This next chapter in the creation of Delaware and Raritan Townships involves a lot of politicking, a lot of ‘inside baseball.’ But it is the story behind the story, and should not remain hidden. I’ve leavened the article with some passing references to mad dogs, passenger pigeons and Lincoln’s first speech. The previous episodes in this saga can be found here: Part One and Part Two.
Hopewell Twp
Although Hopewell is now part of Mercer County, it was for over 100 years a part of Old Hunterdon County. But Hopewell was a town before Hunterdon was a county. It was created in 1700 out of the northern part of Burlington County. Much of the settlement of southern Hunterdon came by way of Hopewell Township.
The Division of Amwell, part two
This year residents of Delaware Township in Hunterdon County celebrate the 175 years since the township was created. Five years ago, in celebration of its 170th anniversary, I published a series of articles on the website “The Delaware Township Post.” It seems appropriate to republish those articles this year on my own website, slightly edited. Here is part two:
The Division of Amwell Township, 1838
This year residents of Delaware Township in Hunterdon County celebrate the 175 years since the township was created. The story of how this came about is a surprising one, and a little disheartening.