River Edge History

The History of River Edge, NJ: From Early Settlement to Modern Suburb

Early Settlement and Colonial Era

River Edge, New Jersey, holds a rich tapestry of history, beginning with its first European settler, Cornelius Matthew, a Swedish land-clearer who established himself around 1683 near the Hackensack River’s narrows. This area, known as Tantaqua’s Plain or Aschatking, was named after the Hackensack sachem Tantaqua. Early landowners, including John Adams, Eptkey Jacobs (Banta), Richard Pope, and others, purchased tracts in the mid-1680s, setting the stage for future development.

In 1695, David Ackerman acquired 420 acres from Mathew Cornelisse, and by 1713, the Ackermans had a tidal gristmill. The Demarest family, significant early settlers, navigated the Hackensack River to what is now the River Edge Train Station in 1677. Their initial residence was near their mills at the Old Bridge, east of the present bridge in New Milford.

Development of Infrastructure and Community

The early 18th century saw the construction of river crossings at Old Bridge (1720) and New Bridge (1744), crucial for the community’s connectivity. The area known as Steenrapie, a neighborhood along Kinderkamack Path between Old and New Bridge, hosted several roadside farms. The term Kinderkamack, derived from the Lenape word “Wenhakamike” meaning “upland,” highlights the area’s indigenous roots.

Despite centuries of change, three pre-Revolutionary War homes still stand, including the Christian Dederer homestead and the Heritage House. The Zabriskie-Steuben House, built in 1752 and expanded in 1767, is a significant historical site, reflecting the area’s colonial heritage.

Revolutionary War Significance

River Edge played a pivotal role during the American Revolution due to its strategic location at the New Bridge. General George Washington led a retreating garrison across this bridge in November 1776, inspiring Thomas Paine’s famous words, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” The area witnessed numerous military engagements, including attacks and counterattacks by both British and American forces. The Zabriskie-Steuben House served as a fort, military headquarters, and battleground, surviving more of the Revolution than any other site in America.

Industrial Growth and Incorporation

The 19th century marked River Edge’s transition from agricultural roots to industrial development. Henry Van Saun opened a brickyard and pottery in 1811, and by 1874, the Hackensack Water Company had established its first pumping station. The extension of the Hackensack & New York Railroad in 1870 spurred suburban development, with commuter residences emerging around new depots.

In 1894, the citizens of River Edge and Cherry Hill voted to incorporate the borough of Riverside, later renamed River Edge in 1930. The early 20th century saw continued growth, with new infrastructure like the River Edge railroad depot (1907) and the installation of modern bridges.

Modern Developments and Preservation

Post-World War II, River Edge experienced rapid suburbanization, with new housing developments replacing farmland. The borough’s population doubled between 1930 and 1940, necessitating infrastructure expansion, including new streets and a widened Kinderkamack Road.

The 1940s saw the opening of the current borough hall on Kinderkamack Rd as well as the development of the Clarendon Estates by Charles Reis.

Efforts to preserve River Edge’s historical legacy led to the state acquiring the Zabriskie-Steuben House in 1928 and the establishment of the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission in 1995. Today, this area is promoted as a major heritage destination, reflecting its historical significance and ongoing development.

Conclusion

From its early colonial roots and pivotal role in the American Revolution to its transformation into a modern suburb, River Edge, NJ, embodies a rich historical narrative. The preservation efforts ensure that this legacy continues to be appreciated, providing a bridge between the past and the present for residents and visitors alike.

Credit to Kevin W. Wright for his comprehensive work, “A Brief History of River Edge, NJ,” which significantly informed this blog post.

Over the years the borough has grown in size and density adding homes, parks, schools, and other amenities