Incorporated
in 1798, this rural township has many historic areas and
preserved farms. It is the largest municipality in Morris
County at 45 square miles. The Schooley's Mountain section
was a famous resort in the 19th century because of its
natural springs.
Schooley's Mountain, Long Valley, and
Middle Valley comprise Washington Township's 44 square
miles. A large portion of the Township is occupied by
Schooley's Mountain. The pure mountain air and healing
mineral springs were irresistible attractions. The Lenape
Indians had long known about the waters, which drew
healing powers from the iron deposits found in the nearby
mountains. Today, Schooley's Mountain Park, part of the
Morris County Park Commission, provides swimming, hiking,
picnicking, ball fields, sledding and boating.
The
Black River meanders through Hacklebarney State Park,
shared with Chester Township, and delights hikers and
picnickers with its scenic beauty, refreshing waterfalls
and wading shallows. Extensive parklands and preserved
farmlands maintain the rural ambience in this beautiful
area.
Washington Township is the most westerly township in
Morris County. It was one of the six townships into which
the county was divided in 1798. Prior to that, Washington
Township was part of Roxbury. The first settlers were
German Protestants from Saxony, Germany, who came in
search of freedom of worship. Part of Washington Township
is often referred to as German Valley in reference to its
early settlers. The Township was incorporated on February
12, 1798. The 2000 population was 17,952 and the
projection for 2010 is 20,277.
There are neighborhoods, both new construction and resale,
as well as charming historic structures in Washington
Township. The Township's K - 8 school system is the
sending district for West Morris Central High School, one
of two high schools in the highly regarded West Morris
Regional District.
SCHOOLS:
Walter Kossman (K-2), Flocktown Road (3-4), and Old
Farmers Road (K-4) elementary schools and Long Valley
Middle School. High school students attend the West Morris
Central High School, part of the West Morris Regional High
School District, Four Bridges Road, (908) 879-6404.
Township high school students attend the W. Morris
Regional High School District. Township representatives on
its board of education are Theresa Townsend, president;
Jeff Emery; Cindy Field; Andrea Saks and John Notte Jr.
WEST
MORRIS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES: Washington Township School
District (K-8), 53 W. Mill Road, Long Valley 07853, (908)
876-4172.
PARKS:
Califon Fields, Califon Road; Cataract Park, Route 24;
Cobblestone Field, Cobblestone Road; Palmer Park, Bartley
Road; Lough Molly, Califon Road; Rock Spring Park, Route
24; Scott Park, Route 513; Falcon Fields, Rock Road;
Schooley's Mountain Park, East Springtown Road;
Hackelbarney State Park, Hacklebarney Road
RECREATION:
Year-round activities for various age groups. Call (908)
876-5941 for more information.
Transportation
*For rail
and bus schedules and fare information call NJ Transit @
1-800-772-2222 (within NJ) or 1-973-762-5100 out of area.
|
|
|
