Did You Know…?

Watchung was formerly known as “Green Valley” and “Washingtonville.”  In the early 1900s, Washingtonville sought to gain its own post office.  It was discovered that another town by the name of Washingtonville existed in the state of New Jersey.  The village then changed its name to Watchung.  In the early 20^th century, Watchung was a fairly wealthy section of the county due to its valuable stone quarries.  Wallace Vail opened the first quarry in 1864.  Stone was initially taken from the quarry to build local churches and hotels. It was later used for bridges and foundations of buildings throughout the state.  Stone from the quarry was also used to lay Route 22.  In 1894, a concrete dam was built on Watchung Lake that allowed for the development of a new industry in Watchung – ice cutting.   Learn More…