Our History

The Lenni Lenape or Delaware Indians were the first inhabitants of New Jersey with the highly respected Minsi tribe living in the northern region along the Delaware River. Their westward departure around 1742 brought the pre-revolutionary settlers to our area. Pioneer names such as Leida, Snyder, Cool, Barnes, Craig, Brands, Bartow, Beck and Brugler, who settled the northern end of the township, are still known today. Establishing communities in the southern portion of Knowlton were the Albertson, Adams, Applemon, Engle, Robeson (after whom the Rift was named), Cummins, Ribble, Ramsey and Allison families. "Knoll town", called so after the prevalent small hills (some of which were limestone knobs), was sectioned from Oxford Township and legally enacted during the 1768 session of the State Legislature. Up until 1824, the township, bounded at the north by the Blue Mountains and to the west by the Delaware River, was part of Sussex County. The formation of Warren County, named after the Revolutionary War hero General Joseph Warren who fell at Bunker Hill, placed the county seat at Belvidere. A new western boundary was created when, in 1845, Blairstown deducted itself from Knowlton Township. The Moravian Grist Mill, which now stands in Hope, was built when the area was still Knowlton Township; the stones probably taken from the nearby quarry.

The population in 1887 was estimated to be 2000 which supports the theory that Delaware, Warrington, Hainesburg, Columbia, Polkville, Centerville, and Ramseyburg were all flourishing communities. The interwoven histories of the ever-growing churches in the area also clearly show this. As the several factories, mills, tanneries, quarries, and ultimately, the railroads disappeared over the years, the setting become a residential one where some farming continued.

Today, except for the small, private businesses and a number of farms, Knowlton Township is continuing its peaceful pace and hopefully maintaining its beautiful countryside.

All residents of Knowlton Township interested in being considered for appointment by the Township Committee to Township Boards, Commissions, Committees or Special Committees at such time as a vacancy may occur are requested to complete a volunteer application and return it to the Municipal Clerk. Any questions may be addressed to Lisa Patton, Municipal Clerk. We appreciate your willingness to serve your community.