Tri-Boro's Rich History, From Revolutionary War To Railroads To Rubber

The Bloomingdale, Butler, and Kinnelon area, commonly known as Tri-Boro, is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Tri-Boro has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

• Did you know that Bloomingdale used to be part of a much larger township? Back in the day, it was all part of Pompton Township, which included several other areas like Ringwood, Wanaque and West Milford, but Bloomingdale eventually became its own borough in 1918. Nowadays, it's a vibrant and thriving community with a rich history that's just waiting to be explored.
• Butler is home to the Butler Museum, which showcases the history of the town and the surrounding area. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, including items from the heyday of the American Rubber Company, which was once the oldest and largest manufacturer of hard rubber products in the world.
• Butler was once known as “West Bloomingdale” in the early 1800s. It was renamed in 1881 after Richard Butler, who is credited with growing the town through its thriving rubber industry.
• Kinnelon Borough was incorporated in 1922, though its early residents played an important role in the American Revolutionary War efforts. Local ironworkers rebelled against the British policy of shipping all colony-produced iron back to England by repurposing their furnaces for the production of iron ammunition for the colonists.
• If you're a fan of nature, Bloomingdale is just a short drive Norvin Green State Forest, which covers over 5,000 acres and has miles of hiking trails. You can explore waterfalls, lakes and even see stunning views of New York City from the mountaintops.
• Hiking enthusiasts will love the Butler Reservoir, a man-made lake that offers scenic views and a peaceful place to relax. The surrounding woods also offer several miles of hiking trails, so it's a great spot for nature lovers.
• If you're looking for some family-friendly fun, check out the annual Kinnelon Carnival. This event, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022, takes place every summer and offers rides, games and delicious food. It's a great way to get out and enjoy the community!
• Kinnelon is home to Silas Condict County Park, a beautiful, 1513-acre park with a lake, 9.1 miles of hiking trails and picnic areas. The park was named for a Revolutionary War patriot and features a renovated historic stone building called The Casino, which is rumored to have once been a Prohibition-area speakeasy.
• In addition to serving Bloomingdale, Butler and Kinnelon, the Tri-Boro Chamber of Commerce also covers Riverdale, another regional borough incorporated in 1923. It was originally formed in 1962 as the Bloomingdale Area Chamber of Commerce, but officially changed its name in 1987 to the Tri-Boro Area Chamber of Commerce to better reflect the communities it serves.
• Butler, Kinnelon and Riverdale were all formed as independent boroughs from portions of Pequannock Township in the first two decades of the 20th century. Pequannock is older than America itself, with a recorded history dating back to 1695. It was officially incorporated in 1740.
• Bloomingdale is home to the DeLazier Field, which has been around since 1940 and served as the home of the Bloomingdale Troopers professional baseball team from 1946 to 1948. Today, the complex offers a variety of sports fields, as well as a playground and picnic area. It's a great place to spend a sunny afternoon!
• Butler was once a bustling railroad hub serving both passenger and freight trains for the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway. Service through Butler began in 1872 and ran for nearly 100 years, when passenger rail service was terminated in 1966.

What's your favorite thing about Tri-Boro? Let us know below in the comments!

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