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Passaic, New Jersey

A densely packed North Jersey city on the Passaic River, Passaic was an industrial powerhouse known as the "Birthplace of Television" — Philo Farnsworth demonstrated early TV technology at a factory here. Its textile mills drew waves of immigrants, and today the city is predominantly Hispanic with a vibrant Dominican and Mexican community.

Founded 1678 | Population 73,000 | Peak 73,000 (2024) | County Passaic County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Passaic, New Jersey

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1678 Settled: Dutch colonists settled along the Passaic River.

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1857 Textile Mills: Passaic became a major woolen textile center with massive riverside mills.

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1926 Textile Strike: A massive textile workers strike drew national attention and involvement from civil liberties organizations.

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1931 Television Pioneer: Philo Farnsworth's labs in Passaic contributed to early television development, earning the city its claim as "Birthplace of Television."

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2012 Hurricane Sandy: Hurricane Sandy caused severe flooding along the Passaic River, displacing thousands.

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