Randolph was inhabited by the Lenape Indians, settled by Quakers, and served as a supply point for Washington’s army during its winter in nearby Jockey Hollow. The township’s historical landmarks include the Liberty Tree that began growing in 1720, the 1869 Bryant Distillery (famed for its apple jack!), and the 1924 Millbrook School, now rehabilitated and in use as offices. One of our oldest streets.
Randolph was originally settled by the Lenni Lenape native American tribe and later by European Colonists and Quakers. In 1713, New Jersey’s first iron mine was registered and it was located in Randolph. Early Quakers were among those who discovered iron in the area and began to mine it, resulting in New Jersey becoming the country’s third top iron producer for a time. The iron mines in the township supplied the Revolutionary forces with necessary ore for tools and weapons. For the next 200 years the iron industry thrived, playing an important part in the development of Randolph.
During the late 1700s, Randolph was a supply point for George Washington’s Continental Army during their winter in nearby Jockey Hollow. Local legend says Washington came up with Mount Freedom’s name after horseback rides from Morristown to the top of the mountain, where he would contemplate his next war strategies.
Many of Randolph’s early settlers were Quakers. By the mid-1700s, a significant Presbyterian population had also settled here. The pacifist Quakers and the patriot Presbyterians coexisted uneasily during the Revolution. The Quakers felt persecuted, since New Jersey law required those refusing military service to pay a fine of fifty shillings a month or risk confiscation of their property.
In 1713, New Jersey’s first iron mine was registered and it was located in Randolph. The iron industry, which continued to thrive for the next 200 years, played an important part in the development of Randolph.
Once part of Mendham, a separate Randolph Township was incorporated on November 13, 1805. At that time, it included the areas that are now Dover, Wharton, Mine Hill and Victory Gardens. Taking its name from Hartshorne Fitz-Randolph, a Quaker who was one of the first settlers and largest landowners, the township adopted the Fitz-Randolph family’s coat-of-arms as its official insignia in 1972.
Following the Civil War, local industries declined, as less expensive products from larger urban manufacturers became readily available. Despite a brief boom in iron mining around Ironia in the 1870s, Randolph reverted to a largely agricultural economy. Inexpensive land attracted newcomers. Jewish families, disillusioned with urban life, came here from New York City around 1900. They established farms and a vital community that exists today. At this time, Randolph also started becoming a popular resort community. Two of its largest resorts, Ackerman’s Hotel and Saltz’s Hotel, survived into the 1970s.
Though Randolph’s landscape continued to change, especially during the 1990s when much development occurred, it still has many acres of open space and parkland. Throughout the municipality, old farmhouses, mills and other historic structures remind of us Randolph’s heritage as an agricultural and rural industrial community.
The Randolph Township Historic Geotrail tour project was developed between Randolph Township and The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC.org who have partnered, volunteered their time, expertise and assistance and help develop and implement the Randolph History tour and Geotrail.
The Randolph Geotrail caches are placed with approval by Randolph Township Parks department, any new caches will only be allowed by first obtaining written permission by Randolph 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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