In a recent post I mentioned that I found two items at the Hunterdon County Historical Society that explained what Nathaniel Saxton was doing during the years 1808-1815. Besides investing in Raven Rock and a couple properties in other locations, and becoming an active supporter of the Federalists, Saxton was thinking of infrastructure, in particular, construction of a bridge between Bull’s Island and Lumberville.
Raven Rock
RAVEN ROCK, the village across from Bull’s Island, was known as Saxtonville in the early 19th century. I have collected its early history here, starting with the first survey by Richard Bull (hence, Bull’s Island). For a more complete history of this interesting place, read ‘Stories from Raven Rock, New Jersey,’ ed. by R. Curt Chinnici, History Press, 2012.
Reading Howell’s Map of 1785
Some time ago, I made reference to the map of the Delaware River prepared by Reading Howell. Some people pointed out to me that Howell had made such a map in 1792, but were surprised by the date 1785. I had seen a copy of that map but had been unable to find it in my papers—that is, until today, when I found a very nice copy among the news clippings and other items saved by Edna Laszlo of Raven Rock. I am sorry to say, there was no notation explaining where the original map is kept.
Raven Rock Was Once Bool’s Island
“Village Might Appropriately Have been Called Riven Rock
Quarry Once Busy Place”
By Egbert T. Bush, Stockton, N.J.
published in the Hunterdon Co. Democrat, February 12, 1931
Note: This article was written by Egbert T. Bush, not by me. I have only added some footnotes for clarification and the photograph of Raven Rock Station, which was not part of the original article.