Throughout the 1800's, the area roundabout was known politically as Pompton Township. Pompton Township included Bloomingdale, Ringwood, Wanaque, and Pompton Lakes. Pompton Lakes separated from the township in 1895. During the early 1900's, the people of the remaining three municipalities determined that it would be more convenient to separate into three communities rather than try to conduct their public affairs over such a widespread area.

It was not a simple procedure because boundary lines had to be agreed upon and all indebtedness and assessments had to be apportioned. Also, school appropriations had to be redistributed, Fire Department and Police Department had to be established, and Borough officials elected. An election held in February 1918 by the Passaic County Board of Elections approved the separation from Pompton Township of three Boroughs: Bloomingdale, Ringwood, and Wanaque. This action was confirmed by three acts of State Legislature on February 23, 1918. The governing body chosen for Wanaque in 1918 was Mayor Robert D. Carter and Councilmen William Crawford, Edwin W. Wheeler, H.A. Piper, Arthur Redner, David Ringle, and Edward Ricker.

The Wanaque Reservoir was in the planning stage. The North Jersey District Water Supply Commission had been created by the New Jersey Legislature in 1916 and by 1920, the first construction contracts would be awarded. World War I was in progress. Wanaque, once a sleepy little hamlet, was becoming an active town.

Today, Wanaque sits on the crossroads of northern New Jersey, intersected by Routes 287, 23, 511, 208  and only 30 minutes from Manhattan. Home to Passaic County Community Colleges upper Passaic County campus, Wnaque has integrate the 21st century with 'old town' values to present aevenly developed and attracive place for business and family.

For more information about Wanaque and its surrounding areas, and about the Real Estate market in Wanaque, log onto our site at www.bluerealtynorth.com or call us toll-free anytime at 800-936-SOLD (7653)