HISTORY

Sussex County was first explored by the Dutch in the early 1600's.  By the early 1700's, provinces of New Jersey divided and boundaries were defined.  The Sussex County area was originally within the boundaries of Burlington.  In 1753, Sussex County became a seperate county and it included all that which is now Sussex and Warren counties.  The county was divided into four townships;  Walpack, Newton, Hardwick and Greenwich.     

The county's history hinged greatly on its production of iron.  During the Revolutionay War, Andover Iron Works provided arms for the Continental Army.  By the 1800's, mining and smelting flourished at hundreds of sites in Sussex County, requiring alot of coal from Pennsylvania.

The 102-mile Morris Canal opened, which provided a way for the coal to move from Pennsylvania to Sussex County and New York City.  It also provided Sussex County with a means to send their iron products to
New York and get agricultural products back to the county to feed it's growing population.

By the 1850's, the railroads replaced the canal for these purposes.  All along the tracks, small villages began to grow.  Indeed, many call Sussex County the cradle of the American industrial revolution, because of its iron ore and zinc, and because of the canal and railroads that opened up the land.  

    

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