What does an Iroquois chief and a cheesesteak have in common? Both play a role in the story of Moonachie, New Jersey. This small borough, nestled in Bergen County, has a population of around 3,100 as of the 2020 census. Moonachie, meaning “island” in the Lenape Native American language, was founded in 1864. Tradition says the borough’s name honors Monaghie, an Iroquois chief who roamed the cedar forests here in the 1600s. Moonachie sits west of the Hudson River, across from the bustling metropolis of Manhattan. It experiences a humid subtropical climate. Hot summers and cold, snowy winters characterize the weather. Moonachie boasts a history richer than its size suggests. One notable landmark is the Moonachie Reformed Church, built in 1837. Moonachie also found itself in the spotlight, albeit briefly, thanks to former New York City Mayor Ed Koch. In 1987, after the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI, Koch famously quipped that the team should hold their victory parade in Moonachie. He refused to let the Giants celebrate in New York City because their home games are played in New Jersey. Adding to the humor, Koch mispronounced Moonachie as “mah-NOO-chee” instead of the correct “moo-NAH-kee.” So, the next time you’re near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, take a detour to Moonachie. You’ll find a small town with a big history, a touch of Iroquois heritage, and a dash of Super Bowl controversy.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to