Montville Township contains historical roots that predate the founding
of the United States. First settled by Dutch farmers, not until the early
1740's was the first road constructed, what is now Route 202. This
once wilderness pathway was witness to such historic events as the
frequent passage of General George Washington, Commander and Chief
of the Continental Army. The Doremus house, located in the North West
section of town was, in the early 1700's, one of the few structures that
might offer a weary traveler warmth and safe haven from the harsh New Jersey
Winters. General Washington frequented this house, using it as a way
point and rest area during his many trips to and from Morristown, New
Jersey.
By 1824, construction of the Morris Canal had commenced. Following
its completion, commercial traffic and raw iron ore began to thread it's
way down this water way to the emerging and bustling industrial area of
Newark and lower Passaic River basin. By the late 1880's,
Construction on what would become known as the Eire - Lackawanna Rail Road
had commenced. These two major thorough fares would be later replaced
by Route 287, which runs North to the New York Boarder and South, to the
Sandy Hook area of the Raritain River Basin. The mid- 19th century
saw the development of two smaller village centers apart from Montville:
Pine Brook and White Hall, later to be renamed Towaco. On April
11, 1867 the New Jersey State Legislature formally united and chartered the
three sections of White Hall, Montville and Pine Brook into the present day
Township of Montville.
The municipality grew over the century from a few farms to over 1,957 homes
and 79 farms by 1962. Over the last few decades, Montville received
increased attention from residential and commercial property developers.
Consequently, Montville now has over 18,000 residents. However, despite this
growth, Montville still enjoys a significantly lower population density
by comparison to either the county or state average.
Montville's proud, rich history is but one of its' many attractions.
New residents and business speculators are attracted not only by its' historical
significance to the Revolutionary War years and the legendary stop
overs by General Washingtonís troops and of General Washington
himself, but of its' central location and quality
neighborhoods.
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