Downtown Jersey City in Hudson County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
William Mercado
El Piraguero #1
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 28, 2026
1. William Mercado Marker
William was born September 10, 1969. One of eight (8) children, William built his first piragua (snow cone) cart at the age of nine to become the youngest entrepreneur in Jersey Citys history. He served downtown for over fifteen years on hot summer days.
He successfully began his own company and started a deal which sold various types of merchandise, and every New Years Eve sold hats and horns. William also became a licensed real estate agent, a notary public and avid scuba diver. His steadfast vision and commitment to the downtown business area was a great inspiration to many. William felt that anyone could accomplish whatever he or she sets out to be. The tragic passing of William on November 2, 1994 left a void in the hearts of many. He will always be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Erected by The City of Jersey City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 40° 43.286′ N, 74° 2.762′ W. Marker is in Jersey City, New Jersey, in Hudson County. It is in Downtown Jersey City. It is at the intersection of Newark Avenue (County Route 639) and Jersey Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Newark Avenue
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Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Van Vorst Park (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Van Vorst Park (approx. Ό mile away); Jose Protacio Rizal (approx. Ό mile away); Knights of Rizal (approx. Ό mile away); Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Holy Rosary Church Bronze Bells (approx. 0.4 miles away); Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jersey City.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 28, 2026
2. William Mercado Marker
The plaza is dedicated to William Mercado, El Piraguero #1.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 14, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
