Category: American History

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45-Year Mystery: Divers Search Hackensack River for Stolen ‘Old Bergen’ War of 1812 Cannon

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Bergen County Historical Society : Stolen 1812 Cannon

photo from the 2022 search

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge Nj, this is a fantastic historical mystery piece with high local and historical interest. For over four decades, the disappearance of a 200-year-old local treasure known as “Old Bergen” has been one of Bergen County’s most enduring historical mysteries. Now, the search is on again!

On the morning of November 30th, divers will return to the Hackensack River in River Edge near the historic New Bridge Landing for a renewed attempt to find the cannon, which vanished from the grounds of the Steuben House on May 9, 1980.

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Escape or Capture? Witness the ‘Bridge That Saved America’ at a Revolutionary War Event!

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Retreat to Victory: Experience George Washington’s Desperate Dash Across the Jerseys

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, join the Bergen County Historical Society for a stunning, immersive living history event: “Retreat to Victory.” On the 249th anniversary of one of the darkest yet most pivotal moments of the American Revolution, step back in time to the crucial moments of the Retreat Across the Jerseys at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, New Jersey.

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Tonight Historic New Bridge Landing Takes Center Stage in Ken Burns’ ‘The American Revolution’!

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See History Unfold: Which Iconic Bergen County Landmark Will Appear in the Massive New Ken Burns Revolution Series?

photos courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Get ready, history buffs! The epic story of America’s founding—the eight-year war for independence that forever changed the world—is about to hit screens in a landmark documentary event. Ken Burns’ six-part series, The American Revolution, premieres tomorrow, Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8/7c on PBS.

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Time Travel Dinner: Dine with General George Washington in New Milford on Nov 22nd

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A Revolutionary Night Out: Experience an Exclusive Dinner with George Washington and His Generals

the staff of the idgewood blog

New Milford NJ, step back to the pivotal year of 1776! The Bergen County Historical Society is offering a truly unique opportunity to experience history firsthand with “An Evening with General George Washington” at Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn in New Milford.

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History of Veterans Day

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11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington DC, World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

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Debunking “Top 5 Atrocities Committed by Christopher Columbus”

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by Rafael Ortiz

about the author

-Rafael.
https://www.officialchristophercolumbus.com/
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This so-called Top 5 atrocities committed by Christopher Columbus is being used by some people on the internet. Apparently the article is affiliated with the Associated Press somehow. The first thing to notice is that the source for the article is Howard Zinn, who was not a primary historical source, but a history revisionist of the 20th century. Zinn’s arguments have gained popularity lately due to his connections with Hollywood celebrities and many mainstream media outlets before he died.

When it comes to Columbus, Zinn had the bad habit of putting two or more sentences together that have nothing to do with each other, to make it say whatever he wanted you to think it says. That’s what he did for ALL the claims below. So let’s take a closer look at his arguments and then debunk them.

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Book Review: Christopher Columbus The Hero- Defending Columbus From Modern Day Revisionism

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Once upon a time, Columbus was a hero…Sadly, that’s not the case today: Some people don’t even know who he was, or what he did; while others claim he was a villain, and are advocating for the abolition of Columbus Day and everything he represented. Accusations vary from Columbus being a racist, a rapist, a genocidal maniac, and even that he ran a child sex slave ring. The question is, are these allegations true? And, where are the scholars correcting Columbus’ record? Unfortunately, some of the misinformation out there comes from “scholars;” and even those who defend Columbus, won’t address the actual story either. In this book, the reader will learn who modern history revisionists claim Columbus was, and what he did, vs. the actual historical accounts, coming from the mouths of those who knew him well, and wrote about them for us. The conclusion will be inevitable, that is, Columbus was a Hero, and his story and legacy need to be rediscovered again today. Note: This version is the Revised and Updated 2020 Edition from the 2017 Original.

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Christopher Columbus as Controversial then , as he is Today

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Christopher Columbus  the famed Italian explorer who “discovered” the “New World” of the Americas on an expedition sponsored by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1492. Columbus was an explorer and adventurer , who leaves us with a mixed legacy. His life is that of a consummate promoter  and a figure at the center of the unforeseen and wholly “unintended consequence” of discovery.

Columbus is of course credited for opening up the Americas to European colonization as well as often blamed for the destruction of the native peoples of the islands he explored. Ultimately, he failed to find that what he set out for which was a new route to Asia and the riches it promised.  He was as controversial then , as he is today.

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Ground Broken for New History Museum at Historic New Bridge Landing

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge, NJ —  Leaders, donors, and elected officials gathered Wednesday at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge to celebrate the groundbreaking for a new 3,750-square-foot history museum that will expand education and access to Bergen County’s remarkable past. The ceremony marked the start of Phase I of a multi-phase project led by the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) to create a modern, accessible facility for exhibitions, education, and preservation.

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Heroic Legacy in a Glass: Red Bandana Beer Honors 9/11’s Welles Crowther

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Jersey City Brewery Releases Red Bandana Beer to Support 9/11 Families and Remember a True Hero

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Departed Soles Brewing Company in Jersey City has launched its annual Red Bandana American-style pilsner to honor Welles Crowther, the “Man in the Red Bandana,” who heroically saved at least 10 lives during the World Trade Center tragedy. This marks the fifth year the brewery has released this special beer, brewed in collaboration with Crowther’s family, with proceeds benefiting the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust and other 9/11 victim support initiatives. Discover how this heartfelt tribute keeps Crowther’s legacy alive and supports those affected by 9/11 here.

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9/11 Remembered: The Day That Changed New York City and the World Forever

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Honoring the Lives Lost and the Heroes of September 11, 2001

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York NY, on September 11, 2025, New York City and the nation pause to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, a day that reshaped history. The annual ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan will feature the solemn reading of victims’ names and moments of silence, uniting Americans in a vow to “never forget.” This day honors the 2,977 lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of a nation. Here’s a look back at the events of 9/11, the timeline of that tragic day, and its lasting impact. Stay updated with live coverage here.

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NJ TRANSIT Launches “Jersey Journeys” Interactive Map: Explore 150+ Historic Sites by Bus, Rail & Light Rail

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD,  NJ — August 26, 2025 — History buffs, students, and day-trippers now have a new way to explore the Garden State. NJ TRANSIT has officially launched its “Jersey Journeys: Every Stop Tells a Story” campaign — an interactive map that highlights more than 150 historic sites and landmarks across New Jersey, all easily accessible by bus, rail, or light rail.

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General Lafayette’s Triumphant 1824-25 Farewell Tour Returns to River Edge, for a Historic Celebration

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIVER EDGE, NJ — History comes alive this August as the Bergen County Historical Society hosts The Nation’s Guest: General Lafayette’s Return Visit, 1824-25, honoring the French hero’s legendary farewell tour of the United States. The celebration takes place Sunday, August 24 at Historic New Bridge Landing, with immersive performances, historical exhibits, and period-style refreshments.

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Step Back in Time: Bergen County Historical Society Hosts 19th Century Vintage Baseball Game

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photos courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge, NJ — On Saturday, July 12, baseball and history enthusiasts gathered at the Bergen County Historical Society for a one-of-a-kind event—Vintage Baseball featuring the Flemington Neshanock and The Enterprise Club of New Bridge. The two teams faced off in an exciting doubleheader, playing with authentic 19th-century rules, uniforms, and equipment, offering a rare glimpse into America’s pastime as it was played over 100 years ago.

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Would the Founding Fathers Be Proud of America Today? A Look Back at the Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy

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photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as Americans  celebrate Independence Day, many are reflecting on the nation’s founding ideals—and whether the United States today truly lives up to them. According to a recent Rasmussen Reports national survey, only 36% of American adults believe that the Founding Fathers would consider the United States a success if they returned today. In contrast, 41% think the Founders would see modern America as a failure, with the rest unsure.

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