While beer gardens and fireworks attracted revelers to Hoboken's River Walkway, the scenic countryside called out to such literary, artistic and society figures as John Jacob Astor, Washington Irving and William Cullen Bryant. John Stevens, a prominent Hoboken native, built the country's first steam locomotive in 1824.
Hoboken Historical Museum , 1301 Hudson St., offers changing exhibits, activities and events and a self-guiding walking tour of historic buildings and homes; phone (201) 656-2240.