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
About Passaic County
Passaic County Timeline
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.
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.
Passaic County Timeline
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.