Curious about a place with more dead residents than living? That’s Totowa. Welcome. I will tell you about this New Jersey borough. Totowa is a Passaic County town with a rich history.
Totowa’s name has Native American origins. It means “sinking or falling water” or “between mountains and water”. This name reflects the area’s natural landscape. It is near the Great Falls of the Passaic River.
In 1696, George Willocks purchased a large tract of land. It became known as Willock’s Patent. This area included much of modern Totowa. Later, Anthony Brockholls and the Van Houten family acquired the land. They renamed it the “Totowa Patent”.
Totowa officially became a borough on March 15, 1898. This happened after residents grew unhappy with Manchester Township officials. Joseph and Robert Boyle led the movement. The first election took place at the Willard Park Hotel. This hotel served as the unofficial town hall until 1910.
Totowa covers a total area of 4.08 square miles. That is about 10.6 square kilometers. Land makes up most of it, with a small percentage of water. Totowa borders several other communities. These include Haledon, Little Falls and Paterson. Wayne and Woodland Park are also neighbors.
The 2020 census recorded Totowa’s population at 11,065. This shows a slight increase from previous years. The borough has a diverse population.
Interestingly, Totowa has a significant Italian ancestry. In 2000, over 37% of residents claimed Italian heritage. This was the seventh-highest percentage in the United States.
The local government operates under a borough form. This includes a mayor and a borough council. All positions are elected. The mayor serves a four-year term. Council members serve three-year terms.
Totowa offers various services to its residents. The Totowa Police Department ensures law enforcement. The Totowa Fire Department, established in 1908, is entirely volunteer. The Borough of Totowa First Aid Squad provides free emergency services.
Public education in Totowa is handled by Totowa Borough Public Schools. Students attend Memorial School for pre-kindergarten through third grade. They then move to Washington Park School for grades four through eight. High school students attend Passaic Valley Regional High School. It also serves students from Little Falls and Woodland Park.
Transportation in Totowa is convenient. Major roadways like Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 46 pass through the borough. NJ Transit provides bus service to New York City and local areas. Train service is available at the Little Falls station.
Totowa has several points of interest. Annie’s Road is rumored to be haunted. Totowa is also home to four active cemeteries. Some say there are more dead than living in the borough.
Several notable people have connections to Totowa. Plaxico Burress played in the NFL. Kristin Corrado represents the 40th Legislative District in the New Jersey Senate. John Spencer was an actor on “The West Wing.”
So, Totowa offers a blend of history and community. It has Native American roots and a strong Italian heritage. Its name reflects the area’s natural beauty. From its early days to its modern amenities, Totowa remains a unique New Jersey borough.