Compiled and Written by the Federal Writers' Project of the
Works Progress Administration for the State of New Jersey
American Guide Series
Originally published in 1939
Some of this information may no longer be current and in that case is presented for historical interest only.
Edited by GET NJ, COPYRIGHT 2003
Tour 16 From the Rural to the Industrial – River Edge
Right on State 4 to the ARCOLA MILL, 1.1 miles, about 100 yards off the road
(L), a square fieldstone and shingled tower on the bank of Saddle River. It was
built in 1899 to mark the site of the Old Red Mill (erected 1745), which manufactured blankets for the Colonial troops.
Left on State 4 to Main St., RIVER EDGE, 1.8 miles; L. on Main St. to (L)
the STEUBEN House, 2.3 miles (open on application to caretaker), a long low Dutch
colonial house with a gambrel roof that forms an overhang sheltering the front
arch. The rough-surfaced stone dwelling has two front doors that accommodated
the families of John and Peter Zabriskie. In the western wall next to a low, thick,
side door the Zabriskies placed a square stone plaque, carved with their initials, the
date 1751, and a mill wheel, symbol of their trade. During the Revolution the
Zabriskie brothers were Tories and their home was confiscated. In 1783 it was given
as a reward for military services to Gen. von Steuben, who sold it back to the Zabriskies. The house has been presented by the State to the Bergen County Historical
Society, who will maintain their headquarters there and also establish a museum.
At 15.4 miles is the junction with US 46 (see Tour 7).
