The Hunterdon Museum of Art alongside the South Branch Falls, Clinton NJ

Hunterdon is one of the most exquisite counties in New Jersey. Most of the county is rural and picturesque, including the many established horse farms, scenic mountains, breath taking rolling hills, charming country towns, a variety of rivers and creeks, good farm soil, ponds and historical villages. The county's many recreational and cultural attractions make it a popular vacation destination and is a growing community located within easy commuting distance to New York City via the Route 78 corridor. Hunterdon is the home of numerous international corporate headquarters and has some of the best outlet shopping in the country, specifically the well known Liberty Village Premium Outlets with the predominantly Flemington Furs found in Flemington.

The Lenni Lenape Indians or “Original People” were the first residents who lived in Hunterdon County. Prior to 1714 the land that is now Hunterdon County laid entirely in Burlington County and included what is now Sussex, Warren and Morris Counties and a portion of Mercer County. As time went on, several other counties were derived out of old Hunterdon. These counties consist of: Morris County in 1738; Warren County; then Sussex County which was cut off from Warren; and last, Mercer County was founded in 1839.

Hunterdon County, established by the King of England on March 22, 1714, was named after Robert Hunter, the Royal Governor of New Jersey, in the early 18th century - for the name of his old world home, Hunterston rather than merely his surname. He was so well-liked and so highly thought of that the King decided to call the new county "Hunterdon" predominantly in his honor.

Hunterdon County Townships that I Serve

Hunterdon Counties holds 26 municipalities, 14 townships, 10 boroughs, one town, and one city. The following will give you an overview of each municipality within Hunterdon County that I service, as well interesting facts about each township and what each has to offer.

Alexandria Township includes the historic villages of Everittstown, Mount Pleasant, Little York and part of Pittstown with its rich history. Everittstown, as well as Little York, have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The township boasts of two small airports and a vineyard and winery. Measuring 28.1 square miles, farming still plays an important role in the life of residents. Crop, dairy and horse farms continue to dot the countryside. Many businesses attract buyers into moving to this rural and scenic well sought after township. Some of the most exquisite Toll Brothers New Luxury Homes can be found in Alexandria Township. Call Jean Villa on 908-319-9556 for more information or to schedule a showing for both Resale and New Homes.

Alexandria Township was settled by Europeans in the early 1700’s, and in 1765 when it became a separate township. Alexandria was named after one of its large landholders, James Alexander, a Scotsman from the city of Stirling who owned nearly 10,000 acres in this local in 1744. In 1715, He came to this country and his family castle still stands there. He, like George Washington, was a surveyor. He also was a lawyer and a member of the Royal Provincial Council. The Provincial Council was the governing body of the colony of New Jersey and answered to the King of England. James Alexander was a very important person! Along with all of his accomplishments, James Alexander was a friend of Benjamin Franklin with whom he conducted scientific experiments. In fact, he and Franklin formed the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. That was like a club where very intelligent men debated scientific thoughts. Alexander always spoke out for freedom and uniting the colonies. He was a man ahead of his time because the Revolutionary war didn't start until twenty years after his death in 1756. James Alexander's son, William, became one of George Washington's most trusted generals. He was known as General William "Lord Stirling" Alexander. Remember that his father came from Stirling in Scotland? Well, William discovered that he had inherited the title of Earl of Stirling even though he was born in America. And he insisted that he be called by his title, "Lord Stirling." Even though he had a royal title, he fought for this country to be free from England.

Some of the attractions folks visit one of the airports named the Sky Manor Airport and its famous “country club”, as well as its desired restaurant and have explored hot air balloon rides found in Pittstown. An interesting piece of information is stated that Elizabeth Lukens Potts, who lived in Pittstown, was the great-grandmother of President Theodore Roosevelt. 

Bethlehem Township is one of the northwest townships of the County and was incorporated in 1798. Its original boundaries encompassed the present township of Kingwood, Alexandria, Franklin, Union and Holland. It has been determined that the first settlers of the Township were mainly Hollanders and they came here in the early part of the last century. Many of the descendents of these settlers still retain properties or portions of the original purchases made by their ancestors.

Covering 21.8 square miles, the northern half of the Township is home to the beautiful Musconetcong Valley, while the southern half is covered by the Musconetcong Mountains. The Musconetcong River forms its northern border with Warren County. It is home to the County's 200-acre Charlestown Reservation and 150-acre Tower Hill Park.

An interesting fact was discovered that Frederick Charles Devonald (1867-1933) worked with Thomas Edison in his West Orange laboratory as one of his bookkeepers for many years. His wife, Julia Miller (1872-1951) was one of the few women to be employed by Edison. Her vocal talents contributed to the voice of the first manufactured talking doll. They purchased their retirement farm in Bethlehem Township in 1932 and filled the home with Edison memorabilia.

Bloomsbury Boro is located on the south side of the Musconetcong River in the northwest corner of Hunterdon County. The name is derived from the Bloom family influential in the early history of the town. It was once part of Bethlehem Township, but was incorporated as a separate borough in 1905. The Borough was originally known as "Johnson's Iron Works", named after the charcoal work of Robert Johnson on the north bank of the river. In colonial days, ore from the Musconetcong Mountain was carried down to the river and made into "blooms", masses of wrought iron from the forge. This is another theory of how the Borough received its name. Bloomsbury is the third smallest municipality in Hunterdon County. The 20th century has seen some expansion of Bloomsbury residential area, basically following the extensions of the existing street patters. However, the general character of Bloomsbury as a quiet, tree-lined, small town still remains today.

Califon Boro was first called California, from Jacob Neighbor's enthusiasm in the milling business about the time the California Gold Rush fever broke out. California didn't fit on the sign at the town's railroad station, so it was shortened to Califon. The Borough was formed officially from Lebanon and Tewksbury Townships in 1918. Though the mills were present in the area of Califon for some time prior to its incorporation as a town, it was quite a while before growth became evident in the mid-nineteenth century. The Califon Historical Society registered 170 structures with the national Register of Historic Places. The houses are marked with the names of the builders and their dates of establishment rather than with street numbers.

Califon was a station on the High Bridge Branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The rail line was abandoned in 1976 and now serves as a Hunterdon County-administered rail trail called Columbia Trail, which runs south to High Bridge and north to points in Morris County. Although the mills were there for some time, it was quite a while before growth became evident in the mid-nineteenth century. 

Clinton Township was incorporated as a township on April 12, 1841, from portions of Lebanon Township, based on the results of a referendum held that same day. Portions of the township have been taken to form Clinton town (April 5, 1865, within the township; became independent in 1895), High Bridge township (March 29, 1871) and Lebanon borough (March 26, 1926). Furthermore, Annandle is a census-designated place and unincorporated area area located within Clinton Township.

  The Old Mill, Clinton

The first known inhabitants of Clinton Township were the Lenape Indians. It is home to the Round Valley Recreation Area which now offers boating, fishing, hiking, camping, swimming and picnicking but was said in its earlier days to be a gathering and burial place for Indian Chiefs. Rich limestone deposits in this township assure good farmland. It covers 33.9 square miles, has an estimated population of 13,094 (making it the third largest township in the County). On the western border of the township is the Town of Clinton, with a bustling Main Street and an historic bridge, which crosses the South Branch of the Raritan River. At the bridge, the river spills over a dam between two picturesque old mills housing the Hunterdon Museum of Art and the Hunterdon Historical Museum (popularly known as the Red Mill).

Many small settlements have names that go back hundreds of years. In Clinton Township there is still a settlement named Allerton. The Aller family had farms and mills in the area over 170 years ago. It became Aller's Town then Allerton.  Furthermore, an unusual 2-story gazebo (built in 1892) and owned by John Deats is now located at the County Arboretum, located on Route 31 North in Annandale.  An important find was known that French Huguenots settled in the parts of Hunterdon now known as Grandin and Hamden in Clinton and Franklin Townships. The first German immigrants settled in Readington, Clinton, Lebanon and Tewksbury Townships. Additionally, Cushetunk Mountain is a ring-shaped mountain located in Readington Township and Clinton Township. Once an active volcano, the diabase mountain was formed 160 million years ago. The Lenape called the mountain "Cushetunk" meaning "place of hogs" after the wild hogs found there. In the 1960s, the valley was filled with water to create Round Valley Reservoir.

Delaware Township lies along the Delaware River forming the western boundary of the County. It was created from old Amwell Township in 1838. The Delaware and Raritan Canal has its origins near the settlement of Raven Rock.

The township claims the only remaining historic covered bridge (abutments constructed in 1750 - bridge built in 1872) in New Jersey can be found crossing the Wickecheoke Creek between Sergeantsville and Rosemont. North of the Delaware River, the township remains very much as it looked in the 1700s. The rolling fields and picturesque barns belong to farms that have changed little in the last 200 years.

North of the Delaware the Township remains much as it looked in the 1700s. The rolling fields and picturesque barns belong to farms that have changed little in the last two hundred years. Delaware lies on the western border of the County and is bounded north and east by Raritan and East Amwell Townships, south by West Amwell Township, and northwest by Kingwood and Franklin Townships and west by the Borough of Stockton. Resting in the midst of serene farmland is the village of Sergeantsville. The Village was first settled by a Mr. Thatcher in 1700, and was later named for Charles Sergeant, a revolutionary soldier. A twenty-five year tradition in the town, is Sergeantsville's "Thanksgiving in the Country" house tour. This tour takes four or five different homes each year, that have historical, architectural or cultural qualities.

Flemington Boro was formed as a town on March 14, 1870, within portions of Raritan Township. It became a village as of June 11, 1894, still within Raritan Township. Flemington was finally incorporated as an independent borough on April 7, 1910, based on the results of a referendum held on April 26, 1910, and was formally separated from Raritan Township. The borough's incorporation was confirmed on April 27, 1931.

Flemington was originally the territory of the Lenni-Lenape Indians, as was all of Hunterdon County. In 1712, as part of a land parcel of 9170 acres, the Flemington acreage was acquired by William Penn and Daniel Coxe. Flemington is surrounded by the Township of Raritan and is located in the near geographic center of the Township. The Borough is also the County Seat of Hunterdon. In 1756, Samuel Fleming purchased part of this land, and built his home which still stands on Bonnell Street, and "Fleming's Town" was born. Samuel Fleming settled in the town that now has his name over 200 years ago. People called the settlement Flemings. Then it became Flemings Town. The “Town” part was shortened to “-ton” - something that happens often with town names.

The surrounding fertile farmland dictated that the beginnings of Flemington should be essentially agricultural. Early German and English settlers engaged in industries dependent on farm products. As time passed poultry and dairy farms superseded crops in agricultural importance. In 1785, Flemington was established as the County Seat of Hunterdon. Fire destroyed the old courthouse in 1826 and the City of Lambertville made an attempt to have the Seat moved, to no avail. Flemington remained the County Seat and the Courthouse which stands today on Main Street was built. The Union Hotel, across the street from the Courthouse was built in 1814 by Neal Hart. After Hart's death in 1837, the hotel was purchased by his son and then in 1850 the partnership of Bartles, Bonnell and Fleming. It was during this ownership that the business became known by its current name. 

   The Historic County Courthouse      The Union Hotel, Flemington   

The first courthouse in Hunterdon was built in May, 1792, prior to that the County Courthouse was located in Trenton. The original courthouse was burned on February 13, 1828 and a new courthouse (on the current site of what is now considered the "Historic County Courthouse" located on Main Street in Flemington) was constructed that year. The last hanging in Hunterdon was in 1828 - James Guild, a 14 year old who murdered his mistress Mrs. Beaks, in Hopewell. January 2, 1935 the Lindberg Trial began at the Flemington Courthouse, known as the “Crime of the Century”. Bruno R. Hauptman was tried for the fatal kidnapping of Col. Charles Lindberg’s son from their Sourland Mountains home, found guilty, and electrocuted.

Some interesting facts include the Capners of Flemington sold cheese to Martha Washington when Philadelphia was the national capital.  Furthermore, Frances Englemann Large founded the Hunterdon County Chapter of the American Red Cross on March 17, 1917 at Flemington. She wrote a letter to President Wilson about the need for this social service agency in Hunterdon. The fact that there were so many community minded people about prompted the President to Issue a Charter for the Chapter. The chapter has been in continuous operation for 87 years.  

George Hall Large, from Flemington, was the last survivor of America's first intercollegiate football game, which was played against Rutgers University and Princeton University in 1869. Large died in 1939 at age 88. Dick Foran (1910-1979), following in the footsteps of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, was known as the "Singing Cowboy" on film in the 1930's. In the early 1940's, he was under contract for Universal Studios to star in several films with Abbott & Costello, W.C. Fields, and Mae West. One of his last film roles was with his longtime friend John Wayne in John Ford's, "Donovan's Reef" in 1963. Foran, whose real name was John Nicholas Foran, was born and raised in Flemington to Senator Arthur Foran and Elizabeth Foran. The Forans were the best friends with the George Knowles Large family. In addition,

1955 by Sid Avery – © 1978 Sid Avery – Image courtesy mptvimages.com.  Shirley MacLaine and Dick Foran backstage on the "Shower of Stars" set at CBS Studios in Los Angeles, CA, 1955.

Glen Gardner Boro is located at the extreme western border of Lebanon Township and was formed from Lebanon and Bethlehem Townships in 1919. Known for many years as Eveland's Tavern for John Eveland who kept a tavern here, it later became known as Spruce Run Mills and Sodom. The village and post office were officially changed to Glen Gardner in 1871 in honor of the Gardner Brothers who established a chair and frame factory here.

Hampton Boro is charming riverside village on the banks of the Musconetcong River slipped into the twentieth century with little changed since its settlement in 1800. In 1880, the town was comprised of a store, hotel, cabinet manufacturer, blacksmith, wheelwright shop, grist mill, school house and about 25 dwellings. Hampton was once known as Junction because the New Jersey Central and the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroads crossed through here.

High Bridge Boro is located on the South Branch of the Raritan River in the north central part of the County. Water from the South Branch was a valuable power source for the first iron works in the United States which was established in the vicinity by William Allen and Joseph Turner of Philadelphia. The New Jersey Central Railroad built a high bridge across the river from which structure the locality ultimately took its name. The Borough was officially formed from the former High Bridge Township in 1898.

Once in a while a town is named after some historical event or feature. High Bridge is such a town. When the railroad was first built over 100 years ago, the railroad workers built a very high bridge over the river. Today it doesn't seem such a mighty bridge, but when it was built, it was famous. People would travel just to look at it. They said they were going to see the High Bridge, a name the settlement soon took.

The Central Railroad of New Jersey's High Bridge Branch was considered one of the most profitable lines in the state, hauling an average of 25,000 tons of iron ore a month in the 1880's. Half of the ore processed in the state traveled over this line. It was taken out of service in 1976. Now-a-days, commuters ride the NJ Transit train from High Bridge to New York City.

Holland Township is located in the northwestern part of the County. The Delaware River forms its boundary with Pennsylvania and the Musconetcong River its boundary with Warren County. It was created from Alexandria Township in 1874. In 1876 it was remerged with Alexandria Township and separated as a municipality of its own again in 1879. This township is home to the 60-foot, seven story high Volendam Windmill, a living museum which demonstrates an authentic model of a mill driven by wind, used for grinding raw grain into flour.

The Volendam Windmill Museum on Adamic Hill Road is well worth the trip in to this rural area of the County. The windmill is a living museum which demonstrates an authentic model of a mill driven by wind, used for grinding raw grain into flour. The sixty foot structure is seven stories high with sail arms sixty-eight feet from tip to tip.  Furthermore, the rugged, undeveloped Musconetcong Gorge Nature Preserve is also located here and comprises 379 acres of steeply wooded terrain overlooking the Musconetcong River.  To add, Benjamin Riegel operated a ferry crossing from Holland Township to Pennsylvania in 1806. He called the settlement Riegelsville after himself. In 1837 a bridge was built across the river so people didn't need the ferry much any more. The name lasted much longer than the ferry boat.

The Musconetcong Gorge Nature Preserve is a rugged undeveloped park under the direction of the Hunterdon County Parks and Recreational System. The Preserve is comprised of 379 acres of steeply wooded terrain overlooking the Musconetcong River. This beautiful gorge includes many spring fed streams, a variety of plant species and wildlife. While the body of the area is a challenge to the seasoned hiker, a diverse trail system is being developed to provide accessibility for the less seasoned hiker.

Lebanon Boro is located north of Round Valley reservoir and east of Clinton. It was known in the early part of the 19th century as Jacksonville and later as Lebanonville, Lebanonville Depot and finally Lebanon - a station on the Central Railroad. The Borough was officially formed from Clinton Township in 1926. A charming small village, the center of Lebanon has changed little in the past century. The Dutch Reformed Church is one of the oldest churches in the County. Records of the church begin in 1769, however, the church is cited at 1747. John Stevens, who developed the first steam locomotive, invented the T-rails, and chartered the first railroad in the U.S., was raised on his parents' farm in the vicinity of what is today Round Valley. His wife, Rachel Coxe, was from Bloomsbury.

Lebanon Township is the extreme northern township of Hunterdon County. It borders on both Warren and Morris Counties. Old Lebanon Township was created in 1731. Its original borders were from the Musconetcong River all the way down to Readington Township. Out of this large township were formed the townships of Clinton and Tewksbury as well as High Bridge, Clinton and Glen Gardner Boroughs.

Raritan Township comprises only a little more than one fourth of the old Amwell Township (embracing the territory of the townships of Raritan, Delaware, East and West Amwell) which was purchased from the Indians in 1703. Raritan was formed from Amwell in 1838. One of the eastern townships of central Hunterdon County, Raritan is rhombic shaped resulting in its extreme northern and western points reaching far into the townships adjoining it to the north and west. Raritan Township is the most densely populated township in the County at approximately 19,430, Raritan Township was formed in 1838 and covers 37.6 square miles. This township surrounds the borough of Flemington, the County Seat of Hunterdon County. The land that comprises Flemington was originally the territory of the Lenni-Lenape Indians, as was all of Hunterdon County. In 1712, as part of a land parcel of 9,170 acres, William Penn and Daniel Coxe acquired the Flemington acreage. In 1756, Samuel Fleming bought part of this land and built his home, which still stands on Bonnel Street…and, thus, "Fleming's Town" was born. Its historic Courthouse is the famed site of the original "Crime of the Century" - the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby trial. The most dramatic change in Flemington in the last few years was its transformation into a major factory outlet center, which is called Liberty Village and Turntable Junction. With over 65 stores, it has become one of the finest high-quality manufacturer's outlet shopping centers in the Country.

Readington Township was created by Royal Charter of King George II, "Readings" Township and formed in 1730. It was the first new township formed after Hunterdon became a county. It covers 47.9 square miles (the largest in area of all County townships). Early settlement was mainly of Dutch origin. John Reading was one of the most important men in colonial New Jersey. When the new township was created in 1730, it was called Reading's Town. Later, the name was shortened to Readington. Early settlement was mainly of Dutch origin. John Reading was one of the most important men in colonial New Jersey. When the new township was created in 1730, it was called Reading's Town. Later, the name was shortened to Readington.

Tewksbury Township is situated in the northeastern corner of the County and borders on both Morris and Somerset Counties. It was formed from Lebanon Township and the first township meeting was held on March 11, 1755. The original settlers were of English extraction. However, a large German contingent settled here around 1749 and theirs became the strongest influence when Tewksbury became a township. Zion Lutheran Church in Oldwick (formerly New Germantown) is the oldest German Lutheran parish in New Jersey.

Tewksbury is situated in the northeastern corner of the County. Its first township meeting was held in March 1755, and the original settlers were of English descent. However, a large German contingent settled here around 1749, and theirs was the largest influence when Tewksbury became a township. Zion Lutheran Church in Oldwick (formerly New Germantown) is the oldest German Lutheran parish in New Jersey. The Oldest Lutheran Church in New Jersey came to “New Germantown” or Oldwick in Tewksbury Township, the Zion Lutheran Church, 1760. Oldwick, with a charming mixture of Victorian, Federal, New England and Georgian style homes is protected by historic legislation. So many Germans settled in Tewksbury that the largest settlement was known as New Germantown. Almost 200 years later, when the United States was at war with Germany, New Germantown changed its name to Oldwick. 

Enjoy a fine meal at the Tewksbury Inn where so many residents and visitors dine. 

Union Township was formed from the southern part of Bethlehem Township in 1853 and covers 20.5 square miles. It was named for Union Furnace which was producing iron as early as 1700. Union Furnace and its forge produced cannon balls for the Revolution and shoes for horses and oxen, as well as farm implements. Forests gave way to farm fields as trees were cut down to stoke the furnace. A farm community then developed along with the accompanying industries of basket making and tanning.

In 1949, the first concrete road barrier in the U.S., known as the "Jersey Barrier" was installed along State Highway Route 22 in the Jugtown Mountain area. Hunterdon County's only ski area, the Jugtown Mountain Ski Area, was in operation from 1961 to 1971. At the time of operation, it was the largest ski area in the state.

An interesting fact states that Jane van Middlesworth Bellis, the wife of "March King" John Philip Sousa, was raised by her parents, Henry Bellis and Louisa Hyle Cornish near Pattenburg.

Page Two