[24] Originally settled by the Lenape (Delaware) Native Americans, a 150,000-acre (230 sq mi; 610 km2) area around Lambertville was acquired for 700 Pounds by the Council of West Jersey and divided into smaller plots.

The earliest European settler in present-day Lambertville was John Holcombe, who purchased a lot and built a stone home in 1744.

He received a charter to operate a ferry connecting what is now Lambertville and New Hope, and opened a tavern and inn to host travelers stopping halfway along the route between New York City and Philadelphia.

During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington and his colonial forces twice camped at the home John Holcombe built in 1744.

[21] During the construction, an epidemic of cholera broke out in 1832 and dozens of men were buried along the banks of the canal and the Delaware.

[25] Lambertville was originally incorporated as a town by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 1, 1849, from portions of West Amwell Township.

[26] In the 19th century, due to its proximity to the canal and the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, Lambertville became a factory town.

After the introduction of motorized vehicles made the canal obsolete, the factories began shutting down.

[27] Starting in the early 1980s, with pioneers including the Jonsdottir art gallery, Hamilton Grill and the Lambertville Station eatery (a hotel soon followed), the city began to attract artists and other creative types.

[28] Lambertville is also largely noted for its socially progressive culture, similar to the neighboring city of New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Sections of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park are in the city, including trails and bridges.

As of 2023[update], Lambertville's mayor is Democrat Andrew J. Nowick, whose term of office ends December 31, 2024.

Members of the city council are Bendetta Lambert (D, 2023), Karen Kominsky (D, 2025), Evan Lide (D, 2025) and Steven Stegman (D, 2023).

[55] In November 2018, the city council appointed Julia Taylor to fill the seat expiring in December 2019 that became vacant following the resignation the previous month of Steven M. Stegman, who left office to focus on family issues.

[58] On January 19, 2021, the Borough of Flemington canceled the service agreement to share Business Administrators with Lambertville.

[61][62][63] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).

[81][82] In the 2008 presidential election, Obama received 71.1% of the vote (1,744), ahead of Republican John McCain's 26.8% (658) and other candidates' 1.4% (35), among the 2,453 ballots cast by the city's 3,099 registered voters, for a turnout of 79.2%.

[83] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 68.1% of the vote (1,495), outpolling Republican George W. Bush's 30.8% (677) and other candidates' 0.5% (15), among the 2,195 ballots cast by the city's 2,738 registered voters, for a turnout of 80.2%.

[86][87] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 59.5% of the vote (1,068), ahead of Christie's 31.2% (560), Independent Chris Daggett's 6.6% (118) and other candidates' 0.7% (12), among the 1,795 ballots cast by the city's 3,036 registered voters, yielding a 59.1% turnout.

[95] The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission operates the toll-free New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported Bridge which stretches 1,053 feet (321 m) across the Delaware River, connecting PA 179 in New Hope, Pennsylvania, with NJ 179.

[96] The South Hunterdon Regional School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from Lambertville, Stockton and West Amwell Township.

The executive county superintendent appointed an interim board of education for the new regional district, which was responsible for implementing the merger.

[109] Before the creation of the South Hunterdon district, students had attended Lambertville High School, which was constructed in 1854 and closed in September 1960, and has since been the subject of various legends described in Weird NJ.

Lambertville is well-known as having a gay friendly vibe, along with its neighboring community of New Hope, Pennsylvania, situated across the Delaware River.

[24] Lambertville is known for an array of dining opportunities, ranging from casual family-owned to eclectic and upscale options.

[115] The Lambertville City Hall, originally known as the A. H. Holcombe House, is part of the historic district.