Historical Markers in
Passaic County, New Jersey

9-11 Memorial A Soldier’s Lifeline! Abraham Godwin Acquackanonk Bridge Acquacknonk Bridge Alexander Hamilton American Encampment American Labor Museum Bartholf Homestead Battleship Maine Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Bloomingdale September 11, 2001 Memorial Captain Eric M. Graupe Christ Episcopal Church Christopher Columbus Monument Clinton Ironworks Colonel Theunis Dey Curie Daughters of the American Revolution Demarest House DeMille Gatehouse Dey Mansion Doctor's Island Emanuel Einstein Memorial Library Encampments #3 & #14 Federal Hill Historic Site Federici Park Frederick House Garret Mountain Reservation General John J. Pershing George Chamberlain House George Washington Great Falls Hydroelectric Station Great Falls of Paterson on the Passaic Great Falls of the Passaic/S.U.M. Historic District Great Falls Raceway and Power System Great Notch Harry B. Haines Memorial Park Hasenclever Iron Trail Hawthorne Korea – Vietnam Monument Hawthorne World War I Monument Hawthorne World War II Monument Headquarters of General George Washington Henry Garritse Hinchliffe Stadium Historic Newark-Pompton Turnpike In Memoriam - U.S.S. Maine, Destroyed in Havana Harbor In Memory Of Robert Dix Benson Ivanhoe Wheelhouse John P. Holland John P. Holland’s First Submarine Kipp – Nellis Farm Korean War Lambert Tower Little Falls Veterans Monument Long House Ruins Marine Chevaux De Frise Martin Luther King, Jr. Mary Ellen Kramer Morris Canal Morris Canal Morris Canal Morris County Nassau Hall Academy Newfoundland World War I Monument Oak Ridge World War Monument Overlook Park Passaic County Court House Passaic County Soldiers and Sailors Monument Passaic Falls Pompton Furnace Pompton Lakes High School Pompton Lakes Post Office Pompton Lakes School Pompton Lakes Train Station Pompton Lakes World War I Memorial Pompton Lakes World War II & Korean War Memorial Pompton Reformed Church Post Grave Monument Pulaski Purple Heart Memorial Remembrance Revolutionary Soldiers Monument Ringwood Manor Ringwood Manor Forges Ringwood Manor Iron Complex Ringwood Veterans Memorial Robert Erskine Robert Erskine F.R.S. Rogers Millwright Shop Rogers Works Roll of Honor Samuel Van Saun House Schuyler Colfax House Schuyler–Colfax Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Transportation Opportunity Center September 11, 2001 Simeon Van Winkles Site of John George Ryerson House Site of the Passaic Paper Mill Flume Soldiers and Sailors Monument Steam Powered Sawmill Remains The 1914 S.U.M. Great Falls Power Plant The Allied Textile Printing Site The Allied Textile Printing Site The Bartholf Homestead The Blanchard House The Botto House The Company Store The First Furnace The Land Upon Which We Pray The Long Pond Ironworks The Morris Canal The Ringwood Furnaces at Hewitt The Schuyler House The York Road Township of Jefferson Veterans Monument Van Ness House Van Saun House Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial Vietnam War Washington Headquarters Washington Headquarters Washington Tree Washington’s Headquarters Washington’s Lookout Washington’s Lookout Watchung Ridge Water Power Water Wheel Pit Wayne Township Weighing Scale Remains West Milford Township Veterans Monument William Alexander – Lord Stirling Woods Road WTC Artifact #K-0010 “Lou’s On First” “The Dublin Spring Water Boy”
The first steam-powered ferry in the United States, the Juliana, began operating between Hoboken and New York City in 1812.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.