How a New Jersey suburb became the nation's primary gateway for imported livestock
In short: For nearly eight decades, Clifton, New Jersey, served as the primary East Coast checkpoint for animals entering the United States. From giraffes to cattle, thousands of creatures passed through a federal quarantine station here to prevent the spread of foreign diseases before the facility relocated in the late 1970s.
Incorporated in 1917, Clifton evolved from an agricultural landscape into a bustling suburban hub within the New York Metropolitan Area. While today it is known as a residential bedroom community with a population of over 90,000, its history is deeply tied to the United States Department of Agriculture. Starting in 1903, the city hosted the U.S. Animal Quarantine Station, a critical piece of national infrastructure that operated until the late 1970s. During its tenure, this facility was the only one of its kind serving the entire East Coast, processing more than 95% of all cloven-hooved animals arriving in the country from abroad.
The station’s reach was expansive, handling a diverse array of species including camels, antelopes, sheep, and musk oxen. These animals were held under strict observation to ensure they did not introduce foreign pathogens into the American livestock population. When the federal government eventually moved these operations to Stewart International Airport, the site did not disappear. Instead, two of the original barns were repurposed into the Clifton Arts Center, preserving a tangible link to the city's unique role in American agricultural history.
Beyond its quarantine legacy, Clifton has maintained a connection to its farming roots despite rapid suburbanization. While much of the land has been converted into residential neighborhoods, the city still hosts three working farms, including Ploch’s Farm, which has been family-run since 1867. Other sites, like the City Green Farm Eco Center, now serve as non-profit spaces for urban agriculture and education. These remnants of the past exist alongside a modern, diverse city that serves as a commercial hub for North Jersey, criss-crossed by major highways and located just 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Clifton, New Jersey
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