Could you believe that Saddle Brook once lay beneath a glacial lake? That’s just the beginning of its fascinating story. We are standing at the edge of Saddle Brook. It is a township in Bergen County New Jersey. Saddle Brook has a rich history. It stretches back to the earliest settlements in this area.
Before Europeans arrived the Lenape Native Americans lived here. They were the first people in this area. Saddle River Township was formed in 1716. It included all of Bergen County west of the Saddle River. This made it one of Bergen County’s oldest towns. The area was originally known as New Barbadoes Township.
In 1724 the township officially separated from New Barbadoes. Over time Saddle River Township was divided further. In 1772 the northern half became Franklin Township. Later Pompton Township and West Milford Township were also created.
Many boroughs split off during a period called “Boroughitis”. Glen Rock Lodi and Wallington were among them. Garfield East Paterson and Fair Lawn also split off later. Saddle Brook adopted its current name on November 8 1955. Before that it was known as Saddle River Township.
Saddle Brook covers a total area of 2.76 square miles. That is about 7.14 square kilometers. This includes both land and a small amount of water. The township borders several other municipalities in Bergen County. These include Elmwood Park Fair Lawn and Garfield.
The population of Saddle Brook was 14294 in 2020. This was an increase from previous censuses. The township has a diverse population. It includes White African American Asian and Hispanic residents.
Saddle Brook has a mayor-council form of government. The mayor and five council members are elected. They oversee the township’s operations and policies. Saddle Brook is located in New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District. It is also part of the 38th state legislative district.
Public education in Saddle Brook is provided by the Saddle Brook Public Schools. The district includes five schools. These serve students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students can also attend programs offered by Bergen County Technical Schools.
Transportation is convenient in Saddle Brook. The Garden State Parkway and Interstate 80 intersect here. U.S. Route 46 also passes through the township. NJ Transit provides public transportation options. These include bus and rail services.
From 1999 to 2009 Saddle Brook had its own public-access cable TV station. It provided news and emergency alerts. The station was revived in 2011 with volunteers.
Riverside Cemetery is one of the points of interest in Saddle Brook. It is a large Jewish cemetery with many burials. Passaic Junction is a rail yard. It is owned by New York Susquehanna and Western Railway. The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation also has a campus here.
The First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook was the first church in the township. It was established in 1900. Saddle Brook has been home to several notable people. These include athletes and media personalities.
Saddle Brook continues to evolve. It faces challenges such as flooding and infrastructure needs. However the townspeople’s spirit of sharing and caring remains strong. As we leave Saddle Brook remember its journey from glacial lake to thriving community. Its history is a portrait of resilience and growth.