the Essex County section was changed back to "Ferry Street."

Today, Ferry Street is the home to many small business owners. Some of these small businesses have been running since the 1930s. Restaurants, mini markets, and clothing stores are some of the types of businesses that offer their goods to the consumers. Ferry Street is the location for the Portuguese festival during the month of June. During Portugal Day Weekend, many people come out to celebrate the Portuguese-American culture. Ferry Street is also the location for most soccer fans to come and celebrate. Fans walk up and down the street while others decorate their cars and celebrate the victory of their soccer team. The night life is also of interest while people attend some of the bars that are located along the strip. Ferry Street is still well known throughout northern New Jersey and adds to Newark's popularity.