Historical Markers and War Memorials in Sussex County, New Jersey
Newton is the county seat for Sussex County
Adjacent to Sussex County, New Jersey
Morris County(408) ► Passaic County(138) ► Warren County(124) ► Orange County, New York(561) ► Monroe County, Pennsylvania(95) ► Pike County, Pennsylvania(126) ►
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Built by the English company of Allen & Turner about 1700, whose iron works were confiscated in 1778 by order of the Continental Congress. First master of record to occupy it was John Hackett. — — Map (db m63376) HM
Purchased from a large tract of land belonging to William Penn, William Allen and Joseph Turner started their iron works here in 1760. Slaves and indentured servants were employed to extract and process iron ore to produce fine grade iron. The iron . . . — — Map (db m27297) HM
The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad started construction on an eleven million dollar connection between Port Morris and Columbia, NJ in 1910. Completed within less than two years, it was an engineering marvel of its time, given that it was . . . — — Map (db m27310) HM
Dutchman Peter Van Nests, first Sandyston Surveyor of Highways, settled here around 1767 at the intersection of rural roads that he had surveyed. The community, Peters Valley, became one of several small villages that supported nearby farms . . . — — Map (db m16802) HM
On or about the year 1690 William H. Beemer settled here on 1,000 acres of land and built the first mill. James Haggerty purchased this land in 1793 and built additional successful mills lending the area the name known as "Brantown" due to the many . . . — — Map (db m26446) HM
Governor Edward C. Stokes established the Board of Forest Park Reservations in 1905. The new forestry commission acquired 5,432 acres on Kittatinny Mountain in 1907 to create the E. C. Stokes Reserve. Stokes State Forest grew to 12,429 acres by . . . — — Map (db m16817) HM
In 1869, due to the efforts of a prominent Branchville resident, William H. Bell, the Sussex Railroad was completed, ending in Branchville borough. The line, finished by Bell himself, was for a time referred to as the “Branchville . . . — — Map (db m8094) HM
Layton, once known as Laytons, was originally named Centreville. This village was settled by John Layton in the early 1800's. The first business here was owned by blacksmith Simeon Fisher, followed by Abraham Bell who established a carpenter's shop . . . — — Map (db m60343) HM
In this area, on Cat Swamp Hill in Byram Township, at about 6:00 a.m. on June 14, 1921, the Sussex Print Silk truck was hijacked. Albert Koster drove onto the scene on his motorcycle, was mistaken for a state trooper, and murdered. The gang escaped . . . — — Map (db m26354) HM
The Amity School was built in 1840, and in continuous use until June 1936. When it was built, Byram Township included part of current Sparta Township, and all of Stanhope and Hopatcong Boroughs. Stanhope Road did not reach from Green Road to . . . — — Map (db m26433) HM
Connecting Esopus (Kingston) on Hudson River with Pahaquarry Copper Mine Length 104 miles – Built about 1650 Daniel Decker Ferry established 1756 Moved to Rosenkrans 1898 Lower Walpack Reformed Church one-fourth mile west Built 1737 – . . . — — Map (db m16810) HM
In 1750, several families left the Congregational Church of Mansfield, CT relocating to New Jersey with William Marsh, their spiritual leader. Building a log meeting house here, they associated with the Baptist faith in 1750. As the church . . . — — Map (db m193425) HM
Dr. Samuel Fowler, born in Newburgh, NY, and came first to Hamburg after medical studies in Philadelphia. He established mills, a blacksmith shop, tannery, and a furnace to process ores from mines owned in Franklin Furnace. He became a noted and . . . — — Map (db m26449) HM
Franklin Furnace began before the Revolutionary War making iron from ore mined near Franklin Pond. An iron furnace was here from about 1765-1895. It began as a water-powered charcoal forge along the Wallkill River. This site housed a coal fired . . . — — Map (db m167185) HM
Franklin has held valuable minerals for over 1 billion years. Mining of iron began in the 1760s and the first school was a log structure near the Baptist Church, replaced by a brick school in 1871 when iron production increased and railroads . . . — — Map (db m167184) HM
Fredon Township, incorporated in 1904 became the last town in Sussex County and the only so named in the Country. Fredon, a name proposed for our nation in the early 1800's means a place of peace and freedom. The Route 94 crossroads, known as . . . — — Map (db m26453) HM
In 1735, Royal Governor Jonathan Belcher ordered Sussex County's Government and Courts to be moved from Log Gaol to the tavern - house of Thomas Woolverton (1717-1760). Justice of the Peace and Tax Collector, until a permanent Courthouse was erected . . . — — Map (db m27284) HM
In 1768, Joseph Sharp erected a forge and furnace on the Wallkill River. The village around the Sharp Iron Works became known as Sharpsborough, later becoming Hamburg. Due to the expensive nature of the venture and competing forges, Sharp abandoned . . . — — Map (db m26457) HM
In this field, General George Washington encamped for a night on a march from Newburg to Morristown in 1779 to meet General Lafayette.
With him was an aide, Lieutenant John Kays of Sussex County, a soldier of the American Revolution.
This . . . — — Map (db m8070) HM
Settled c.1750. Named from early inhabitants fondness of snuff tobacco or perhaps because "snuff" was a euphemism for liquor. Windham, Stockholm and other important forges produced iron goods. Paterson & Hamburg Turnpike (organized here 1806) . . . — — Map (db m30659) HM
This property is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
High Breeze was the last farm on Wawayanda Mountain. The main house dates back to 1828. From 1860 to 1986, the 160 acre farm was home to four generations of the . . . — — Map (db m81865) HM
Maxim Park was the estate of famous inventor, Hudson Maxim. Purchased by Maxim in 1901, the property included a spectacular Venetian boat house, guest cottages, a laboratory, ice house/observatory, servant's quarters, tennis courts and garage. . . . — — Map (db m26455) HM
Dedicated to the men and women of northwest New Jersey who served in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, those who died in the service and those still missing. — — Map (db m50646) HM
On this site stood the LaFayette Foundry, built in 1836 by Alexander Boyles. This operation employed many laborers and the success of the industry resulted in the sale of building lots along Union Turnpike (now Route 15) by Joseph Northrup, Jr. and . . . — — Map (db m88587) HM
This hamlet acquired its name from the grist & saw mills built along Shimers Brook. The first mill lot was acquired in 1722 from Solomon Davis & Thomas Stephenson. Two grist mills existed by the Revolutionary War. Captains Abram Shimer & James . . . — — Map (db m160354) HM
This hamlet acquired its name from the grist & saw mills built along Shimers Brook. The first mill lot was acquired in 1722 from Solomon Davis & Thomas Stephenson. Two grist mills existed by the Revolutionary War. Captains Abram Shimer & James . . . — — Map (db m231583) HM
Block House Hill - Block house during French and Indian War.
Home of Capt. Shimer - across this way.
End of Jersey City-Milford Turnpike one mile south.
Brick House built 1776 - one and one-half miles south.
Minisink Church, . . . — — Map (db m231581) HM
This central hamlet for Montague, a township created in 1759, was named for the Brick House Hotel - a colonial tavern, hostelry and stage coach stop built in the 1700's. It sat at the convergence of two turnpikes with Old Mine Road and near the . . . — — Map (db m26416) HM
Erected by a grateful people to commemorate the services and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors in the War of the Rebellion.
Right of Monument:
Malvern Hill, Salem Heights, Petersburg, Crampton Pass, Spottsylvania, Roanoke Island, . . . — — Map (db m8127) HM
Greendell Station built by the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W) at milepost 57.6 on the Lackawanna Cut-Off opened on December 23, 1911 included a signal tower, a double tracked main line railroad and an elaborate 4 mile siding to . . . — — Map (db m215996) HM
President of the H.W. Merriam Shoe Company, he relocated his factory from New York City to Newton in 1873. The nation's largest producer of ladies' and children's shoes, it was also the largest employer in Sussex County with over 350 employees. Held . . . — — Map (db m26454) HM
Admitted to New Jersey Bar as Counsellor 1765.
Appointed first Surrogate of Sussex County by Royal Governor William Franklin, 1768
Office held by reappointment until death 1805.
Acting Clerk of Sussex County 1770-1777.
Assistant Deputy . . . — — Map (db m8077) HM
Newton was the scene of raids made by the Tory, James Moody. Washington’s Asst. Quartermaster, Thomas Anderson, stored supplies here. Oct. 1779, his troops marched here and during the Indian Campaign Gates stationed a detachment here. — — Map (db m63378) HM
The Courthouse Yard was a central part of landowner Jonathan Hampton’s Town Plot in 1762. It was used for political meetings, corporal punishment, militia trainings, public entertainments, and a common pasture. Until 1858 voters in township . . . — — Map (db m8085) HM
The only Colonial county seat in New Jersey where a court house on its original site fronts a town square or public Green.
In 1908 architect J.J. Vreeland added an upper story and Classical porch to the County Clerk and Surrogate Offices, built . . . — — Map (db m27307) HM
Oldest portion dedicated in 1762 as part of Town Plot. Enlarged about 1820. Job S. Halsted donated 3/5 acre in 1837 to Presbyterian Church. Enclosed by wall in 1837. By 1876, burials estimated at 5000 including many of the earliest settlers of the . . . — — Map (db m63382) HM
To commemorate the establishment of Sussex County by Act of the Legislature, June 8, 1753. To Commemorate the setting up of the Court of General Sessions and the Inferior Court of Common Pleas by decree of Governor Jonathan Belcher in the name of . . . — — Map (db m8089) HM
Sussex County Public Safety Memorial
Dedicated to Those Who Have Given Their Lives in Service to Our Community
Law Enforcement
Roll of Honor
John D. Kinney Newton – 1934 · Joseph C. Walter Jr. New Jersey State Police – . . . — — Map (db m105227) HM
The Hill Memorial Headquarters of the Sussex County Historical Society
Built 1916 in Renaissance Revival style by gift of Joshua Hill. Dedicated June 8, 1917. Listed 1985 on State and National Historic Registers as the oldest Museum Building in . . . — — Map (db m8091) HM
In 1887, bordering "The Great Road" (Rt. 94) where Warren and Sussex Counties meet at an elevation 880 feet, a church and manse were erected as the third location of this Presbyterian congregation, built in the Victorian Queen Anne style by Simeon . . . — — Map (db m122282) HM
The Dark Moon Preserve has a rich history of Native American inhabitants. During the 1980s an archaeological excavation took place on the property to uncover 5 woodland lodges used to make arrowheads. Items Found During the Dig Pottery shards, . . . — — Map (db m150672) HM
Two rudimentary bridges were built to cross the Tockhockonetcong (now the Paulinskill) as Jonathan Hampton ordered the construction of the Military Road in 1756. An essential supply line to the frontier fortification in the Delaware Valley, the . . . — — Map (db m27283) HM
Built in 1910 as Ogdensburg's fifth public school, it was adapted for re-use in 1930 as the Borough's first firehouse. In 1989, with the aid of two state grants, the Ogdensburg Historical Society adapted it for re-use and dedicated it as the Old . . . — — Map (db m27303) HM
The Sterling Mine, which closed in 1986, yielded 11 milllon tons of zinc, iron, and manganese ore. This mine, together with the nearby Franklin Mine, had a huge impact on the economic and cultural development of Sussex County, as many immigrants . . . — — Map (db m174484) HM
Originally named for early settler and surveyor Peter Van Neste in 1761. Nicknamed Hen's Foot, The Corners, and finally Bevans for its Postmaster James C. Bevans in 1829. The Peter's Valley Society for Literature was est. Jan. 1, 1813. The Dutch . . . — — Map (db m36284) HM
The original name of "Sandyston" was changed to honor N.J. Governor Haines in 1845. This hamlet was created on a 1,000 acre plot purchased from the Gardner Tract by Simon Courtright before the Revolutionary War. Ownership passed to Peter Hotalen, . . . — — Map (db m26413) HM
Bell House – has housed nine generations of same family.
Minisink Village – white men and Indians lived together.
Minisink Island – in river to the west.
Westbrook Fort – during French and Indian War in rear of barn.
Ennis . . . — — Map (db m27279) HM
Johannes Westbrook, who was among the earliest permanent settlers of the Minisink region, built this homestead around the year 1701. It was subsequently fortified when incidents of hostility increased between the residents of New York and New Jersey . . . — — Map (db m26414) HM
Humans have dwelt in this area for thousands of years including clans of the Lenni Lenape. During the 1600s Dutch explorers arrived to search for copper. Fearing a British invasion, the Ogden and VanKirk families came in the late 1700s. Phoebe . . . — — Map (db m205254) HM
This memorial was dedicated by the Lake Mohawk Country Club and the families of its founders, Arthur D. Crane and Herbert L. Closs, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Lake Mohawk, the largest man-made lake in New Jersey. The Crane Company . . . — — Map (db m71024) HM
"Greetings. Ten years ago on this very spot, I invoked the Great Spirit to look kindly upon the efforts of those who brought about this colony. I asked the sun to shine brightly, the rain to fall gently, and the breezes to blow coolly. Ten years . . . — — Map (db m132601) HM
Before there was a lake, there was Brogden Meadow. Once a lush valley nestled between the rising hills, founders Arthur D. Crane and Herbert Closs thought this to be the perfect place for their vision: flood the valley and create a lake with a . . . — — Map (db m132600) HM
Erected by James B. Titman Lieut. and R.O.M. of 27th and 33rd Regiments New Jersey Volunteers War of 1861-65, in memory of all the Brave Heroes who served on land and sea in defense of their country in any of the wars of the United States [Rear . . . — — Map (db m35068) HM
On this site in 1891, Thomas Edison developed an enormous complex of mines, crushers, separators, and subsidiary buildings that came to be known as “Edison” or, more properly, “The Works of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Company.” . . . — — Map (db m35063) HM
Waterloo Village had a unique combination of canal features, found at no other location. The village boasted an inclined plane, a combined guard lock/aqueduct, two mule bridges, a dam, a blacksmith shop, a canal store, and workers' housing. . . . — — Map (db m231652) HM
Two hundred years ago, here at Andover Forge, and throughout the State of New Jersey, the Irish settlers, who formed one third of Washington’s army, fulfilled their vision of freedom through their participation in the Revolutionary War. . . . — — Map (db m99031) HM
Stanhope was a major port of commerce on the Morris Canal in Sussex County, enabling the expansion of the ironworks industry. The Morris Canal, a man-made engineering achievement, operated 1831-1924, and linked the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, . . . — — Map (db m27299) HM
Sussex Branch Trail extends 21.2 miles from Netcong to Branchville, following the route of the old Sussex Branch Railroad. This line was in service under various ownerships from 1848 - 1966. Today trail users can explore the route once used by steam . . . — — Map (db m231651) HM
The Morris Canal was an engineering marvel of its time. A system of 23 lift locks and 23 inclined planes enabled the canal to overcome more elevation change than any other transportation canal ever built. Large changes in elevation were . . . — — Map (db m99051) HM
The inclined planes of the Morris Canal solved a major engineering problem. The canal route had to overcome 1,674 feet of elevation change across New Jersey. The route was chosen for access to the state’s iron industry and to utilize the . . . — — Map (db m99054) HM
Peter Smith was a man of vision. Knowing the Morris Canal was about to build a lock and an inclined plane at the Old Andover Forge site, Smith moved his family to the village and built a general store right on the canal. He and his extended . . . — — Map (db m99034) HM
Waterloo has been a transportation hub since 1760 when wagons brought pig iron from nearby Andover Furnace to the village’s iron forge. When the Morris Canal opened in 1831, horse-drawn wagons brought iron ore to the docks where it was loaded . . . — — Map (db m99053) HM
Casper Shafer, a German emigrant settled this area circa 1742. By 1750, he built this stone house, later fortifying it with a stockade during the French and Indian War. His first grist mill, built 1743, was located upstream, replacing it in 1764 . . . — — Map (db m26448) HM
Height 220 Feet Base 34 feet square at the platform and 19 feet square where apex begins. The base of the monument is erected on the highest point in the State of New Jersey Altitude 1803 feet above sea level. Corner stone laid June 8, 1929 1930 < . . . — — Map (db m23645) HM
Early Settlement Were Sparse Since prehistoric times the rugged landscape of the Kittatinny Ridge has made it more a place to visit than a place to live. Native Americans hunted the forests and fished the lakes here, but their villages were . . . — — Map (db m24545) HM
The First Public Park Was an Urban Oasis When Europeans first arrived in America the land seemed limitless. However, by the late 1800s settlements stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific. More people were living in crowded cities and needed . . . — — Map (db m24583) HM
Sussex Borough was settled by Peter Decker about 1742. It was incorporated from Wantage Township as the Borough of Deckertown on October 15, 1891. The name was changed to Sussex Borough on March 2, 1902. The Sussex Presbyterian Church, the oldest . . . — — Map (db m27298) HM
High Point – One of New Jersey’s First State Parks Like many early parks, High Point was privately owned for many years. During the early 1900s it was the summer estate of Anthony Kuser and his wife, Susie Dryden Kuser. Senator John F. Dryden, . . . — — Map (db m24581) HM
The Kuser Family Transformed the High Point Inn Twin brothers John and Anthony Kuser, purchased the High Point Inn and the surrounding property in 1910. The sprawling mountain resort became the summer retreat of Anthony Kuser and his wife, . . . — — Map (db m24594) HM
Here in the Clove in 1857 a filly of Hambletonian lineage was foaled on the farm of John B. Decker. When fully grown, a bay standardbred mare 15 hands, she was bought by Alden Goldsmith of Washingtonville, NY and won her first harness race at Goshen . . . — — Map (db m137325) HM
Home of notable Vernon merchants and postmasters Richard S. Denton Jr. (b.1818) and his grandson Richard Denton Wallace (b. 1874), owned by their family for over 150 years. — — Map (db m160347) HM
Built in 1840, Price's Switch School was the last one-room schoolhouse to operate in Sussex County. The building originally stood on Route 94, a quarter mile north of Price's Switch Road, but was moved to its current location in 1883. It is the only . . . — — Map (db m27301) HM
This church was constructed in 1847 at a cost of $1,500 and was officially incorporated in May of 1848. Records of the parish date back to 1832.
Many of the well-known local families were early benefactors, such as Rutherford, Dekay, Price, . . . — — Map (db m27300) HM
A working dairy farm until 1949. This structure housed the Township Clerk’s office. All municipal business was conducted here from 1898 – 1954. — — Map (db m108802) HM
In 1799 Peter Tompkins kept an inn and tavern in a former tailor shop at this corner. Sometime after 1811, when Vernon Turnpike (Route 94) was incorporated, the Stewart House was built next door. In the mid 1800's the inn was removed and the house . . . — — Map (db m41081) HM
Wallpack Township, formed in 1731 out of Hunterdon County, included the present townships of Montague, Sandyston and the former Pahaquarry.
The Delaware River forms the western boundary and the Old Mine Road, supposedly built by Dutch miners . . . — — Map (db m49024) HM
~ From 1923 to 1945 High Point State Park was governed by the High Point Park Commission. Its members were wealthy and influential businessmen and women who
managed and advocated for the park and for its funding. The Commission was . . . — — Map (db m202337) HM
The Dutch Reformed Church of New Brunswick granted men of this community permission in 1787 to establish a congregation here. In 1817 this small group affiliated with three other churches and became the First Presbyterian Church of Wantage. Second . . . — — Map (db m20546) HM
The Kuser Mansion was the Heart of the Park
~ For more than thirty years the former Kuser Mansion, renamed the "State Building,” was the hub of activity within High Point State Park. It housed the Park offices and the first floor had a . . . — — Map (db m202366) HM
High Point is a spot of beauty and a joy forever
to every lover of Nature's handiwork.
~ The Sussex Independent (July 11, 1890)
~ In the spring of 1890, Charles St. John, a businessman and newspaper publisher . . . — — Map (db m202340) HM
A Change of Plans
~ Twin brothers, John and Anthony Kuser, purchased the High Point Inn and the surrounding 1,700-acre property in 1910. After operating the Inn for one summer, John sold his interest to Anthony and his wife, Susie Dryden . . . — — Map (db m202349) HM
Looking south, you can follow the spine of the Kittatinny Ridge past Lake Marcia into Stokes State Forest and on to the Delaware Water Gap, where the Delaware River has carved a deep cleft through the Ridge. The Appalachian Trail, stretching . . . — — Map (db m202307) HM
The Delaware River Valley lies before you. The river is flowing parallel to the ridge but mostly out of sight until it curves and heads northwest. On the other side is Pennsylvania and the Pocono region. On a clear day you can see about 40 miles . . . — — Map (db m202300) HM
This house was built in 1787 as the home of the Reverend Elias Van Bunschooten, a Dutch Reformed Minister. He was a farmer, mill operator, and large land owner. The farm was part of a 1000 acre plantation. The Dutch Colonial house is post and beam . . . — — Map (db m30664) HM
At the invitation of Major Hugh Judson Kilpatrick (1836-1881), a native of Wantage, over forty thousand veterans of the American Civil War and guards were treated to four days of festivities from August 25-28, 1878. On the final day of the . . . — — Map (db m27305) HM
Enos Brink farmed this foothills at the head of the West Branch of the Papakating Creek from 1835 to 1871. James Turner (1859-1939), of Montclair, retired executive of Arbuckle Brothers, a NY coffee and sugar company, built Lusscroft between 1919 . . . — — Map (db m26451) HM
