Pompton Lakes
There is a lot to see and do in Pompton Lakes, NJ. This town is a great place for people looking for a weekend away from the city. It has lots to offer, such as the Ramapo Mountains, which were the site of the famous Civil War battle of Fort Lee. These mountains are home to the Tuscarora Indians, a group of Algonquian Native Americans. They live in a picturesque setting with mountain ranges, white oak, chestnut, and beech trees. The mountains are surrounded by sweet gum, tupelo, and birches.
In the early 19th century, the town of Pompton was a center for the manufacturing of paper, a booming industry. The Newark Gas Company, which was a subsidiary of the company, was also located here. William Mason was a member of the finance committee and a past commander of the Max L. Legion. He also served as a lawyer and as a director of the old Newark Gas Company.
As the years passed, the township grew and branched out into other towns. The business was continued by Stephen D., a nephew of the owner of the gas company. Several of the residents of the township were New Haven colonists. Phebe, Eliza, and Deborah were among the citizens. Others, like Benjamin, lived in neighboring Newark.
Aside from the gas company, the other big name in the town was the carpenter’s firm of Muller and Schmidt. The company’s headquarters was in Jersey City. However, the company was started by a woman, Mary C. Muller, who was married to William Benson.
Another noteworthy event was the invention of the first modern automobile. Although it didn’t happen until after World War II, the invention of the car was certainly a significant event in the history of transportation. At that time, there weren’t many cars, so the idea of having a car was a very exciting one. Some of the cars of the day were the Ford Model T, the Cadillac DTS, and the Chevrolet Corvair.
Other notable events in the town included the arrival of General Washington. One of the great chain of Hudson River ports, West Point, was built here. Another interesting tidbit is that in the late 18th century, links were made between New York and East New Jersey along the disputed boundary line between the two states. For instance, the Tappan Patent was part of New Jersey, but it also included a portion of Orange County, New York. Additional info
Several historical organizations in the state of New Jersey helped in the research process. These include the New York Historical Society, the Bergen County Historical Society, the New Jersey State Library, and the Rutgers University Library. Many of these institutions have archives and manuscript sections that contain information on the town’s earliest residents. You can also find a great collection of the Bergen County Historical Society at the Johnson Free Public Library in Ridgewood.
Among the most intriguing things to do in the town are the museum at Mount Vernon, a cemetery, and a number of historical markers. In addition, the borough of Pompton Lakes has a zoo and a small airport, which is worth a visit for its beautiful nature and wildlife. Learn more