Griggstown in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Griggstown Bridge Tender’s Station
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2010
1. Griggstown Bridge Tender’s Station Marker
The D&R Canal was built between the years 1830 and 1834. The waterway connected the Delaware and Raritan Rivers and, after its completion, served to expedite the flow of commerce between Philadelphia and New York City. Coal was the primary commodity transported along this canal.This station was used by the Griggstown bridge tender who monitored boat traffic and operated the bridge at this location.
The bridge tender’s station was fitted with a Morse telegraph machine, one of the earliest uses of the technology, in order to alert other locations of emergencies and other needed information.
This historical interpretation was provided by Boy Scout Troop 850 of Montgomery township, with assistance from the Griggstown Historical Society and the D&R Canal Commission.
Landscaping materials donated by the Belle Mead Co-op.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 40° 26.278′ N, 74° 36.835′ W. Marker is in Griggstown, New Jersey
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2010
2. Griggstown Bridge Tender’s Station
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic River Road and River Crossing (approx. ¼ mile away); Washington’s Route from Princeton (approx. 0.6 miles away); Opie-Vanderveer Cemetery (approx. 2.1 miles away); Bridgepoint Historic District (approx. 2.1 miles away); Harlingen Road Bridge (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Titus Farm (approx. 3 miles away); Blackwells Mills Canal House (approx. 3.4 miles away); Kate McFarlane and Josephine Swann (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Griggstown.
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a photograph of the Bridge Tender’s Station.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2010
3. Marker on Griggstown Causeway
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2010
4. Lock on the D&R Canal
The Griggstown lock on the D&R Canal, seen here, is located about a mile south of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 903 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
