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Questions about Secaucus, New Jersey

Short answers, pulled from the story.

What is the origin of the name Secaucus New Jersey?

The name Secaucus comes from Algonquian words meaning place of snakes. Early land transfers frequently mentioned Snake Hill or Rattlesnake Hill as landmarks within the territory.

How many pigs lived in Secaucus New Jersey during World War II?

Nearly 250,000 pigs lived on 55 farms within the town borders during that period. This population outnumbered human residents by a ratio of 16 to 1 while farmers raised these animals to meet meat demands for Newark and New York City markets.

When did the NJ Transit train collision occur at Secaucus New Jersey?

Two NJ Transit commuter trains collided at Bergen Junction on the 9th of February 1996 killing three people and injuring 168 passengers. The accident occurred during morning rush hour when a train running on the Main Line sideswiped another operating on the Bergen Line.

Where was debris from Pennsylvania Station demolition dumped starting in 1963?

Debris from Pennsylvania Station demolition was dumped in the Secaucus Meadowlands starting in 1963 including statues tossed unceremoniously into a trackside landfill. Robert A. Roe later saved Day and Night allegorical statues that had been carted out of Manhattan.

Who served as mayor of Secaucus New Jersey after Dennis Elwell resigned in 2009?

Richard Steffens took over his term following a unanimous council vote in August 2009. Current Mayor Michael Gonnelli won a full four-year term in November 2009 and was re-elected for another four years in 2013.