Paramus in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Washington Spring
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 19, 2008
1. Washington Spring Marker
Howland Avenue divided the farms of miller Cornelius Van Saun to the south and Christian Dederer to the north. Hendrick Banta lived west of Mill Creek. The Continental Army moved into Bergen County in August 1780 to forage for food and to await the French army and fleet for a campaign to drive the British from New York City. From September 4th to the 20th, 1780, about 14,000 American troops encamped on Kinderkamack ridge and environs. Hendrick Banta sold them cider from his mill. His ten-year-old son Cornelius saw Washington three times on his horse. His presence here gave rise to the name of the Washington Spring.
Dedicated in 2005 by the County of Bergen
Erected 2005 by Bergen County Historical Society. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the George Washington Slept Here, and the New Jersey, Bergen County Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1934.
Location. 40° 55.817′ N, 74° 2.834′ W. Marker is in Paramus, New Jersey, in Bergen County. Marker is on Forest Avenue, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Washington Spring (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Spring Valley Burial Ground (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sluckup (approx. 0.4 miles away); River Edge WWI Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Maj. Ross E. Mulhare, U.S.A.F. (approx. half a mile away); "The Soldier" (approx. half a mile away); Wars Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Borough of River Edge (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paramus.
Also see . . . Bergen County Historical Society. Society website homepage (Submitted on June 19, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 19, 2008
2. Marker in Van Saun County Park
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 19, 2008
3. Washington Spring
This spring in Van Saun Park was used as the main water source for the Continental Army during their encampment here in September, 1780. Gen. Washington is believed to have drunk from it on September 13, after reviewing his troops.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 19, 2008
4. Van Saun County Park
The marker is located in Van Saun County Park on Forest Avenue in Paramus, to the left of the fork in the entrance road.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,395 times since then and 124 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 19, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
