Bringing New Life to a “Historic Secret” of Morris County
Whether you are a long-time resident of Morris County or not, this notable region is worth getting to know up close and personal. This area has always been proud of its history, which is a significant attraction for many families living here. There are some spectacular, historic elements which make Morris County a truly unique place; one of them is the Morris Canal.
What is the Morris Canal? The canal is a 102-mile path of water which once connected Northern New Jersey with other important areas, such as New York. This canal was the main source of transportation for goods such as coal and iron ore beginning in 1824. Before motorized transportation as we know it today was available, the Morris Canal was crucial for our region’s economic development.
With the creation of the canal came a boom of small towns and residences along the canal’s banks to support and house canal workers. There were many challenges to the creation of the canal, such as the highlands and lowlands of northern New Jersey, which resulted in the need for locks to carry boats through elevation changes. Channeling water supply was another significant challenge. These challenges resulted in a struggle for the Morris Canal to be prosperous at the beginning.
This all changed, however, in the late 1850’s when the canal became a profitable aspect of Morris County and much of the northern New Jersey region. The revenue increase arrived as the canal was used to help with the transportation of goods for the Civil War. This prosperity, however, only lasted about 20 years. By 1870, trains were stealing the thunder of the canal, and by 1922, plans were drawn up to fill in the canal, closing this transportation route for good.
A Changing Time: Over the years, the path which was once the canal has all but vanished amongst modern development. With much of the Morris Canal forgotten by many, and less known by visitors, the canal has become one of our region’s “historical secrets”. The good news is, this secret has been rediscovered over recent years through exposure of existing sections coming to light on public and private land, alike. In fact, during super storm Sandy, the flood waters actually helped to unearth some mysterious historic findings linked back to the canal. One woman found the hull of a canal boat within the foundation of her home while rebuilding after the storm.
New Life: Plans are now underway or completed to bring new life to some sections of the canal as a greenway trail system. With large areas of the canal remnants near to, or part of existing trails in northern New Jersey, enhancing these sites into a greenway trail system will help ensure we can enjoy this “Historical Secret” for years to come. The revitalization project covers serval multi-mile segments of trails and historical landmarks from the Morris Canal. One of these landmarks is the Collins House in Bloomfield, which sits on the property of one of the canal’s old locks. Plans are underway to raise money to revitalize the home and turn it into a museum for the canal and meeting space for local community groups.
To learn more about the Trail Project or the canal, visit: Morris Canal: A century after its demise, 102-mile watery relic is reborn with new role.
The Morris Canal is a “Historic Secret” no more. Exploring the canal along the new greenway trail system will show you just one of many reasons why this area is special, and why Morris County homes continue to be in high demand. When you are ready to sell your home, let me be your experienced Realtor?; my team and I am here to help you succeed through the entire process. Please contact me, Doug Tucker, directly. You can give me a call at (973) 539-6300, or send me an email at [email protected]. I will be happy to answer any questions you have.