The History of Suffern
The first European settlers came to the Suffern region in the early 1700s, and the region was the home to a number of Revolutionary War activity – including a five-day stay by George Washington himself.
John Suffern arrived in the Americas in 1763 and worked as a farmer, teacher and storeowner. He built his home on what would become a strategic crossroad in the Revolutionary War – what is now the intersection of Washington and Lafayette Avenues. He served the public in many capacities, including election into both Houses of New York State government.
Industry grew in Suffern by the 19th Century and rail stops become regular steps on important trade routes with New York City and the northern regions. This began Suffern’s growth into an industrial hub which led to several longstanding relationships with the business community – Avon Products has been stationed in Suffern since 1887 and Good Samaritan Hospital since 1902.