The caption accompanying Bich's engraving reads: "Hoboken in New Jersey the, Seat of Mr. John Stevens IS situated upon a prominent rock upon the North River; and commands an extensive view, embracing New-York, Staten Island, Governor’s Island, and the Bay to the Narrows, and on the other hand a perspective of North River”
In March, 1783, Colonel John Stevens, a distinguished engineer and inventor purchased Hobuck Island, for the sum of eighteen thousand three hundred and sixty pounds, and in the following year built a handsome 20 room mansion and called it the Castle. One of the most noted homes of its time, the Steven's Villa received visits from the wealthy and fashionable society of New York City, and indeed of the whole country. In 1804, Colonel Stevens mapped out a part of his land and launched the enterprise under the name of "The New City of Hoboken." Lots were offered at public auction at the Tontine Coffee-House, in the city of New York, and general interest was aroused in a spot which subsequently became the most famous pleasure ground in the United States.
