Second River (New Jersey)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Second River is the second main tributary of the Passaic River in the northern portion of the U.S. state of New Jersey (however, the first main tributary, the First River, was paved over in the late 19th century, and now travels entirely underground). From its source in West Orange to the Passaic, it is approximately 5 mi (8 km) long.

From West Orange, the Second River passes mostly easterly through the towns of Orange and East Orange, where it is joined by Wigwam, Parrow, and Nishuane Brooks, then turns a bit to the north (though still generally easterly), and enters the town of Bloomfield. Here, at Watsessing Park, it is joined by Toney's Brook.

After leaving Bloomfield, it enters the town of Belleville (which was, early in its history, also named "Second River"), and turns a bit to the south (though still generally easterly). A bit into Belleville, it forms the border between that town and Newark. Finally, it joins the Passaic River, on its way to Newark Bay.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Second River supported a sizable industrial complex of mills and factories.