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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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1678Settled: Dutch colonists settled along the Passaic River.

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

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

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1931Television 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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2012Hurricane Sandy: Hurricane Sandy caused severe flooding along the Passaic River, displacing thousands.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1678 Culture

Settled

1857 Industry

Textile Mills

1926 Politics

Textile Strike

1931 Culture

Television Pioneer

2012 Disaster

Hurricane Sandy

Did You Know?

Named for the Passaic River.

One of NJ's most diverse cities with large Latino communities.

Was a major textile manufacturing center.

Passaic is located in Passaic County, New Jersey.

Passaic was founded in 1678.

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