Fort Lee

Fort Lee
Name	Fort Lee
Settlement type	Borough
Nickname	"The Motion Picture Capital of the World"
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New Jersey
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Bergen
Established title	Incorporated
Established date	March 29, 1904
Government type	Borough
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Mark J. Sokolich
Leader title1	Borough council
Leader name1	Fort Lee Borough Council
Area total km2	7.46
Area land km2	6.30
Area water km2	1.16
Area total sq mi	2.88
Area land sq mi	2.43
Area water sq mi	0.45
Population as of	2020
Population total	40,191
Population density km2	6379.5
Population density sq mi	16523.0
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Elevation ft	300
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	07024
Area code	201
Website	www.fortleenj.org
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	34-24420
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0885223

Fort Lee is a borough located in Bergen County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Situated atop the Hudson Palisades, it is directly across the Hudson River from the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. The borough is historically significant as the birthplace of the American film industry and is a critical transportation hub anchored by the western terminus of the George Washington Bridge.

History

The area's strategic importance was recognized during the American Revolutionary War, when Continental Army forces under George Washington constructed a series of fortifications, including Fort Constitution, later renamed for General Charles Lee. The Battle of Fort Lee in November 1776 preceded the retreat across New Jersey. In the early 20th century, the community transformed into a major center for silent film production, hosting studios like Universal and the Fox Film Corporation, earning it the nickname "The Motion Picture Capital of the World." This era declined by the 1920s as the industry moved to Hollywood, but the borough's growth was reignited with the 1931 opening of the George Washington Bridge, spurring significant residential and commercial development.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 2.88 square miles, of which 2.43 square miles is land and 0.45 square miles is water. It is part of the New York metropolitan area and is characterized by its dramatic topography along the Hudson Palisades, which includes the Palisades Interstate Park. Key geographic features include the cliffs overlooking the Hudson River and several parks such as Fort Lee Historic Park, which preserves Revolutionary War sites. The borough is bordered by Englewood Cliffs to the north, Leonia and Palisades Park to the south, and the river to the east.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 40,191, representing a diverse community. The racial makeup was approximately 45.1% White, 43.5% Asian, 4.8% Black or African American, and 4.8% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 9.8% of the population. A significant portion of the Asian population is of Korean descent, contributing to a vibrant ethnic enclave. The median household income is substantially higher than the national average, reflecting the borough's affluence and proximity to economic opportunities in New York City.

Economy

The local economy is heavily influenced by its role as a transportation corridor and its affluent residential base. The presence of the George Washington Bridge and its associated bus terminal makes it a critical commuter hub for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The borough's commercial corridors, particularly along Main Street and Lemoine Avenue, feature a high density of businesses, including many Korean restaurants and retail establishments. Major corporate tenants have included Unilever and LG Electronics, though the office market has evolved with new residential and mixed-use developments. The economy also benefits from tourism related to its historical sites and views of the Manhattan skyline.

Culture and contemporary life

Fort Lee boasts a rich cultural scene anchored by its cinematic history, celebrated at the Fort Lee Film Commission and the annual Fort Lee Film Festival. The borough is home to a prominent Korean-American community, evident in its numerous markets, bakeries, and cultural events. Recreational amenities include extensive parkland in the Palisades Interstate Park system, the modern Community Center, and the James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park. The Fort Lee Museum and the Barrymore Film Center, a new museum and cinema dedicated to film history, serve as key cultural institutions. Dining and retail are concentrated in dynamic districts that blend international influences with local character.

Government

Fort Lee operates under the borough form of municipal government, as prescribed by New Jersey state law. The government consists of a Mayor and a six-member Borough council elected at-large to staggered three-year terms. The current mayor is Mark J. Sokolich. The borough is part of New Jersey's 5th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Josh Gottheimer, and lies within the 37th Legislative District for the New Jersey Legislature. Local services include a dedicated Police Department and Fire Department.

Category:Boroughs in New Jersey Category:Populated places in Bergen County, New Jersey Category:1904 establishments in New Jersey