Referred to as the "Crossroads of the American Revolution," New Jersey played a vital role in the birth of our nation and remains a vibrant and popular place to live. In honor of National New Jersey Day on Tuesday, July 27, our agents share some fascinating facts about Ridgewood.
1. Once a Native American hunting and fishing ground, Ridgewood became home to Dutch settlers. In pre-Colonial times, the area that gave rise to Ridgewood was thickly forested territory inhabited by the Lenni Lenape tribe. Turkeys and rattlesnakes were among the wildlife that made these grounds so fertile for hunting and fishing. When Dutch settlers arrived, they formed a community around the Old Paramus Reformed Church, which served as one of George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War.
2. Ridgewood was once known as Godwinville. The Revolutionary War made its impact locally in another way. Abraham Godwin, born in nearby Totowa (now called Paterson), served in the Continental Army and witnessed the surrender of Charles Cornwallis to George Washington after the siege of Yorktown. In 1829, the fledgling township was named after the local war hero. A monument featuring a bust of Godwin was installed in Van Neste Square, nestled in the heart of Ridgewood, in 1951.
3. As with many towns, the railroads played a pivotal role in Ridgewood's development. During the mid-19th century, the advent of railroads accelerated America's growth. It was now possible to transport people and goods across great distances in a relatively short period of time. The Patterson and Ramapo Railroad began service in 1848, providing convenient transit between Ridgewood and New York City. When mill owners demanded a closer stop than the one in HoHoKus, a new train depot was built not far from the site of the Ridgewood Transit Station that's in operation today. This event was also significant because it resulted in a shift of the town center from the Old Paramus Reformed Church to the area east of the rail station.
4. Ridgewood was ahead of the curve with public education. Once the railroad made commuting more accessible, the name of the town was changed from Godwinville to Ridgewood, creating an image of tranquility in hopes of attracting city buyers. The plan was wildly successful, and population grew exponentially. In the 1870s, Ridgewood constructed its own school, even though it was another 15 years before the state-mandated publicly-funded school systems in all municipalities. Throughout the years, Ridgewood's school system has maintained a high level of excellence, winning awards and consistently placing among the top in-state rankings. A one-room schoolhouse built in 1872 still serves as a museum and the home of the Ridgewood Historical Society.
5. More than a dozen Ridgewood locations are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ridgewood's rich historical legacy can be seen in a number of structures recognized for their significance. In addition to the Old Paramus Reformed Church District and the Ridgewood Transit Station, locations that have been added to the National Register of Historic Places include Beech Street School, Graydon Pool, and Van Dien House.
Is it any wonder that Ridgewood homes for sale are so desirable? If you're buying or selling a local home, contact us at Tarvin Realtors to get started.
