Second River (New Jersey) facts for kids

The Second River, also known as the Watsessing River, is a small but important river in New Jersey, United States. It's called the "Second River" because it's the second main stream that flows into the Passaic River if you travel upstream from where the Passaic meets Newark Bay. Think of it as a smaller helper river that feeds into a bigger one!

The Second River is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) long. It starts its journey in West Orange and flows generally towards the east.

Where Does the River Flow?

As the Second River travels, it passes through several towns.

Through Orange and East Orange

After starting in West Orange, the river flows through the towns of Orange and East Orange. Along the way, it gets bigger as other smaller streams join it. These include Wigwam Brook, Parrow Brook, and Nishuane Brook.

Reaching Bloomfield

After East Orange, the river turns a little bit north, but still mostly heads east. It then enters the town of Bloomfield. Here, at Watsessing Park, another stream called Toney's Brook adds its water to the Second River.

A gorge, which is like a small canyon, at the north end of Branch Brook Park where the Second River flows.

Into Belleville and Newark

Once it leaves Bloomfield, the Second River enters the town of Belleville. Interestingly, Belleville was once known by the name "Second River" itself! In Belleville, the river turns slightly south, but still mostly flows east. For a part of its journey, it forms the border between Belleville and the city of Newark.

A section of the Second River in Orange where its banks are lined with walls.

Finally, the Second River completes its journey by joining the larger Passaic River. From there, the water continues its path all the way to Newark Bay.

A Look at Its History

The Second River played an important role in the past. In the 1800s and early 1900s, many factories and mills were built along its banks. These businesses used the river's water power to help them operate. It was a busy industrial area!

A sign marking the spot where the Belleville Rolling Mill, an important factory, once stood in the 1800s.

Even a church, the Reformed Dutch Church of Second River, was named after this river, showing how important it was to the local community.

Streams That Join the Second River

Here are some of the smaller streams that flow into the Second River, listed from the one closest to the Passaic River (downstream) to the one closest to the Second River's source (upstream):

• Toney's Brook
• Nishuane Brook
• Parrow Brook
• Wigwam Brook