History
Who was the founder of the original settlement that eventually became Demarest?
David des Marets (later anglicized to Demarest), a French Huguenot fleeing religious persecution, who arrived in America and purchased the local land in 1677.
What major infrastructure development in 1859 permanently shifted Demarest from an agrarian community into a commuter suburb?
The arrival of the Northern Railroad of New Jersey, which established a dedicated stop on the Demarest family's land.
The Dinosaur Connection
The person who designed the town's cool old Demarest Railroad Depot is the exact same architect who designed the massive American Museum of Natural History in New York City—the famous building filled with giant dinosaur fossils!
What structure is the Nancy Woods memorial formed in.
A gazebo.
What was the name of the massive 3,000-acre land purchase made in 1677?
It was known as "The French Patent," which marked the very first permanent European settlement in Bergen County.
Who designed the iconic, Romanesque Revival-style Demarest Railroad Depot built in 1872?
J. Cleveland Cady, the famous American architect who also designed the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
The Real-Life Lego Bridge
The famous Hardenburgh Avenue Bridge is like a giant Lego set. It was built using heavy bluestone rocks stacked together so perfectly that it stays up completely without any cement or glue holding it in place!
Which local patriot famously supplied grain and flour from his gristmill to George Washington’s troops?
Samuel Demarest, affectionately known to locals and soldiers as "Sammy the Miller."
In what year was the Borough of Demarest officially incorporated as an independent municipality?
1903 (specifically April 8, 1903), separating it from Harrington and Palisades Townships.
A Train-Car Speech
A long time ago, President Teddy Roosevelt visited the town! He didn't even get off the train—he stood right on the back platform of the Demarest Station train car to give a speech to a big crowd of cheering townspeople.
What tragic historical event occurred in the area on May 9, 1779, during the Revolutionary War?
The 1779 Tory Raid, where roughly 100 Loyalist raiders from New York burned local homesteads and fatally bayonetted 89-year-old local resident Douwe Talema.
What is unique about the construction of the landmark Hardenburgh Avenue Bridge built in 1909?
It is an architectural marvel built out of interlocking bluestone entirely without the use of cement.
Famous Neighbors
Demarest has been home to some very cool stars over the years, including superhero and movie actors, plus the famous pro-wrestler Chris Jericho!
When was the United Methodist Church at Demarest built?
The United Methodist Church was built September 13th 1959.
Who is the local folklore heroine credited with riding to Fort Lee to warn General Washington of approaching British Redcoats?
Polly Wyckoff, whose legendary ride alerted American forces stationed nearby.
What major 20th-century landmark opening triggered the massive suburban housing boom that shaped modern Demarest?
The 1931 opening of the George Washington Bridge, which made the borough easily accessible for families commuting into New York City.
The Magic Hill
There is a spooky street near the edge of town called "Gravity Hill." If you put a car in neutral at the bottom, it looks like the car is magically rolling uphill backward all by itself!
Where was the stone that the Demarest Railway Station was made out of from.
The stone that the Demarest Railway Station was made out of was from the Palisades.