Sicomac, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sicomac, New Jersey
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 Sicomac, New Jersey
Location in Bergen County, New Jersey
Sicomac, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Sicomac, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Bergen |
| Township | Wyckoff |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| Area code(s) | 201 |
Sicomac is a small, special community located within the town of Wyckoff, in Bergen County, New Jersey. It's known as an "unincorporated community," which means it's a recognized place but doesn't have its own separate local government like a city or a town. Instead, it's part of Wyckoff.
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Discovering Sicomac
Sicomac is a unique area within Wyckoff. It has a rich history tied to the Native Americans who lived there long ago. Many local places, like Sicomac Elementary School, are named after this historic area.
A Glimpse into Sicomac's Past
The first people we know lived in this area were the Lenni Lenape Native Americans. They lived north of the Raritan River and spoke a language called Munsee. This was a type of Algonquian language.
The Hackensack and Tappan Indians, who also lived nearby, spoke a different dialect called Unami Lenape. A main difference between Unami and Munsee was the use of the letter "R." Unami used the "R" sound, like in the name Chief Oritam. The Munsee language did not have the "R" sound. This information comes from anthropologist Evan Pritchard.
What Does "Sicomac" Mean?
The name "Sicomac" has a special meaning. It is said to mean "resting place for the departed" or "happy hunting ground." This is because, according to old traditions, Sicomac was a burial place for many Native Americans. This included Chief Oratam of the Ackingshacys.
Another way the name "Sicomac" has been understood is "black fish."
Native Americans in Sicomac
Most Native Americans had left the Sicomac area by the 1800s. However, a small group continued to live near Clinton Avenue until 1939. Their history is an important part of Sicomac's story.
