Sussex County, New Jersey

Amity School Andover Furnace Augusta Hill Baptists Bevans, New Jersey Branchville, NJ Brick House Village Casper Shafer Cat Swamp Hijacking and Murder Cedar Crest Farm DAR Van Bunschooten Museum Dark Moon Archaeological Site Defenders of the Union Denton-Wallace House Dr. Samuel Fowler Franklin Furnace Franklin School Fredon George Washington Encampment George Washington Tree Goldsmith Maid Hainesville, New Jersey Henry W. Merriam High Breeze Farm High Point Monument High Point: An Early Haven for Sightseers & Sportsmen Home of Hudson Maxim Home of Thomas Anderson Joseph Sharp's Iron Works Kilpatrick's Reenactment Krogh’s Lake Mohawk Memorial Layton, New Jersey Let This Tablet Honor Them and All Who Live For the Good of the Community Lusscroft Millville Historic District Moody’s Raids National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Newton Green Newton Green Northwest New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Old Clove Church Old Mine Road Old Mine Road Old Mine Road Old Newton Burial Ground Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum Price's Switch Schoolhouse Princess White Deer Public Parks: Refuge & Recreation for All Sand Hill Road and Route 94 Site Of Toll Gate Snufftown - Stockholm Sparta Sparta War Memorial St. Thomas Episcopal Church Stanhope, NJ Stokes State Forest Sussex Borough, New Jersey Sussex County Sussex County Public Safety Memorial Sussex County Veterans Memorial Sussex Railroad The Gift of a State Park The Hill Memorial The Iron Master’s Mansion The Iron Works at Andover The Kuser Lodge: An Inn, A Mansion, A Museum The Lackawanna Cutoff The Lafayette Foundry The Morris Canal 1824-1924 The Morris Canal Inclined Planes The Sterling Mine The Village of Bevans The Westbrook - Bell House The Works of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Company Thomas Woolverton's Tavern Twin Bridges U.S.S. Bunker Hill Memorial Unknown Soldier of the Revolution Wallpack, N.J. Waterloo, A Canal Town Waterloo: A Transportation Crossroads Welcome to Historic Lake Mohawk Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church
Sussex County, located in the northwest corner of the state of New Jersey, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by the Munsee and Lenape Native American tribes. European settlers arrived in the late 17th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1738. The county was officially established in 1753, named after Sussex County in England.

During the American Revolutionary War, Sussex County played a significant role. It served as a critical supply route for General George Washington's troops, and the area saw several battles and skirmishes. The county's iron industry also contributed to the war effort, providing weapons and materials for the Continental Army.

In the 19th century, Sussex County experienced rapid industrial growth, fueled by its vast natural resources. The mountains were rich in iron ore, which led to the development of numerous iron mines, forges, and foundries. The agricultural sector also thrived, with farms producing crops like dairy, apples, and grains. The Delaware and Hudson Canal, opened in 1828, further facilitated transportation and trade in the region.

In the 20th century, Sussex County saw a shift towards tourism and recreation. The construction of Lake Mohawk and other man-made lakes transformed the area into a popular vacation destination. Today, Sussex County maintains a balance between its rural charm and modern amenities, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historic landmarks. The county's diverse heritage and past continue to shape its identity, making it a unique and captivating part of New Jersey.
Brief timeline of the history of Sussex County, New Jersey:

  • 1694 - Sussex County is created as part of the Province of West Jersey.
  • 1731 - The first courthouse is constructed in Newton, becoming the county seat.
  • 1762 - The first iron forge is built in Andover, which becomes an important industry in the county.
  • 1793 - The Andover Ironworks is established, boosting the local economy.
  • 1805 - The construction of the Morris Canal begins, providing transportation for goods between Sussex County and New York City.
  • 1824 - The Sussex Railroad is established, further improving transportation in the region.
  • 1844 - The county's first newspaper, the Sussex Register, is published in Newton.
  • 1853 - The county's border is expanded, incorporating parts of Morris and Warren counties.
  • 1872 - The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad opens, leading to more industrial development in the area.
  • 1923 - The county's first radio station, WSYL, begins broadcasting in Newton.
  • 1968 - The Appalachian Trail, stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, passes through Sussex County.
  • 1989 - The Sterling Hill Mining Museum opens to the public, showcasing the county's mining heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sussex County, New Jersey.