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Clifton, New Jersey

One of New Jersey's largest cities by area, Clifton stretches across diverse neighborhoods from the Botany Village historic district to the Allwood and Styertowne sections. Originally home to textile mills and Dutch farms, it became a thriving suburban city where Italian, Polish, and Hispanic communities created a rich cultural tapestry.
Founded 1694 | Population 88,000 | Peak 88,000 (2024) | County Passaic County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Clifton, New Jersey

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1694 Dutch Settlement: Dutch colonists settled the area along the Passaic River.
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1845 Textile Mills: The Botany Worsted Mills became one of the largest textile operations in America, giving a neighborhood its name.
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1917 Incorporated: Clifton was incorporated as a city, consolidating several communities.
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1945 Postwar Boom: Clifton experienced massive suburban growth as returning veterans and their families settled in new housing developments.
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2012 Hurricane Sandy: Hurricane Sandy caused significant flooding along the Passaic River in Clifton.
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Latest News in Clifton

Mar 23, 2026
Trump Administration Deploys ICE Agents to Major Airports Amid Partial DHS Funding Impasse
WASHINGTON—Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been stationed at more than a dozen major U.S. airports as a partial …
May 12, 2016
Tattoo Haunted Teen Girl 2 Years Photo
New York, May 12, 2016 — A teenage girl’s regret over a hasty tattoo decision captured online attention this week, turning…
Apr 25, 2016
Prosecutors New Jersey Daycare Ran Fight Club Young Children
Hackensack, N.J. – Prosecutors dropped a bombshell accusation on April 25, 2016, claiming a local daycare center had devolved in…
Apr 25, 2016
New Jersey University Probes Threats Against African Americans
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 25, 2016) — A New Jersey university launched an investigation into a wave of threatening messages aim…
Feb 15, 2016
Chris Christie Slams Michelle Obama Interfering School Meals
Trenton, NJ – On February 15, 2016, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie didn’t hold back when he blasted First Lady Michell…
Feb 12, 2016
Kansas Legislature Proposes Bar Lottery Winners Collecting Government
Topeka, Kansas (February 12, 2016) – In a move that stirred up talk about welfare and personal fortune, the Kansas Legislature p…

Complete Historical Timeline

1694 Culture
Dutch Settlement
1845 Industry
Textile Mills
1917 Government
Incorporated
1945 Culture
Postwar Boom
2012 Disaster
Hurricane Sandy

Did You Know?

1
Named for the cliffs along the Passaic River.
2
One of the most ethnically diverse cities in New Jersey.
3
Rutt's Hut, famous for deep-fried hot dogs ('rippers'), is a Clifton landmark.
4
Clifton is located in Passaic County, New Jersey.
5
Clifton was founded in 1694.

Famous People from Clifton, New Jersey

VF
Vera Farmiga
Actor, Stage Actor · Born Aug 6, 1973 · Age 52
RC
Rubin Carter
Boxer · Born May 6, 1937 · Died Apr 20, 2014 (age 76)
MM
Matt Miazga
Association Football Player · Born Jul 19, 1995 · Age 30
SB
Sofia Black-D'Elia
Actor, Television Actor · Born Dec 23, 1991 · Age 34
DN
David Najem
Association Football Player · Born May 26, 1992 · Age 33

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