Benjamin Griggs (1690 – 1768) was one of the earliest European settlers of the area that would later be known as Griggstown in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. The community takes its name after the grist mill that Griggs established on the Millstone River.
The establishment of the Benjamin Griggs gristmill along the Millstone River in the 1730s initiated the settlement of Griggstown. While small but flourishing by the time of the Revolution, it was the opening of the new canal in 1834 that hastened a construction and commercial boom in the farming community.
Benjamin Griggs was one of four sons born to John and Elizabeth Griggs in Gravesend, Brooklyn. He migrated westward into New Jersey along with his brothers Daniel, Samuel, and Thomas after 1715. Unlike his brothers, who became prominent farmers in the area, Benjamin established a mill on the Millstone River by 1733 that also served as a meeting place for the European settlers.
The Griggstown Geotrail project is an exciting partnership between Franklin Township and The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC.org who have partnered and volunteered their time, expertise and assistance and help develop and implement this geotrail.
The Griggstown Geotrail caches are placed with approval by Franklin Township, no new caches will be allowed at their Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve property without first obtaining written permission by Franklin Township.
The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in Northern New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.
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