Suffern, New York

Suffern is a village located in Rockland County, New York near the southern border of the county and the state in the Town of Ramapo. As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 11,006.

History

The Village of Suffern was founded in 1896; its history dates back to 1773 when John Suffern, for whom the town is named, settled near the base of the Ramapo mountains. It was originally called New Antrim, after Suffern's hometown in Ireland. The location became significant in the American Revolutionary War due to the proximity to the strategic Ramapo Pass.

Related Topics:
1896 - 1773 - Hometown - Ireland - American Revolutionary War

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George Washington, along with his regiment, spent a night during the war in Suffern. The main street of Suffern is named after Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette. On August 25, 1781, French troops encamped in New Antrim. A historical marker on Washington Avenue, near Lafayette Avenue, identifies the area as "Rochambeau's Encampment 1781-1782". Comte de Rochambeau made his headquarters at John Suffern's New Antrim Tavern.

Related Topics:
George Washington - Marquis de Lafayette - Comte de Rochambeau

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The first railroad line across Rockland County (the Erie Railroad) was built in 1841 and ran from Piermont to Ramapo. By 1851, the line was extended to Lake Erie, and was considered an engineering marvel. The tracks are now owned by the Norfolk Southern line.

Related Topics:
Erie Railroad - Piermont - Lake Erie - Norfolk Southern

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In 1897, Avon Products built a small (3000 square foot) laboratory in Suffern; by 1971 the lab would grow into the 323,000 square foot Avon Suffern Research and Development facility.

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In 1916, what would become State Route 59, which reached from Nyack to Spring Valley in 1915, was extended to Suffern and Ramapo Hamlet.

Related Topics:
Nyack - Spring Valley - Ramapo

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