A Tapestry of Time and Tradition

Before European settlers arrived in the mid-18th century, the land that is now Frelinghuysen Township was inhabited by the Lenape people for thousands of years, living in harmony with the region’s lush landscapes and abundant resources. It was their stewardship that shaped the foundation of our township's ecological richness. The transition to colonial Hardwick Township marked the beginning of a new era, with the area evolving into an influential hub of early American life, particularly in Johnsonburg, its first county seat, originally known as Logg Gaol.

In 1753, as part of Sussex County, Johnsonburg stood at the center of the area's administrative and agricultural development, a role it maintained until 1761 when the county seat shifted to Newton. The subsequent formation of Frelinghuysen Township in 1848, as part of Warren County, signified a continuance of the region's historical and cultural transformation. Throughout these changes, from its roots in Lenape stewardship to its colonial and post-colonial developments, Frelinghuysen Township has retained its historical essence. This rich tapestry of history, encompassing the Lenape heritage, colonial settlement, and agricultural evolution, is what makes our township not just a place of historical interest, but a living, breathing part of the American story.