Hackensack

Hackensack is a county seat in northeastern New Jersey that covers 4.35 square miles (11.3 square kilometers) and sits about 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Manhattan. From Prospect Avenue you can see the New York City skyline, while the Hackensack River forms the eastern edge of the city.

Dutch settlers reached the area in the 1630s and built farms along the river. On October 31, 1693, New Barbadoes Township was established by royal charter, which later split into several municipalities.

The name comes from the Lenni Lenape word for the area along the river that the first inhabitants used for centuries. Today the city's official seal bears the image of Chief Oratam, who led the Achkinhenhcky and negotiated with the colonists.

The city sits near several major highways, making it easy to reach from different directions. Visitors find parking in the downtown area and can walk to most public buildings and shops.

George Washington used the city as headquarters during his retreat from Fort Lee in 1776. British troops burned the courthouse in 1780 as they moved through the area.

Location: Bergen County

Inception: 1665

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

Shares border with: Teaneck, Bogota, River Edge, Lodi, Maywood, Hasbrouck Heights, Teterboro, Little Ferry, Paramus, South Hackensack, Ridgefield Park

Website: http://hackensack.org

GPS coordinates: 40.88778,-74.04806

Latest update: December 15, 2025 05:42