“Knoll town” so called for the prevalent hills and limestone knobs, was sectioned off from Oxford Township in 1768. The township was part of Sussex County until 1824, bounded on the north by the Blue Mountains and the west by the Delaware River. A new northern boundary was created in 1845 when Blairstown seceded.
By 1887, numerous churches in the township had flourishing congregations with the population estimated to be about 2000. By this time the advent of the railroads made easy access to the area for city-dwellers wanting to escape to Knowlton’s scenic landscape and the appeal of the river. With the demise of the railroads in later years gradually the hotels and inns that accommodated these travelers died. Soon to follow were the mills, tanneries, quarries and factories. The township after that was primarily a farming community.
Today inter-state highways are the roads now traveled bringing visitors to the same scenic landscapes enjoyed by oers so many years ago.
Mission
The Knowlton Township Historic Commission (KTHC) was officially established in October 1997 to preserve the rural landscape, agricultural architecture, and historic character of Knowlton Township. By serving as an educational resource to the community and encouraging a commitment to retain the unique sense of place that is Knowlton Township, the Commission works to keep alive the history and beauty of a unique area.
Preservation means keeping live the lived history of Knowlton’s early residents and the ‘footprints’ of time passed. The sense of place is defined as much by the built environment as the natural landscape, and the mark that early settlers made here. In the 1700s, life revolved around rivers, since trade was conducted via waterways. Early pioneers like James and Adam Ramsay created a hamlet based on river trade, and that site, known as Ramsaysburg, witnessed transformation as the modes of transportation shifted over time from river to rail to roadway. John Blair’s railroad building is a significant part of that history, as he built not only railroads but developed the villages around them.
Since 2001, the Historic Commission has been overseeing the restoration of the structures at the Ramsaysburg Homestead at 140 Route 46 toward its future use as an interpretive arts and cultural center. Grant funding from county and state grants as well as the NJ Historic Trust and others has significantly advanced to preserve this important historic site that includes nearly twelve river-front acres.
Photo: Ramsaysburg Historic Site, with main building in foreground, cottage and barn in background.
The Commission has secured listing on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places for Ramsaysburg and the nearby village of Delaware, once home to the Delaware Junction station on Blair’s Warren Railroad. The work of the Commission has expanded present-day awareness of that history, bringing school classes to Ramsaysburg, hosting interpretive history day events, tours, concerts, and cultural events.
The work of the Commission includes promoting the value of Knowlton’s landscapes through preservation of historic farm structures, the barns and outbuildings that tell the story of the area’s rural agricultural history.
You are invited to become involved………
If history and historic preservation interest you as important components in Knowlton’s future, the Knowlton Township Historic Commission welcomes your involvement. Join as a member or, if your time is limited, volunteer to help with special events and tours. Your friends and neighbors will appreciate your involvement in helping to preserve the character and beauty of Knowlton’s villages, hamlets, farms, and scenic landscapes.
Knowlton Township Historical Commission meetings are held at the Knowlton Township Municipal Building unless otherwise specified. The meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend. For details on meeting dates and times, contact halbromm@gmail.com.
For information and photos regarding the history of Knowlton:
Email: info@historicknowlton.org
For information on Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead http://www.ramsaysburg.org/
Like us on Facebook Facebook – Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead
Commissioners
| Hal Bromm | Chair |
| Dennis Bertland | Professional Advisor |
| James Mazza | Committee Liaison |
| Carl Shuster | Historian |
| Candice Nattland | Secretary |
Bob McNinch |
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| Rita Baragona | |
| Tom Drake | |
| Gloria Hardiman | |
| Rick Clarkson | |
| Karin Strom | |
| Dennis Melillo |
| Knowlton
Township Historic Commission
Contact us at:: S628 Route 94 |
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