"Big Indian Springs"
Pealing back the layers of North Bergen's history often reveals people, place or events that have been long forgotten. That seems to be the underlying theme of this blog, exposing residents; new and old, current and former to the rich history of North Bergen. As previous stated in "A Scattered Settlement" the 1842 description of town surely seems an implausibility as it describes a place almost alien to today's North Bergen. When reviewing Douglass, L. F. and Sherman & Smith's 1841 topographical map, the viewer can only image what the landscape of town would have been like. Trying to identify landmarks would be the best way to pinpoint current day sites but again, the map's markers seem almost foreign. One landmark on the map of interest was near the famous Three Pigeons Inn and simply marked, Big Indian Spring.
1841 Topographical Map by Douglass, L. F. Sherman & Smith.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
When I first viewed the map I looked for several landmarks, Three Pigeons, Bull's Ferry, Hackensack & Paterson Plank Roads. I also searched for names like Saunier, Doramus, Danielson and so on. But it was Big Indian Spring that stuck out as a truly amazing find especially since no one seemed to know what it was. It then became an obsession to find out as much as I could about the spring, yet it's location today was of much more importance. Something to note before going forward. The name Indian Spring appears in several different areas both in North Bergen and the surrounding townships, that said, it is only the North Bergen watering hole is annotated with "big," in the title but also in the marker, deeming the spring in town was of much larger size and importance.
Courtesy of Historic Map Works Rare Historic Maps Collection
The location of the spring sat on the property of the Danielson family. The Danielsons were leading figures in the forming of both the original New Durham and eventually the township of North Bergen. They held perhaps the larges tract of farm land and were influential in the agricultural development of the surrounding areas. The first Danielson born in North Bergen was William (1826), the family could trace its origins back to the original settler of New Durham, Henery Ackerman. The Danielson family clearly knew of the importance of the spring, as it remained on the family property for generations and regularly refused sale of the property where the spring was located.. As key to the development of New Durham the Danielson family was, Big Indian Spring is reasonably equal or greater to the communities success.
Courtesy of the Jersey City Library's
Jersey Journal Archive
Origin press date September 9, 1881
The fountainhead was well renown throughout New Durham and the rapidly growing Hudson County population. As the above article calls attention to: The springs water was marketed and sold for .25 cents a barrel, and again when examining the topographical map, Big Indian Spring was the only true water source in the area. The water source was used years later when the property finally changed hands. The spring was infamous for the quantities watercress, yes, watercress, and yes, North Bergen, and furthermore yes, people ate it. The spring was also known for its purity and clearness. But perhaps most importantly, the spring was remembered by visitors for its constant coolness during the summer months. The cool temperature being attributed to the blue stone which sits under most of North Bergen. Visitors of the spring were known to spread recommendations of the spring, people form New York City were known to venture deep into North Bergen to avoid the crowds along the banks of the Hudson.
Courtesy of Princeton University's Map Collection
1900 Sanborn Insurance Map
Last known map with source for Big Indian Spring marked
The spring was a life source and popular destination for the general public during the the late 18th and throughout the 19th centuries. However, with the explosion in the population at the turn of last century, coupled with the rapid industrialization of North Hudson County the water sources days were destined to end. The water would be pulled in by factories like Declyne Brothers Glue to power their steam pumps, Peerless Rubber Manufacturing, Gelien & Co. Paint and Color Works, the West Shore R&R and even the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company. The spring seeming disappears, most likely being run dry from over use, or perhaps with the laying of water lines, the springs source was simply rerouted or blocked. It seems ridiculous to suggest the spring have been preserved as it would have been an impossible undertaking to preserve such a source but inconceivable to maintain its clarity and healthiness. But it is key to preserve the memory of Big Indian Springs as it truly was a unique geographical feature in North Bergen's History.
As for its location today, after a overlaying a current map of North Bergen with the 1841 map, the spring would have sat between 46th and 48th streets and Cottage and Meadowview Avenues.
Map update to follow.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
When I first viewed the map I looked for several landmarks, Three Pigeons, Bull's Ferry, Hackensack & Paterson Plank Roads. I also searched for names like Saunier, Doramus, Danielson and so on. But it was Big Indian Spring that stuck out as a truly amazing find especially since no one seemed to know what it was. It then became an obsession to find out as much as I could about the spring, yet it's location today was of much more importance. Something to note before going forward. The name Indian Spring appears in several different areas both in North Bergen and the surrounding townships, that said, it is only the North Bergen watering hole is annotated with "big," in the title but also in the marker, deeming the spring in town was of much larger size and importance.
The location of the spring sat on the property of the Danielson family. The Danielsons were leading figures in the forming of both the original New Durham and eventually the township of North Bergen. They held perhaps the larges tract of farm land and were influential in the agricultural development of the surrounding areas. The first Danielson born in North Bergen was William (1826), the family could trace its origins back to the original settler of New Durham, Henery Ackerman. The Danielson family clearly knew of the importance of the spring, as it remained on the family property for generations and regularly refused sale of the property where the spring was located.. As key to the development of New Durham the Danielson family was, Big Indian Spring is reasonably equal or greater to the communities success.
Jersey Journal Archive
Origin press date September 9, 1881
The fountainhead was well renown throughout New Durham and the rapidly growing Hudson County population. As the above article calls attention to: The springs water was marketed and sold for .25 cents a barrel, and again when examining the topographical map, Big Indian Spring was the only true water source in the area. The water source was used years later when the property finally changed hands. The spring was infamous for the quantities watercress, yes, watercress, and yes, North Bergen, and furthermore yes, people ate it. The spring was also known for its purity and clearness. But perhaps most importantly, the spring was remembered by visitors for its constant coolness during the summer months. The cool temperature being attributed to the blue stone which sits under most of North Bergen. Visitors of the spring were known to spread recommendations of the spring, people form New York City were known to venture deep into North Bergen to avoid the crowds along the banks of the Hudson.
1900 Sanborn Insurance Map
Last known map with source for Big Indian Spring marked
The spring was a life source and popular destination for the general public during the the late 18th and throughout the 19th centuries. However, with the explosion in the population at the turn of last century, coupled with the rapid industrialization of North Hudson County the water sources days were destined to end. The water would be pulled in by factories like Declyne Brothers Glue to power their steam pumps, Peerless Rubber Manufacturing, Gelien & Co. Paint and Color Works, the West Shore R&R and even the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company. The spring seeming disappears, most likely being run dry from over use, or perhaps with the laying of water lines, the springs source was simply rerouted or blocked. It seems ridiculous to suggest the spring have been preserved as it would have been an impossible undertaking to preserve such a source but inconceivable to maintain its clarity and healthiness. But it is key to preserve the memory of Big Indian Springs as it truly was a unique geographical feature in North Bergen's History.
As for its location today, after a overlaying a current map of North Bergen with the 1841 map, the spring would have sat between 46th and 48th streets and Cottage and Meadowview Avenues.
Map update to follow.
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