The Black Cats had not beaten their bitter rivals on home turf since 1980 but goals by Djibril Cisse and Kieran Richardson finally laid the hoodoo to rest.
Roy Keane's men were hanging on at the end as Newcastle poured forward determined to try and salvage a point. But the hosts stood firm to send their fans home in a state of derby delirium.
The warning signs that the record would be broken were there for all to see in the early stages as the hosts looked to be in the ascendancy when French striker Cisse put them ahead on 20 minutes.
Fellow countryman Steed Malbranque's cross flashed across the box and Cisse was in the right place to add the killer touch.
However, any hopes that Newcastle would give up the ghost were soon banished as the Tynesiders came back at Sunderland and were deservedly back on level terms ten minutes later.
Sunderland defender Pascal Chimbonda gave away a free-kick on the left-hand edge of the 18-yard area.
United made the most of the opportunity as Shola Ameobi drew them level. The striker left his marker, Anton Ferdinand, and had all the time he needed to pick his spot.
After that the visitors were on top and took the game to the Black Cats, finishing the first half the brighter of the two sides.
However, Sunderland emerged rejuvenated after the break and soon the Wearsiders were forcing the pace.
Keane's side went close through Cisse and substitute Kenwyne Jones and must have wondered if the break would come their way.
But any concerns they had faded away as a wonderful free-kick restored their lead. El Hadji Diouf cut inside on 75 minutes and was cynically brought down on the edge of the area by Nicky Butt.
Up stepped Richardson to fire in an unstoppable shot past Shay Given.
A week earlier the Sunderland midfielder had seen an equally good set-piece against Fulham ruled out for an infringement in the wall, but there were no such worries this time as Given was beaten all ends up.
Moments later Cisse looked on in disbelief as his 25-yard shot beat the Newcastle keeper but came back off the post.
The Wearsiders must have been worried that they might be made to pay for missed opportunities as Untied stepped things up a gear.
The Magpies battled valiantly to get back into the game and Sunderland were forced to dig in to defend their slender lead.
However, try as they might, United couldn't get their break in front of goal and the derby spoils stayed on Wearside for the first time since 1980.