Bernardsville was originally a section of Bernards Township known as Vealtown. In 1840, Vealtown changed its name to Bernardsville in honor of Sir Francis Bernard, Colonial Governor of New Jersey from 1758 to 1760.  After the Civil War, many wealthy and prominent New Yorkers moved into the area, first as summer visitors, then as permanent residents of the Bernardsville Mountain.   The railroad line was built through Bernardsville in 1872 and played an important role in the borough’s development. Bernardsville did not become a separate borough until 1924, when it split from Bernards Township.  Bernardsville is 12.85 square miles with a population of 7,345.  Learn More…