History

The origin and meaning of the name "Teaneck" is not known. The resemblance to certain Dutch words has encouraged speculation about a possible Dutch derivation and meaning. Likewise, the two syllables "Tea" and "Neck" have equally distinct English meanings. But most experts agree Teaneck is probably Indian in origin, and may mean "place where there are woods". This is as good a definition as any other.

In the early days, the name "Teaneck" referred to the high ridge of land that runs roughly north and south through the town and on which today's Queen Anne Road runs. Early trails and camp sites established by tribes of the Lenape Indians were laid out on either side of the ridge. When European explorers arrived in New Jersey and New York, a powerful sachem or chief named Oratam was the ruler of a large tribe of Lenapes in this area. They lived in a village that they called "Achikinhesacky", on the banks of the Tantaqua (Overpeck) Creek, on the eastern slope of Teaneck Ridge near Fycke Lane.

Troubles persisted between the Indians and the Europeans until 1655, and it wasn't until 1704 that any reference to a permanent structure within Teaneck's current boundaries was found. Later, more houses and farm buildings were constructed along the old Indian trail that ran along and above the west bank of the Hackensack River. The neighborhood that grew here came to be known as East Hackensack or New Hackensack.

A separate group of Dutch farm houses was constructed along the eastern slope of the Teaneck ridge. There were only a few European families in this neighborhood. Today, we are fortunate to have still standing seven of these early stone houses. Officially designated as historic houses and lovingly maintained by their private owners, they are reminders of our 17th and 18th century Dutch farm heritage.

Life was peaceful for the families who lived and farmed in Teaneck for nearly three generations. Then, during a cold and dreary November 1776, Teaneck was witness to General George Washington's famous withdrawal of Colonial forces from nearby Fort Lee on the Hudson River. Early on the morning of November 20th, Washington rode by horseback from his headquarters in Hackensack through Teaneck and across the Overpeck Creek to Fort Lee. There he watched as 6,000 British troops made their way by boats up the Hudson River. He furiously arranged for his owns troops to abandon their vulnerable position on the Palisades. Abandoning camp kettles, tents and most of their provisions, they hastily made their way across the Overpeck Creek and through Teaneck to New Bridge Landing (today's Brett Park in Teaneck). They crossed the bridge, marching barefoot, two abreast, their garments so worn that they were exposed to the cold rain that fell in the late afternoon and evening.

Bergen County was the site of many such harrowing events and Teaneck was right in the thick of it. Throughout the war, both British and American forces occupied several local homesteads at various times and Teaneck citizens played key roles on both sides of the conflict.

After the war, Teaneck returned to being a quiet farm community. Fruits and vegetables grown locally were taken by wagon to busy markets in nearby Paterson and New York City. New growth and development were spurred at mid-century by the establishment of railroads throughout the region. Wealthy New Yorkers and others purchased large tracts of land on which they built spacious mansions and manor houses. They maintained New York City as their principal places of employment and traveled daily to work by train, thus becoming Teaneck's first suburban commuters.

The largest estate built in Teaneck belonged to William Walter Phelps, the son of a wealthy railroad magnate and New York City mercantilist. In 1865, Phelps arrived in Teaneck and enlarged an old farmhouse into a spectacular Victorian mansion on the site of the present Municipal Government Complex. Phelps' "Englewood Farm" eventually encompassed nearly 2,000 acres of landscaped property within the central part of Teaneck. Hence, subsequent development and house construction clustered along the perimeters of the Township, the central part being a lovely park-like tract crisscrossed by picturesque roads and trails.

The Township of Teaneck was established on February 19, 1895 and was comprised of parts of Englewood, Hackensack, Ridgefield Park, Bergen Fields and Bogota. William W. Bennett, overseer of the W.W. Phelps Estate, chaired the three man Township Committee (later replaced by a seven member Town Council). The town's population was 811. During these early days of the 20th century, the town's affairs focused on construction of streets and street lamps (originally gaslights), trolley lines (along DeGraw Avenue), telephones and speeding traffic. Social activities centered on church events and harness racing at the popular racetrack on Cedar Lane, near River Road. Several small inns offered fine dining and dancing to overnight guests.

Residential development began in earnest after the opening of the Phelps Estate in 1927. The completion of the George Washington Bridge in 1931 and its connection to Teaneck via State Highway Route 4 brought hundreds of curious and eager new home buyers. The population increased 300% between 1920 and 1930, from 4,192 to 16,513.

Such rapid growth was not without pain. Financial turmoil and inefficiencies in the town government finally resulted in the adoption of a new form of government. A full-time city manager, Paul A. Volcker, Sr., was appointed to handle day-to-day business affairs. Volcker's 20-year term, from 1930-50, provided Teaneck with economic stability, zoning and long-term development plans, a paid fire department and civil service for Township employees. It also established a model for future administrations.

The rapid changes and complicated demands of the modern era have been met by careful consideration and adherence to the principles established by Teaneck's early citizens and planners. Never was this better illustrated than in 1965 when, after a long and difficult struggle, Teaneck became the first town in the nation where a white majority voted for school integration.

There have been other challenges as well: interstate highways; a high-rise hotel and office complexes; the demands of increased vehicular traffic; and the needs expressed by a citizenry of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. They are also among the fibers that make up the ornate and fine fabric that is Teaneck.

Excerpted from material prepared by Robert D. Griffin, Township Historian

Additional information about Teaneck's History is available in the following Publications:

A Guide To The Historic Landmarks Of Teaneck, New Jersey

The Teaneck One-Hundred Year Book

Available for purchase from the Township Clerk's Office and at the Teaneck Library. For further information, please call the Township Clerk's Office at 201-837-4806 or the Library at 201-837-4171.