Could the story behind Rutherford, a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, be as captivating as its name? Let me tell you more. Rutherford was formed on September 21 1881. This came about from portions of Union Township. The referendum the previous day sealed its creation. The borough got its name from John Rutherfurd. He was a U.S. Senator. He also owned land in the area.
Rutherford has earned some charming nicknames. It is known as the Borough of Trees. Rutherford is also called The First Borough of Bergen County. Its pedestrian-friendly downtown area is adjacent to the Bergen County Line railway station.
Before settlers arrived, the ridge where Rutherford sits was home to Lenape Native Americans. Union Avenue might have been an Indian trail. More likely, it served as a property boundary. It was mentioned in a 1668 land grant. Governor Philip Carteret gave this land to John Berry.
In the early days, Rutherford was part of New Barbadoes Township. Berry had lived in Barbados before claiming his grant in New Jersey. From 1693 to 1710, New Barbadoes was part of Essex County. Later, Bergen County was formed. In 1826, the land became part of Lodi Township. When Hudson County was formed in 1840, the area including Rutherford became part of Harrison Township. However, in 1852, it went back to Bergen County and became Union Township.
A part of Rutherford was once known as Boiling Springs. This came from a powerful spring in the area. Despite its name, the spring consisted of cold groundwater seeps.
The Erie Railroad built its Main Line through the area in the 1840s. Daniel Van Winkle donated land in 1866. This was for a train station at Boiling Springs. Several resorts were built along the Passaic River. Guests would arrive at Boiling Springs station. They then took Union Avenue to the river. Later, a station opened closer to the river at Carlton Hill.
At the time, John Rutherfurd’s estate owned much of the land in Rutherford. Van Winkle opened a real estate office at Depot Square. This was to sell land. He also began laying out the street grid. The main roads were Orient Way and Park Avenue.
In the 1870s, the area began to be called Rutherford. The reason for the change in spelling from “furd” to “ford” is unknown. It might be due to Rutherford B. Hayes being elected President in 1876. It could also have been a clerical error. The Post Office opened a facility called Rutherford in 1876. By 1881, the community had about 1000 residents.
Rutherford’s story is one of transformation. From Native American lands to a bustling borough, it retains its charm. With its rich history, Rutherford invites us to explore its streets. We can discover the stories embedded in its landscape. It is more than just a name. Rutherford is a testament to the evolution of a community.