National Register Listings in
Passaic County, New Jersey

Ailsa Farms Arch Street Bridge over the Passaic River Aycrigg Mansion Belle Vista Botany Worsted Mills Historic District Botto, Pietro, House Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Clinton Furnace Cooke, Frederick William, Residence Danforth Memorial Library Dey Mansion Dundee Canal Industrial Historic District Eastside Park Historic District Ferguson, John W., House Goffle Brook Park Great Falls of Paterson/S.U.M. Historic District Great Falls of the Passaic and Society for Useful Manufactures Historic District (Boundary Increase) Hinchliffe Stadium Kossuth Street School Long Pond Ironworks Passaic County Court House and United States Custom House and Post Office Historic District Passaic Elks Club Paterson City Hall Paterson Downtown Commercial Historic District People's Bank and Trust Company Building Public School Number Two Rea, John W., House Reinhardt Mills Ringwood Manor Schuyler-Colfax House Skylands Speer, Reynier, House St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church Straight Street Bridge over the Passaic River Thompson, Daniel, and Ryle, John, Houses U.S. Animal Quarantine Station Van Riper-Hopper House Vreeland, John and Anna, House Westside Park
The Miss America Pageant, one of the most famous beauty pageants in the world, was first held in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1921. The pageant has been held in Atlantic City almost every year since then, except for a few years during World War II.
New Jersey random facts
Passaic County, located in the northeastern part of New Jersey, has a rich and diverse history that spans over several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Lenape, who lived off the land and established small settlements along the Passaic River.

The European colonization of the region began in the 17th century when Dutch and English settlers arrived in search of land and trade opportunities. In 1678, the Dutch West India Company obtained nearly all of present-day Passaic County from the Lenape tribes in a land purchase known as the New Barbadoes Tract. The area quickly developed as farmers settled in the fertile valleys, establishing towns and villages.

The Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century brought significant changes to Passaic County. The abundant water power provided by the Passaic River and its tributaries attracted industries such as textile mills, ironworks, and locomotive manufacturing. Cities like Paterson, known as the "Silk City," became centers of industrial production and attracted a wave of immigrant workers from around the world.

Throughout the 20th century, Passaic County continued to grow and evolve. It witnessed significant social and cultural transformations, with the arrival of new immigrant groups and the development of diverse communities. The county also played a role in important historical events, such as the labor movements of the early 1900s and the civil rights struggles of the 1960s.

Today, Passaic County is a vibrant and diverse region, with a mix of urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and natural landscapes. It is home to a range of industries, educational institutions, and cultural amenities. The county's rich history is evident in its historic sites, museums, and landmarks, reminding visitors and residents alike of the region's past and its contributions to New Jersey's history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Passaic County, New Jersey.

  • 1694 - Passaic County officially established as a county in the Province of East Jersey.
  • 1751 - The first courthouse is constructed in Acquackanonk, which is now known as Passaic.
  • 1782 - The Great Falls of the Passaic River are harnessed to power Paterson's industrial growth.
  • 1791 - The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (SUM) is formed, leading to the development of the city of Paterson.
  • 1837 - The railroads reach Paterson, stimulating further industrialization and growth.
  • 1861-1865 - Passaic County plays a prominent role in supplying troops and munitions during the American Civil War.
  • 1871 - The city of Passaic is established as a separate municipality within the county.
  • 1917 - The United States enters World War I, leading to increased industrial production in Passaic County.
  • 1926 - The town of West Milford secedes from Passaic County to become part of Passaic County.
  • 1957 - The Garden State Parkway opens, providing increased access and transportation options for Passaic County residents.
  • 1971 - The Passaic County Community College is established to provide affordable higher education opportunities to residents.
  • 1992 - The Paterson Museum is designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance in preserving the industrial history of the region.
  • 2005 - The city of Paterson celebrates its 200th anniversary.