History of Branchville NJ

TLocated in the northern most region of Sussex County, New Jersey, lies the picturesque village of Branchville. Originally part of the surrounding Township of Frankford, N.J., Branchville separated from it and formed its own self governing borough in 1898. The town is approximately1/2 mile in size and has a total population of 840. Despite its smallness, Branchville has quite a long and fascinating history.

Branchville was settled by immigrants from Connecticut in the 1700's. It grew quickly and in the 1820's the town was divided into building lots. By the year 1844 Branchville was a well established community with 32 dwellings, mills,blacksmiths, an academy, a church and a variety of other factories and businesses.

The addition of two water-powered mills and a dam in 1855 furthered the town's prosperity. Energy would later be harnessed from this dam and a second one that was built to supply Branchville with electricity and its own power company.

Extension of rail service to Branchville in 1869 brought and even greater boon to the village's economic market growth. From 1869-1871 forty new homes were built. The railroad had made it possible to ship products from the local mills and creameries to larger urban areas to the east. With lake communities nearby the tourism was also spurred by the railroad. Up to six trains a day would bring people from the larger cities to enjoy a country vacation.

Catastophe struck the town on two separate occassions. One was the "Great Fire of 1882" and the other the "Flood of 1955". Thankfully, no lives were lost in either event but damages were extensive and expenses to rebuild were great. In both instances recovery was slow but Branchville managed to regain its former prosperity.

Even though the train whistle no longer blows, grist mills aren't grinding and cows and farms are a rarity the town's past is very much evident today. Many if not most of the original buildings are still in use whether as a private residence or businesses. Residents take great pride in their town. Branchville today is a beautiful, well maintained and very busy village.

Sometimes in order to shape the future we need to understand the past. Won't you please join us as we share a brief overview of Branchville's history.
 

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