HISTORY OF LONG VALLEY
The first permanent settler to Middle Valley was Samuel Swachhamer in 1732. Six years later, in 1738, he was joined by several more families; the Dufford, Welsh, Weise, Neighbour, Schenkle, Terriberry, and Trimmer families. These settlers built up the area, creating churches, farms, and houses. Some of these structures are still in use today.
Up until 1800, the township of Roxbury officially owned the land of Washington Township. Throughout 1798, discussions began about German Valley becoming its own township. On January 23rd, 1800 they were able to decide on a compromise, and Washington Township was officially established as its own township. Our town was the first of five Washington Townships in New Jersey named after George Washington.
During the 1800’s, Schooley's Mountain became one of the first resort areas in the United States because of its healing springs. Two major hotels, the Heath House and Belmont Hall, were built on top of the mountain. The Heath House was the first hotel constructed in the area, and opened between 1810-1815. Belmont Hall opened shortly after.
From 1876 to 1976, the Jersey Central Railroad High Bridge Branch passed through German Valley. The main use for this railroad was to transport ore from the mines in Washington Township. The mining business was a major source of income in Washington Township. The train also was used to transport goods and resources to German Valley. As the railroad expanded, people realized that they could now travel to cities and beaches that were once too far away with ease by riding the railroad. This put the two major hotels in town out of business.
In 1918, German Valley changed its name to Long Valley, because of the negativity associated with Germany during
World War I. Long Valley was the name originally given to the area by the Lenni Lenape when they traveled through centuries ago.
With the growing population of youth, several schools were established during the 1900’s. Flocktown Road School, Walter J. Kossmann School, Old Farmers Road School, and Long Valley Middle School were all built to provide elementary education. In 1958, West Morris Central High School opened, providing public schooling to all teens in Long Valley, Chester, and Mendham. All of these schools are still in use today, with the addition of Benedict A. Cucinella School, which opened in 2006.
Long Valley today covers about 45 square miles, and is home to 18,533 residents, according to the 2010 census. A lot has changed since the settlers first came to Middle Valley in the mid 1700s.
The first permanent settler to Middle Valley was Samuel Swachhamer in 1732. Six years later, in 1738, he was joined by several more families; the Dufford, Welsh, Weise, Neighbour, Schenkle, Terriberry, and Trimmer families. These settlers built up the area, creating churches, farms, and houses. Some of these structures are still in use today.
Up until 1800, the township of Roxbury officially owned the land of Washington Township. Throughout 1798, discussions began about German Valley becoming its own township. On January 23rd, 1800 they were able to decide on a compromise, and Washington Township was officially established as its own township. Our town was the first of five Washington Townships in New Jersey named after George Washington.
During the 1800’s, Schooley's Mountain became one of the first resort areas in the United States because of its healing springs. Two major hotels, the Heath House and Belmont Hall, were built on top of the mountain. The Heath House was the first hotel constructed in the area, and opened between 1810-1815. Belmont Hall opened shortly after.
From 1876 to 1976, the Jersey Central Railroad High Bridge Branch passed through German Valley. The main use for this railroad was to transport ore from the mines in Washington Township. The mining business was a major source of income in Washington Township. The train also was used to transport goods and resources to German Valley. As the railroad expanded, people realized that they could now travel to cities and beaches that were once too far away with ease by riding the railroad. This put the two major hotels in town out of business.
In 1918, German Valley changed its name to Long Valley, because of the negativity associated with Germany during
World War I. Long Valley was the name originally given to the area by the Lenni Lenape when they traveled through centuries ago.
With the growing population of youth, several schools were established during the 1900’s. Flocktown Road School, Walter J. Kossmann School, Old Farmers Road School, and Long Valley Middle School were all built to provide elementary education. In 1958, West Morris Central High School opened, providing public schooling to all teens in Long Valley, Chester, and Mendham. All of these schools are still in use today, with the addition of Benedict A. Cucinella School, which opened in 2006.
Long Valley today covers about 45 square miles, and is home to 18,533 residents, according to the 2010 census. A lot has changed since the settlers first came to Middle Valley in the mid 1700s.