KT Historic Commission
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Warren County, New Jersey
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The
Lenni Lenape were the first inhabitants of New Jersey; the Minsi
lived in the northern region along the Delaware River. About 1742,
pre-Revolutionary families with names such as Leida, Snyder, Cool,
Barnes and Brugler, replaced the indians as they settled the
northern end of the township. Establishing communities to the
south were the Albertson, Adams, Appleman, Robeson and Ramsay
families. “Knoll town” so called for the prevalent hills and limestone knobs, was sectioned off from Oxford Township in 1768. The township was part of Sussex County until 1824, bounded on the north by the Blue Mountains and the west by the Delaware River. A new northern boundary was created in 1845 when Blairstown seceded. By 1887, numerous churches in the township had flourishing congregations with the population estimated to be about 2000. By this time the advent of the railroads made easy access to the area for city-dwellers wanting to escape to Knowlton’s scenic landscape and the appeal of the river. With the demise of the railroads in later years gradually the hotels and inns that accommodated these travelers died. Soon to follow were the mills, tanneries, quarries and factories. The township after that was primarily a farming community. Today inter-state highways are the roads now traveled bringing visitors to the same scenic landscapes enjoyed by oers so many years ago. |
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"View of Water Gap and Columbia Glassworks-River Delaware" is the title of thisaquatint by William Strickland, from an oil by Thomas Birch. The Glassworkswas founded in 1812 by Francis Mayerhoff, a Manhattan Merchant. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mission The Knowlton Township Historic Commission (KTHC) was officially established in October 1997 to preserve the rural landscape, agricultural architecture, and historic character of Knowlton Township. By serving as an educational resource to the community and encouraging a commitment to retain the unique sense of place that is Knowlton Township, the Commission works to keep alive the history and beauty of a unique area. Preservation means keeping live the lived history of Knowlton’s early residents and the ‘footprints’ of time passed. The sense of place is defined as much by the built environment as the natural landscape, and the mark that early settlers made here. In the 1700s, life revolved around rivers, since trade was conducted via waterways. Early pioneers like James and Adam Ramsay created a hamlet based on river trade, and that site, known as Ramsaysburg, witnessed transformation as the modes of transportation shifted over time from river to rail to roadway. John Blair’s railroad building is a significant part of that history, as he built not only railroads but developed the villages around them. Since 2001, the Historic Commission has been overseeing the restoration of the structures at the Ramsaysburg Homestead at 140 Route 46 toward its future use as an interpretive arts and cultural center. Grant funding from county and state grants as well as the NJ Historic Trust and others has significantly advanced to preserve this important historic site that includes nearly twelve river-front acres. Photo: Ramsaysburg Historic Site, with main building in foreground, cottage and barn in background |
You are invited to become involved……… If history and historic preservation interest you as important components in Knowlton’s future, the Knowlton Township Historic Commission welcomes your involvement. Join as a member or, if your time is limited, volunteer to help with special events and tours. Your friends and neighbors will appreciate your involvement in helping to preserve the character and beauty of Knowlton’s villages, hamlets, farms, and scenic landscapes. Knowlton Township Historic Commission meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M. at the Knowlton Township Municipal Building unless otherwise specified. The meetings are open to the public and all are welcomed to attend. Commissioners
For information and photos regarding
the history of Knowlton: http://www.historicknowlton.org/ For more information contact Hal Bromm at halbromm@gmail.com or RamsaysburgHomestead@gmail.com Township Phone: 908-496-4816
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