the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, join the Bergen County Historical Society on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM for its annual Memorial Day tribute to Revolutionary War hero General Enoch Poor. The event takes place at the historic First Dutch Reformed Church Cemetery, located at 42 Court Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
This long-standing tradition offers a moment to honor the past, reflect on local history, and participate in a historic cemetery walk hosted by local historians and volunteers.
A Memorial Rich in Revolutionary History
Each Memorial Day, a wreath is laid at General Poor’s gravesite to honor his service during the American Revolution. Attendees are invited to:
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Take part in a remembrance ceremony
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Walk through the historic cemetery
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Receive a handout with a detailed grave survey
The event is free and open to the public.
The Final March of General Enoch Poor
General Poor, a distinguished figure of the Revolutionary War, died of fever in Paramus in 1780. His funeral was a solemn and ceremonial military procession, carefully documented by the late historian Kevin Wright:
“Having died of fever, General Poor was brought from Paramus to the Brower House, which stood on Main Street on the former Hoffman-Koos property [now Total Wine, River Edge]. From there, he was escorted a mile to the old Hackensack Dutch Reformed churchyard for burial by a precisely arranged military procession, including light infantry with arms reversed, four cannon, a regiment of light-horse, Brigadier General Edward Hand’s Brigade, two chaplains, and the horse of the deceased—with his boots and spurs suspended from the saddle—led by a servant.
Four sergeants carried the mahogany coffin surmounted by a pair of pistols and two swords, crossed and tied with black crape. Six generals served as pallbearers.”
Event Details
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Event: Annual Wreath Laying for General Enoch Poor
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Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
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Time: 10:00 AM
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Location: First Reformed Church, 42 Court St, Hackensack, NJ 07601
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Host: Bergen County Historical Society
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Cost: Free – all are welcome
Take a step back in time and honor a Revolutionary War hero this Memorial Day with your family, friends, or history group.
