About the Mendham, New Jersey Area

Weichert Real Estate Building

Ort's Farm

Autumn in Morris County

 

LOCATION / BRIEF HISTORY /POPULATION 

MORRIS COUNTY:
Morris County is home to the Chesters, the Mendhams, and Long Valley. It is New Jersey's seventh largest county, and is known as the "Military Capital of the American Revolution." Located in the center of Northern New Jersey, the hills, valleys, lakes, mountains, and towns of the area are rich in history and tradition. This is where General George Washington's Army camped during two winters of the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold was tried for treason, and Alexander Hamilton courted Betsy Schuyler. Morris County is also the birthplace of the telegraph?which was invented by Alfred Vail and Samuel Morse. The Morris Canal also made history here?as it was considered to be one of the most accomplished engineering feats of the time. From 1990 to 2000, Morris County's population grew by 11.6% to 470,212 residents.

THE BOROUGH OF MENDHAM AND MENDHAM TOWNSHIP:
Mendham is located just southwest of Morristown, approximately 35 miles west of New York City and 28 miles northwest of Newark. Major highways in the area include Route 24, I-287, I-78, I-280, I-80 & I-24, which connect to Newark and New York. Train and bus service to Manhattan is available in Morristown, the county seat, or in neighboring Bernardsville. Newark International Airport is only about thirty minutes away by car.

In March 1749, the entire area comprising both Mendhams was incorporated by the Morris County Court as Mendham Township. The first settlers came for its forests and iron ore, although their main objective was to practice their religion. In 1906 the six square miles now known as Mendham Borough separated, and incorporated. The center of the Borough still retains its history?with the same intersection of two main streets and the same four buildings including The Phoenix House, which was built in the early 1800's and now houses the Municipal offices, and the Black Horse Tavern which is one of only a few pre-Revolutionary inns still operating in New Jersey. The current population of Mendham Township is approximately 5,400 people on 18 square miles, and Mendham Borough has approximate 5,000 people on six square miles. 

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS 

THE BOROUGH OF MENDHAM AND MENDHAM TOWNSHIP:
Both the Mendham Township and Mendham Borough join together to provide an abundance of recreational activities and attractions in the area. They have clubs such as the Junior Women, Rotary, and Pastime as   well as specialized clubs for those into activities such as gardening, and for senior citizens and women. The Mendhams have an annual Fourth of July parade, fishing derbies, and Brookside Beach where you can swim in the pond. Parks in the area include Buttermilk Farms, which has great hiking trails and skiing in the winter, as well as Borough Park, which has ball fields and playgrounds. The Ralston General Store, an "antique" in its own right, houses 18th century artifacts and offers tours in the summer months.

ABOUT EDUCATION

THE BOROUGH OF MENDHAM AND MENDHAM TOWNSHIP:
Both areas of the Mendhams have their own elementary and middle schools, but they share the same high school. In Mendham Borough, students in kindergarten through third grade attend the Hilltop School, with an extended day kindergarten program. The Mountain View School houses grades 4-8, where team teaching is emphasized. In Mendham Township, Mendham Township Elementary serves students in grades K-4, and grades 5-8 attend the Mendham Township Middle School. Students from the Mendhams and the Chesters attend the West Morris Mendham High School, which is one of two high schools in the West Morris Regional High School District. Mendham High School is ranked among the top high schools in the state. In 1999-2000, SAT scores average 1,103 with 97.5 percent of the class participating. Other academic achievements for West Morris Mendham High School students include National Merit Finalists, Commended Scholars, and awards and honors for music and art students. They also have an excell ent Special Education Department, which has received statewide recognition. 

ABOUT HEALTHCARE  
 
MENDHAM BOROUGH AND MENDHAM TOWNSHIP: 
Healthcare in the Morris area is served by Morristown Memorial Hospital, as well as a variety of local clinics and facilities. The nearby major urban areas such as Newark and New York City also offer other medical facilities such as the Children's Hospital of New Jersey and the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. There is also Tri-County Orthopedics located just north of Mendham in Morristown.