Slavery In Oakland In this era of hyper politically correct sensitivity, did you know that your property was once owned by a slave owner and that your same property was once farmed by slave labor? Yup, it’s true. And did you know that the very founding and settling of what is now Oakland was accomplished by virtue of slave ownership? Yup, it’s also true. In fact there are a few slave graveyards still in Oakland. So, let’s start from the beginning and explore the facts. Prior to 1664 the Dutch laid claim to all of New Jersey and New York State up to Albany and including New York City.…
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Installment #3 The Names of the First Oakland Settlers
Oakland History Reconsidered Recap of Oakland History Presentation Installment #3 The Names of the First Oakland Settlers and When They Really Came Here!! In the previous installment here we are told of land patents and the requirement that the wilderness area of the patent had to be populated within 6 years of its granting. It was also noted that the use of slave ownership was a tool to encourage the settlement of the wilderness via free land for every slave owned and, by extension, slavery was the probable basis for the settlement of this valley, a portion of which was destined to become Oakland. Within the above context, one of…
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Installment #1 – Mother Nature, Men Without Good Maps
Oakland History Reconsidered Recap of Oakland History Presentation Installment #1 Mother Nature, Men Without Good Maps, the Brits, the Dutch and Indians The history of Oakland really begins with Mother Nature. A few billion years ago when the earth was forming, the forces of nature created the Ramapo Mountains which originally were as tall as the Alps. However, since their original formation there have been 5 Ice Ages. The ice, about 5 miles thick, literally wore them down to their current size and height in the course of advancing and receding. The same Ice Ages also created the Palisades along the Hudson River and the wide valley between known as…
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History of the Van Slyke Castle
Oakland, NJ Hike into History Take a hike. Depending on your tone of voice it can be good advice or a condescending suggestion. In this case it is very good advice because Oakland offers its residents a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor exercise, take in some beautiful scenery, and wander down wooded paths that lead you through local, regional and world history. The hike detailed here starts just off Skyline Drive and is approximately five miles, start to finish. It will take you up through the Ramapo Hills to great vistas where you can visit the ruins of what has been called “The Oakland Castle”, “The Van Slyke Castle” or “Foxcroft”.…
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A Town Within a Town
There’s a new town in town, and it goes by the name of the Ramapo Mountain Lakes, Inc. Technically, it’s not a town but a lake association of Oakland homes; but, the breadth and magnitude of its disputed membership makes it bigger than dozens of towns in New Jersey. The borders of the town within a town would make proud any gerrymandering politician, though the majority of the disputed members live somewhere in the vicinity of Oakland’s Crystal Lake or Mirror Lake. On the other hand, some homes within walking distance are not members, and those who would need to drive to one of the lakes are listed as members. A…
