Historic Sites & Districts in Hunterdon County, NJ

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Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission Members Stephanie Stevens, Chairman Beverly Drake, Vice Chairman Lawrence Carlbon Frank Curcio James Davidson Janet Hunt June Kapp Estelle Katcher John

Muller Paul Sauerland Disclaimer The enclosed maps were prepared by the Hunterdon County Planning Board based upon available information. They are to be used for general reference purposes only.

1 Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission Members Stephanie Stevens, Chairman Beverly Drake, Vice Chairman Lawrence Carlbon Frank Curcio James Davidson Janet Hunt June Kapp Estelle Katcher John Kuhl Historic Sites & Districts in Hunterdon County, NJ Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders Frank Fuzo, Director Marcia Karrow George Melick George D. Muller Paul Sauerland Disclaimer The enclosed maps were prepared by the Hunterdon County Planning Board based upon available information. They are to be used for general reference purposes only. For an official copy of a district map, interested persons should contact the NJ Historic Preservation Office at Credits Photographs were taken by Stephanie Stevens, Linda Weber and Louis Fineberg. Thanks to Linda Weber of the Hunterdon County Planning Board for her assistance in composing this booklet. Listed on the State & National Registers of Historic Places Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission Fall,

2 National Register (NR) and State Register (SR) Historic Districts In Hunterdon County, NJ In order to better preserve the many charming villages and towns of Hunterdon, citizens and local governments have had these places architecturally surveyed and entered on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. A lengthy process is entailed for nominations to these registers; submission of a documented completed application, review and public hearings take place before the nomination is confirmed. State and National Registered Districts are granted certain privileges from governmental intrusions. These Districts represent Hunterdon s past. The architecture and viewscapes are excellent. As you read this booklet think about touring the Districts to familiarize yourself with the beautiful buildings constructed by our ancestors. The majority of the buildings are still under private ownership and not open to the public; however, they can all be enjoyed from the road. Happy touring! Stephanie B. Stevens 1

By 1816 it became known as Everittstown and had grown considerably.

3 Alexandria Township Everittstown Historic District SR 2/20/90 NR 8/28/80 This District was known as Everitt's Mills in By 1816 it became known as Everittstown and had grown considerably. In 1881 there was a post office, oil mill, tavern, blacksmith shop, tailor and about twenty-five dwellings. 2

4 Alexandria Township Little York Historic District SR 6/17/88 NR 8/4/88 Prior to 1828, Little York was known as Pokano and two mills had been constructed on the Wissahawken Creek. In 1881 there were three churches, two stores, two mills, two blacksmiths, one tavern and one wheelwright. 3

5 Alexandria Township Mt. Pleasant Historic District SR 10/5/87 NR 11/16/88 Mt. Pleasant is located in Alexandria and Holland Townships, along a branch of the Hakeahawka Creek. Early mills spurred the growth of the village that in 1881 had a post office, two stores, a mill, blacksmith and wheelwright shops, and a Presbyterian Church. 4

6 Alexandria Township Structures Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, 18th century Block 21, Lot 37 Mt. Salem Methodist Episcopal Church, 1864 Block 11, Lots 3, 3.01 Other Districts See the Pittstown Historic District in Franklin Township 5

Bethlehem Township Asbury Historic District SR 11/2/92 NR 3/19/93 Asbury was originally called Hall's Mill. In 1800 the name was changed to honor Methodist Bishop Asbury.

7 Bethlehem Township Asbury Historic District SR 11/2/92 NR 3/19/93 Asbury was originally called Hall's Mill. In 1800 the name was changed to honor Methodist Bishop Asbury. Located on the Musconetcong River, there were two mills and a woolen factory here in The majority of this historic district lies in neighboring Warren County. Warren County Hunterdon County 6

Califon Borough Califon Historic District SR 5/8/75 NR 10/14/76 Straddling the South Branch of the Raritan River, the village originally was named Neighbor

Long known for the production of peach baskets - an important industry when Hunterdon's biggest crop was peaches - Califon thrived as an industrial center.

8 Califon Borough Califon Historic District SR 5/8/75 NR 10/14/76 Straddling the South Branch of the Raritan River, the village originally was named Neighbor s Mill and California. Califon was created out of Tewksbury Township and Lebanon Townships on April 2, Long known for the production of peach baskets - an important industry when Hunterdon's biggest crop was peaches - Califon thrived as an industrial center. In 1880 there were two gristmills, two saw mills, two stores, two shoe shops, and two blacksmiths and wheelwrights, along with one hotel, a harness maker, distillery, railroad depot, and 31 dwellings. 7

9 Califon Borough Structure J.K. Apgar Farmhouse, 18-19th century Block 28, Lot 4 8

Home of the most photographed mill in America -- the Red Mill Clinton was originally called

10 Clinton Town Clinton Town Historic District SR 3/3/95 NR 9/28/95 The town was named for New York governor Dewitt Clinton in Home of the most photographed mill in America -- the Red Mill Clinton was originally called "Hunt's Mills." During Revolutionary War times the most important building was Bonnell's Tavern, which was built in 1764 and served as a meeting place for Patriots. 9

11 Clinton Town Structures Clinton Historical Museum, 1763 Block 8, Lot 3, 3.01 Dunham s Mill/Parry s Mill, 1837 Block 9, Lot 1 Music Hall, , 1910, 1916 Block 25, Lot 19 M.C. Mulligan & Sons Quarry Block 8, Lots 3, 3.01 Old Grandin Library, 1898 Block 12, Lot

Beaver Avenue, Annandale's main road, was originally a part of the New Jersey Turnpike, an

12 Clinton Township Annandale Historic District SR 8/1/94 NR 9/8/94 Annandale, known as "Clinton Station," was the depot for the New Jersey Central Railroad. Beaver Avenue, Annandale's main road, was originally a part of the New Jersey Turnpike, an early toll road that went from New Brunswick to Easton, PA. The Revolutionary Tom Jones Tavern is located on the main road. 11

13 Clinton Township Cokesbury Historic District SR 6/3/97 NR 7/17/97 Cokesbury Historic District is located in both Tewksbury and Clinton Townships. The village was named for the two most prominent Methodist Ministers of the era, Bishop Asbury and Bishop Coke. There was a furnace here in

the South Branch of the Raritan River and was the site of

14 Clinton Township Readingsburg Historic District SR 1/1/00 NR 3/3/00 Readingsburgh Historic District is located on the South Branch of the Raritan River and was the site of early mills. About six dwellings comprised the village. 13

15 Clinton Township Structures Bray-Hoffman House, early 19th century Block 30, Lot 28 Fink Type Ttruss Bridge, 1857 (demolished) Other Districts See the Potterstown Historic District in Readington Township See Cokesbury Historic District in Tewksbury Township 14

A volunteer citizens group saved it from demolition in the 1960 s.

16 Delaware Township Covered Bridge Historic District SR 1/19/99 NR 3/5/99 Green Sergeants Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in the State of New Jersey. A volunteer citizens group saved it from demolition in the 1960 s. The District includes the 1872 bridge and surrounding farmsteads of the late 18th and 19th century. 15

Delaware Township Delaware & Raritan Canal SR 11/30/72 NR 5/11/73 Delaware and Raritan Canal Historic District is located in five communities: the Townships of Delaware, Kingwood, and West Amwell,

17 Delaware Township Delaware & Raritan Canal SR 11/30/72 NR 5/11/73 Delaware and Raritan Canal Historic District is located in five communities: the Townships of Delaware, Kingwood, and West Amwell, and the Borough of Stockton. Begun in 1832, the canal commenced at Bool s (Bull s) Island and paralleled the Delaware River to Trenton where it turned and made its way to New Brunswick. The engineer in charge of this monumental undertaking was Ashbel Welch. Hundreds of men, many of them Irish, rushed to Lambertville to seek work digging the canal. Unfortunately, an epidemic of Asiatic Cholera broke out amongst the workers, and dozens were buried in nameless graves in Potter s Field. The canal served as the most modern of transportation methods; manufactured goods and coal from the Pennsylvania mines were moved quickly to the markets to the east. Upon the advent of railroads in the 1840s and 50s, the canals died as a means of transportation. (see map on next page) 16

Delaware Township Structures Locktown Baptist Church, 1819 Block 8, Lot 1 Peck s Ferry Bridge, 1900 (D-388) Green Sergeant s Covered Bridge, 1872 (D-304)

18 Delaware Township Structures Locktown Baptist Church, 1819 Block 8, Lot 1 Peck s Ferry Bridge, 1900 (D-388) Green Sergeant s Covered Bridge, 1872 (D-304) Hunterdon County The D & R Canal District is the dark line parallel to the Canal and Delaware River. Pennsylvania Delaware & Raritan Canal Historic District 17

Much of the district lies in Hillsborough Township, Somerset County.

19 East Amwell Township Clover Hill Historic District SR 10/16/79 NR 9/29/80 Clover Hill Historic District is comprised of a small settlement in the most easterly part of the township. Much of the district lies in Hillsborough Township, Somerset County. Originally referred to as Coughstown or Koughstown, it was known as Clover Hill by A few houses, a store, hotel, blacksmith shop, post office and church comprised the village by Raritan Township Hunterdon County East Amwell Township 18

There was a store as early as the late 18 th century, which stands today.

20 East Amwell Township New Market-Linvale Snydertown Historic District SR 12/29/97 NR 2/12/98 New Market-Linvale/ Snyderstown Historic District is located along the old Trenton Road (Route 31). There was a store as early as the late 18 th century, which stands today. Snyderstown was named for a pre-revolutionary grist and oil mill which is now a private dwelling. The area became known as Linvale in

By the mid-19th century it became known as Reaville after Runkle Rea who was the first postmaster

21 East Amwell Township Reaville Historic District SR 12/20/01 NR 5/2/02 The village was formerly called Greenville. It was the site of the 18th century Manners Tavern. By the mid-19th century it became known as Reaville after Runkle Rea who was the first postmaster and the founder of the village. By 1881 there was a school, Presbyterian church, hotel, store, shops, and twenty or more dwellings. 20

22 East Amwell Township Ringoes Historic District SR 10/12/99 NR 12/20/99 Ringoes village grew around the site of John Ringo's Tavern. It was in that tavern that the Committee of Correspondence and the Sons of Liberty met during the Revolutionary War. 21

Wertsville Road, takes its name from the Werts family.

23 East Amwell Township Wertsville Historic District SR 8/3/00 NR 10/5/00 Wertsville, located at the corner of Lindbergh Road and Wertsville Road, takes its name from the Werts family. In 1881, the village consisted of a school, post office, and Baptist Church. 22

24 East Amwell Township Structures Highfields (Charles Lindbergh Estate) Block 38, Lot 30 (also situated in Hopewell Township, Mercer County) 23

The oldest dwelling is the 1756 Fleming Castle, which was the first substantial house in town.

25 Flemington Borough Flemington Historic District SR 2/27/80 NR 9/17/80 Due to its vast history, almost the entire Borough of Flemington is on the historic register. The oldest dwelling is the 1756 Fleming Castle, which was the first substantial house in town. Flemington has been the County Seat since I791, and has seen the building of three courthouses in the span of two hundred eight years. The Borough has a plethora of well maintained 19th century and early 20th century residential architecture. Route 31 Route 12 Route

26 Flemington Borough Structure Fleming Castle, 1756 Block 15, Lot 30 25

The name was changed to Pitts Town in honor of William Pitt, the British nobleman.

27 Franklin Township Pittstown Historic District SR 8/17/90 NR 10/11/90 Pittstown, located along the Capoolong Creek, was originally called Hoff s Mills. The name was changed to Pitts Town in honor of William Pitt, the British nobleman. Built in 1801 by Moore Furman, the Century Inn was constructed to celebrate the new century. The Inn still stands today and was recently renovated. 26

It is dominated by the Quaker Meeting House - the third Meeting House on this spot - and its

28 Franklin Township Quakertown Historic District SR 2/20/90 NR 8/23/90 Quakertown is an 18 th century settlement of members of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. It is dominated by the Quaker Meeting House - the third Meeting House on this spot - and its cemetery to the rear. The village consisted of two stores, a school, two blacksmith shops and about 30 dwellings in

lived here as early as 1731 and owned 846 acres.

29 Franklin Township Rockhill Agricultural Historic District SR 6/25/80 NR 4/5/84 Rockhill Agricultural Historic District is so named for the Rockhill family who lived here as early as 1731 and owned 846 acres. An agricultural district with extant 18 th century farms, stone houses, barns and outbuildings, it extends into Union Township. 28

30 Franklin Township Structure Lansdown dwelling, c Block 13, Lot 5 29

Frenchtown Borough Frenchtown Historic District SR 3/14/94 NR 5/14/94 Before the American Revolution, Thomas Lowrey owned the area now comprising

Lowrey sold the land (968 acres) in 1794 to Paul Henri Mallet-Prevost, who served as a soldier in the French Revolution.

31 Frenchtown Borough Frenchtown Historic District SR 3/14/94 NR 5/14/94 Before the American Revolution, Thomas Lowrey owned the area now comprising the Frenchtown Historic District. He built a gristmill on the land fronting the Delaware River. Lowrey sold the land (968 acres) in 1794 to Paul Henri Mallet-Prevost, who served as a soldier in the French Revolution. Though he was thought to be French hence the name Frenchtown Paul Henri was a Swiss! The borough was set off from Alexandria Township on April 4, By 1881 Frenchtown was the site of several mills, stores, and taverns. 30

32 Glen Gardner Borough Structure Pony Pratt Truss Bridge, 1870 School Street over Spruce Run (G-63) 31

33 Hampton Borough See the Imlaysdale Historic District in Lebanon Township 32

34 High Bridge Borough Structure High Bridge Reformed Church, 1870 Block 11 Lots 6 & 7 33

35 Holland Township Amsterdam Historic District SR 1/24/95 NR 3/17/95 Amsterdam Historic District is located on the side of Gravel Hill. In 1881 this hamlet had a sawmill, a shoemaker s shop and a carpenter s shop. to Route

Johnson's Ferry" for the ferry operation that crossed the Delaware River from

36 Holland Township Pursley s Ferry Historic District SR 7/12/78 NR 10/8/80 Pursley's Ferry Historic District was also referred to as Parsley's Ferry and Johnson's Ferry" for the ferry operation that crossed the Delaware River from pre-1777 up until the Civil War. An early road led from the ferry to Bethlehem Township. 35

37 Holland Township Structure Riegel Ridge Community Center Block 6, Lot 2 Other Districts See the Little York and Mt Pleasant Historic Districts in Alexandria Township. 36

38 Kingwood Township Districts See the Delaware & Raritan Canal Historic District in Delaware Township 37

Lambertville City Lambertville Historic District SR 5/18/83 NR 6/30/83 Hunterdon's only city, Lambertville s history dates back to the early 1700s when a ferry crossing the Delaware River to

39 Lambertville City Lambertville Historic District SR 5/18/83 NR 6/30/83 Hunterdon's only city, Lambertville s history dates back to the early 1700s when a ferry crossing the Delaware River to Pennsylvania was established. The area became known as Coryell's Ferry after Emanuel Coryell who purchased the ferry in The name stuck until 1814 when a post office was established and named in honor of Senator John Lambert, who helped procure the post office for the town. Lambertville s Revolutionary history is extensive, with Washington s presence in Coryell's Ferry in 1776, 1777 and George Coryell, a pallbearer for Washington, is buried in the Presbyterian churchyard. As the city grew, its prosperity was evident by the many mills and factories. All periods of American architecture are still present in Lambertville. (see the map on the following page) 38

40 Lambertville City Structures Lambertville House, 1812 Block 1035, Lot 17 James Marshall House, 1816 Block 1038, Lot 28 Other Districts See also the Delaware & Raritan Canal Historic District in Delaware Township. Lambertville Historic District 39

Lebanon Township Imlaydale Historic District SR 2/6/91 NR 3/27/91 Imlaydale Historic District is located along the Musconetcong River in both Hunterdon

41 Lebanon Township Imlaydale Historic District SR 2/6/91 NR 3/27/91 Imlaydale Historic District is located along the Musconetcong River in both Hunterdon and Warren Counties. This small village grew up around an early grist mill and the original stone arch bridge that crossed the river. Hunterdon County 40

..where the road from Trenton to Oxford (Furnace) and Sussex County crossed the stream.

42 Lebanon Township New Hampton Historic District SR 1/28/98 NR 4/6/98 New Hampton Historic District is located along the Musconetcong River. Formerly known as Johnson's Mills...where the road from Trenton to Oxford (Furnace) and Sussex County crossed the stream. In 1834 the village consisted of a gristmill, a saw mill, 2 stores, 3 taverns and dwellings. Hunterdon County 41

43 Lebanon Township Structures Miller Farmstead (includes Stephensburg Bridge, 1860) Block 55, Lot 1 (and L-97W) New Hampton Pony Pratt Truss Bridge, 1900 Springtown Road (L-90W) 42

44 Raritan Township Structure John Reading Farmstead, 1760 Block 16, Lot 37 Districts See the Dart s Mill and Readington/Raritan South Branch Historic Districts in Readington Township and Clover Hill and Reaville Historic Districts in East Amwell Township 43

It included a merchant center, blacksmith, store and a complex of mills.

45 Readington Township Dart s Mill Historic District SR 3/18/81 NR 4/29/82 Dart's Mill Historic District was a thriving mill seat on the South Branch of the Raritan River. It included a merchant center, blacksmith, store and a complex of mills. Until recently, mills were on this site dating back to The last mill burned in South Branch of The Raritan River Rt 523 to Route 31 44

Potterstown was at the crossroads of the West Jersey Society's Line and the old Raritan Path which became the "County Road" and

46 Readington Township Potterstown Rural Historic District SR 4/10/92 NR 7/2/92 Potterstown Historic District is one of the oldest settlements in Hunterdon. Potterstown was at the crossroads of the West Jersey Society's Line and the old Raritan Path which became the "County Road" and later the New Jersey Turnpike. Eventually the road moved south and is known today as Route 22. The first German Lutheran Church in New Jersey was built in Potterstown on land donated by a free negro, Aray Van Guinea. I-78 I-78 to Route 22 45

The Readington Dutch Reformed Church is the oldest Dutch reformed parish in the county.

47 Readington Township Readington Village Historic District SR 5/10/91 NR 6/24/91 Readington Village Historic District. Readington Village was settled in the first decade of the 18th century by Dutch farmers. The Readington Dutch Reformed Church is the oldest Dutch reformed parish in the county. The Village was located on the main road to New Brunswick, a thriving 19 th century city in Middlesex County. The Village originally consisted of a church, mill, store, school and tavern. 46

the site of some of the oldest houses in both Raritan and Readington Townships.

48 Readington Township Readington/Raritan South Branch Historic District SR 12/7/89 NR 1/26/90 The South Branch District is.the site of some of the oldest houses in both Raritan and Readington Townships. The home of Acting Royal Governor John Reading, dated 1760, still remains. The Ryerson house is dated 1733 and is the oldest remaining house in Readington Township. Route 31 47

houses and an 18 th century frame house still remaining.

49 Readington Township Stanton Historic District SR 2/24/90 NR 8/10/90 Stanton is an early Dutch German settlement with three 18th century stone houses and an 18 th century frame house still remaining. The construction of the Dutch Reformed Church in 1833 spurred more growth in the 19 th century. 48

The original mill owner John Taylor was Colonel in the 4th Hunterdon Militia and fought in the

50 Readington Township Taylor s Mill Historic District SR 4/10/92 NR 3/7/97 This District includes a miller s house and mill ruins from 1760 along with the mill race and truss bridge crossing the Rockaway Creek. The original mill owner John Taylor was Colonel in the 4th Hunterdon Militia and fought in the Continental Army of the Revolution. Grain for George Washington s troops was ground here during the Revolution. 49

51 Readington Township Structures Higginsville Road Bridges, c (R-183S and R-184S) Whitehouse Railroad Station, 1892 Block 22, Lot

Located on the Delaware River, it is named for John Prall who settled here in 1792.

52 Stockton Borough Prallsville Historic District SR 8/16/76 NR 6/27/79 As early as 17O2, John Reading owned and operated mills here. Located on the Delaware River, it is named for John Prall who settled here in In 1834, the hamlet was made up of a grist mill, store, tavern and some 6 to 8 houses. D & R Canal and Delaware River Rt 29 51

'Parkersville" for West Jersey Proprietor, James Parker.

53 Tewksbury Township Fairmount Historic District SR 10/23/96 NR 12/20/96 Fairmount is located in the middle of the Township and was originally called 'Parkersville" for West Jersey Proprietor, James Parker. The Rockaway River flows through the village which was home to several early American shops and businesses. 52

54 Tewksbury Township Mountainville Historic District SR 7/30/93 NR 12/7/93 Mountainville was probably first settled and named in the 1840s. By 1880, it boasted a store, blacksmith, shoe shop, wheelwright, a still, two mills, hotel, school house and twenty three dwellings. 53

55 Tewksbury Township Oldwick Historic District SR 6/2/86 NR 11/14/88 Formerly known as New Germantown, this town changed its name to Oldwick after WWI. It was settled by Palatine Germans in the first half of the l8th century. The Zion Lutheran Church occupied the present church building in I

The village is located in three counties, Hunterdon Morris and Somerset.

56 Tewksbury Township Pottersville Historic District SR 8/9/90 NR 9/18/90 Pottersville Historic District. This district was named for one of its earliest settlers - the Potter family. The village is located in three counties, Hunterdon Morris and Somerset. A very ancient mill seat, the village is located on the Lamington River and was originally called Lamington Falls. 55

57 Tewksbury Township Structures Kline Farmhouse, 1790 Block 38, Lot 8 Palatine Road Bridge, c (T-42) Hollow Brook Road Bridge, c (T-22) Frog Hollow Road Bridge, 19th century (T-9) Other Districts See Cokesbury Historic District in Clinton Township 56

In 1766, three delegates to the "Sons of Liberty" were chosen at a

58 Union Township Van Syckel Corner District SR 8/9/79 NR 11/8/79 In 1763, David Reynolds constructed the first tavern in this village. In 1766, three delegates to the "Sons of Liberty" were chosen at a meeting here. The Tavern has been recently restored and is under private ownership. 57

59 Union Township Structures Daniel Case/Sarah Clark farmstead, c Block 1, Lot 12 Peter Mechlin s Corner Tavern, c Block 17, Lot 6.01 Perryville Tavern, 1813 Block 13, Lot 12 Turner/Chew/Carhart Farm, 19th Century Block 11, Lot 23 Other Districts See Rockhill Agricultural Historic District in Franklin Township 58

and New York City. The Holcombe storehouse was built in the 1700s and still stands.

60 West Amwell Township Mount Airy Historic District SR 9/14/89 NR 11/13/89 In colonial days, this hamlet was a stage stop on the Old York Road - a heavily traveled road that connected Philadelphia and New York City. The Holcombe storehouse was built in the 1700s and still stands. It was in the storehouse that farm produce was stored until market wagons could take it to more easterly markets. Rt

located in the valley just south of the City of

61 West Amwell Township Pleasant Valley Historic District SR 4/12/91 NR 6/14/91 This is a 19th century farm settlement located in the valley just south of the City of Lambertville. Pleasant Valley also lies in Mercer County. Mercer County 60

62 West Amwell Township Other Districts See the Delaware & Raritan Canal Historic District in Delaware Township and New Market-Linvale/Snydertown Historic District in East Amwell Township. 61

63 62

Hudson Valley Vernacular Architecture Dutch Barn Preservation Society Field Trip to the Palatine Region of the Mohawk Valley May 18, 2013

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