Rich in Historic Lore & Tradition
Created by an Act of the State Legislature on March 15, 1738 separating it from Hunterdon County, the county derived its name from Colonel Lewis Morris, then Governor of the Province of NJ. The county is known as the "Military Capital of the Revolution", and each of its 39 municipalities played some part in the war effort and contains something of historical importance to this day. Preserving this proud heritage falls to the Morris County Heritage Commission, Historical Society and numerous other groups.
Township of Roxbury
Roxbury Township was founded in 1740 and has a rich heritage. Originally a center for iron mining and forges that supplied George Washington and the Continental Army, the community grew with the cutting of roads east and west and the building of the Morris Canal in 1827. Roxbury was a major hub for the Canal, with Lake Hopatcong as a water source. Four Canal inclined planes and two locks were located within Roxbury, with many businesses established during the 19th century to service the Canal.
Local explosives plants, such as Hercules, would supply dynamite for the mines and railroad building and employ generations of Roxbury Township residents. By the 1880s the Railroad would overtake the Canal for commercial transportation and Roxbury exploded in growth with two competing rail lines. By 1890 Roxbury was 'the' gateway to the busy resorts of Lake Hopatcong, which remained one of the region's most popular summer destinations for over 60 years. The coming decades brought a 'boom time' of new train stations, schools, homes and businesses, yet always in an orderly sort of way.
Photo of Roxbury Art Event by the Roxbury Arts Alliance
