The Borough of Tenafly was incorporated on January 24, 1894. However, early references to “Tiene Vly” (Dutch – Ten Swamps) and “Tenevlay” (Willow Meadow, also Little Valley) date back to 1688 when a large tract of land was granted to Colonel Jacobus Van Cortland. One of his three daughters, Mrs. Depeyster, inherited most of the area that is now Tenafly.