History:

As recently as 300 years ago, New Jersey was Indian territory, roamed freely by the Lenni Lenape, a branch of the Algonquins. That changed as Europeans settlers moved into the area, gradually forcing the native peoples to move west.

Originally part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland, this territory fell into English hands in 1664, when all the land between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers was given as a gift to the Lords Berkeley and Carteret, who named it Nova Caesaria or New Jersey. In 1676 the colony was divided into two portions, with Carteret holding the eastern part of the colony, which became known as East Jersey.

Earliest settlements in East Jersey developed along the western side of the Hudson River near Jersey City and Hoboken as well as on the Hackensack River. In time settlers spread further north and west, locating near other rivers and streams.

In November of 1972, a major decision was reached by residents when the town voted to change the name of the Borough from East Paterson to Elmwood Park. The new name became official on January 1, 1973.