A Brief History of Newton, New Jersey
Bristol Glen is continuing care retirement community offering older adults independent senior living, assisted living, memory care, and more just minutes from vibrant downtown Newton, NJ. Many people don’t realize what a rich history our town has, with a vibrant mix of cultures, businesses, shops, and entertainment. Despite being a smaller town, it gives you everything you’d want in life without the traffic and hustle that comes with living near a big city. Here’s a little bit of Newton’s history and what makes it the perfect balance between small-town hospitality and city living.
Introducing Newton, NJ!
Just 60 miles from New York City lies Newton, NJ, sitting at the source of the Paulinskill river in the Kittatinny Valley. The town lies on a gentle slope near the base of the Grate Slate Mountain with views towards the Big Spring, Paulinskill meadows, and Blue Mountains.
The history of the area dates back long before the town’s incorporation in 1864, with clay shards and neolithic tools dating back several thousand years. These have been attributed to the original inhabitants – the Tockhockonetcong, likely a Lenne Lenape tribe – who have since vanished.
During the revolution, this small town grew dramatically. Thanks to its position as a hub where turnpikes and post roads met, Newton became a regional center for banks, newspapers, mail, freight, commerce, and education. This growth was accelerated by the completion of the Sussex Railroad in 1854, which brought in hotels, brick emporiums, and premier locations for trade and commerce. The town’s expansion also drove architectural advancements in the area, and today we can still see incredible craftsmanship in the killed masonry, decorative scrollwork, and turned balustrades in existing Historic Newton structures, such as neoclassical homes and commercial buildings. Some of our most beautiful buildings include the Victorian Merriam Casa Bella, Christ Episcopal Church, Sussex County Courthouse, Cortelyou House, Newton Firehouse Museum, and The Newton Academy.
Despite being in a county that boasted more cows than people between 1850 and 1950, Newton became a town beloved by newly returned veterans, young couples, and families looking for a nurturing and safe place to live.
Newton attractions – Why we love our big, little town
Today, Newton is a thriving town with diverse cultures, industries, and amenities set in beautiful natural splendor. With such a vibrant mix of people who reside in the area, Newton can’t help but be a town where everyone enjoys the sunny weather, somewhat warmer New Jersey winters, and beautiful autumn colors.
There is a ton to see and do in Newton, NJ, including:
- Museums, art galleries, and libraries – Such as the Newton Fire Museum, Sussex County arts and heritage gallery, and Dennis Library.
- Theater – The Newton Theatre and Drama Geek Studios offer classes, workshops, and performances throughout the year.
- Religious gatherings – Hosted in the several Christian churches in town, as well as Jewish synagogues.
- Sports – Get out and support our local sports clubs and teams, including the Newton Braves football club, Sussex County Miners baseball club, and our beloved high school teams.
- Nature – Breathe in plenty of fresh air when you visit our lovely parks, including Memory Park and Pine Street Park, the nearby Kittatinny Valley State Park, Hillside Park, and Swartswood State Park.
Bristol Glen – Abundant senior living in Newton, NJ
Are you interested in senior living near Newton, NJ? Bristol Glen is one of the leading long-term care communities in Sussex County, located right near the action of Newton, NJ. Our community space is designed to be beautiful and spacious, as well as making the town of Newton easily accessible to our residents. We offer a welcoming space for seniors who need additional care, as well as specialized memory care services. Our skilled nursing team is compassionate, experienced, and ready to assist with dementia support for seniors, as well as managing strokes, diabetes, and other complex medical conditions.
For more information on Bristol Glen and how we are different from other long-term care communities in Sussex County NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at:
