OTown History

Ever wondered what Bergen County was like back in 1828? Let’s take a journey back in time through the eyes of the statewide Thomas Gordon map of New Jersey.

At first glance, you’ll notice some interesting details. Mahwah isn’t on the map, but “Suffern’s” in New York is. What you might mistake for Route 17 is actually the Franklin Turnpike. Talk about a blast from the past!

Take a closer look, and you’ll see large townships like Franklin, Harrington, and Saddle River, each with its own unique charm. And don’t forget about Bergen Township, which included Jersey City before Hudson County split off in 1840.

Zooming in, you’ll spot a few familiar names like New Prospect, which was northern Ho-Ho-Kus, and Waldwick and southern Allendale. Ho-Ho-Kus itself is right where you’d expect, but Paramus relates to the church in today’s Ridgewood, not the bustling town we know today.

New Milford stands out with its symbol denoting a mill, a nod to its rich history of milling activity. And who could forget Hackensack, with its bustling village and concentration of houses along Main Street?

But the surprises don’t stop there. Closter is situated farther south than you’d expect, stretching from Englewood to Tappan, NY. And did you know that Closter horseman during the Revolution was actually from Englewood Cliffs?

Mount Clinton marks the eastern end of Clinton Avenue in Tenafly, while Ft. Lee sits proudly atop the cliffs. And let’s not forget about Polifly, which is now the Hasbrouck Heights and Wood-Ridge area, or Ponds, known today as Oakland.

But perhaps the most exciting part of the map is the roads. From the Franklin Turnpike to the Hackensack and Paterson Turnpike, these routes were the lifelines of the county, connecting communities and fostering growth.

And then there’s the railroad. Although it hadn’t been built yet in 1828, its presence on the map hints at the transformative impact it would have on Bergen County. From horse-drawn passenger cars to steam locomotives, the railroad revolutionized transportation and ushered in a new era of progress.

So there you have it – a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bergen County’s history. From its bustling townships to its winding roads and innovative railways, there’s so much to discover and explore.