Raritan Landing, New Jersey

Raritan Landing
Unincorporated community

Cornelius Low House in 2008
Raritan Landing
Raritan Landing
Raritan Landing

Raritan Landing, Middlesex County, New Jersey

Coordinates: 40°30′38″N 74°27′23″W / 40.51056°N 74.45639°W / 40.51056; -74.45639Coordinates: 40°30′38″N 74°27′23″W / 40.51056°N 74.45639°W / 40.51056; -74.45639
Country  United States
State  New Jersey
County Middlesex
Township Piscataway

Raritan Landing is a historical unincorporated community located within Piscataway Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States,[1] which was once an inland port, the farthest upstream point ocean-going ships could reach along the Raritan River, across from New Brunswick. Begun in the early 18th century it remained vital until the mid 19th century, when most of the port was abandoned.[2]

The remains of the community now reside buried beneath Johnson Park on the south side of River Road,[2][3] Remnants of the era, mostly the bluff overlooking the Raritan, include the Cornelius Low House, Metlar-Bodine House, and the Road Up Raritan Historic District and an archeological site. The nearby East Jersey Olde Towne Village is home to a permanent exhibition about the Raritan Landing.[4]

History

Raritan Landing emerged as a vital port community during the 1720s. It was situated at the farthest inland point on the Raritan River that could be navigated by merchant ships of the day. In its heyday, the Landing was the center for local trade and, along with New Brunswick, served as a hub for imports and exports to and from the Raritan Valley. Agricultural goods and lumber brought to Raritan Landing from throughout central New Jersey were stored in warehouses here, awaiting shipment to either New York or sometimes the Caribbean. Imported goods were off-loaded and taken by traders to stores and merchants throughout the area. The majority of the community existed between present-day River Road and the Raritan River, near the intersection of Landing Lane and River Road. By the 1740s, there were approximately 70 structures and more than 100 inhabitants.[5]

By the early days of the American Revolution the community was occupied by British troops. The bluffs provided safe haven for the troops, and an unobstructed lookout toward New Brunswick, enabling clear views of approaching Patriot forces.

Timeline

Raritan Landing Archeological Site

Raritan Landing Archeological District
(Boundary Increase)

View from the Cornelius Low House
Location Piscataway
Highland Park
Coordinates 40°30′45″N 74°27′45″W / 40.51250°N 74.46250°W / 40.51250; -74.46250
NRHP Reference # 79001506 (1979)
84002738 (1984)[6]
NJRHP #

1918 (1979)
1921 (1980)
1919 (1984)

[7]
Added to NRHP October 11, 1984

The Raritan Landing Archeological Site includes the Upper Van Rants House Site, the Bluff Prehistoric Site, and areas just downriver in what has become today's Highland Park as well as in Johnson Park. The site was originally listed in 1979 and expanded in 1980 and 1984.[6][7] Work was begun by Rutgers University in 1979 and was continued under the auspices of the New Jersey Department of Transportation as part of the planned extension of Route 18,[8] planned for completion in 2012.

Residents

See also

References

  1. ↑ Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed February 13, 2015.
  2. 1 2 Gabrielen, Randall (2001), Piscataway Township, Arcadia Publishing, ISBN 978-0-7385-0439-1
  3. ↑ Wikimapia
  4. ↑ "Raritan Landing". MIddlesex County. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  5. ↑ "Historic Community". Recovering Raritan Landing The Archeology of a Forgotten Town. New Jersey Department of Transportation. 2002. Retrieved 2011-07-05.
  6. 1 2 "New Jersey - Middlesex County". National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 2011-07-05.
  7. 1 2 "New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - Middlesex County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Historic Preservation Office. June 2, 2011. p. 11. Retrieved July 5, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Recovering Raritan Landing The Archeology of a Forgotten Town". New Jersey Department of Transportation. 2002. Retrieved 2011-07-05.
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