Paramus

What bustling energy greets us here in Paramus, New Jersey! Paramus isn’t just a borough. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of Lenape heritage, Revolutionary War echoes, and the relentless hum of a modern shopping mecca. Right here, where Routes 4 and 17 intersect, Paramus stands as a testament to transformation. Once, the Lenape people called this land “peramsepuss,” meaning “land of the wild turkeys” or “fertile fields.” A fitting name, as Paramus later became the “Garden State’s” garden, a hub of truck farming. Today, a metal turkey statue at Paramus Park mall serves as a whimsical reminder of this early history. Paramus played a quiet but significant role in the Revolutionary War. General George Washington himself graced this land, even establishing his headquarters here briefly in 1778. Imagine the Continental Army encamped near the spring in what is now Van Saun County Park, perhaps even Washington himself drinking from its waters. The echoes of history are faint but present. Paramus whispers tales of a free African-American community in Dunkerhook, a “dark corner” in Dutch, where black farmers cultivated the land. These stories, often overshadowed by the glitz of retail, offer a deeper glimpse into Paramus’s rich past. The mid-20th century brought dramatic change. The rise of the automobile and the opening of the George Washington Bridge transformed Paramus. Farmers traded their fields for malls, and Paramus blossomed into a retail paradise. The Bergen Mall, now Bergen Town Center, and Garden State Plaza emerged as early pioneers of this commercial boom in the late 1950s. Today, Paramus boasts an astounding $6 billion in annual retail sales, more than any other ZIP code in the United States. A testament to its enduring appeal, despite its strict blue laws that keep most stores closed on Sundays. This blend of historical significance and modern commercialism makes Paramus a unique destination. From Lenape hunting grounds to Revolutionary War headquarters, from farmland to a retail empire, Paramus continues to evolve, a dynamic blend of past and present. As you explore its bustling malls and quiet historical corners, remember the layers of stories beneath your feet. Paramus is more than just a shopping destination. It is a place with a captivating past, a vibrant present, and a future yet to be written.