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Borough of Stanhope

The Gateway to Sussex County

History

2016-05-09 10.13.44Historic Overview

As adapted from Historic Stanhope Tour Guide
By Brian H. Morrell, President
Musconetcong Foundrymen Historical Society

The Borough of Stanhope evolved from a small, late 18th century forge town to a sizeable iron manufacturing community of the 19th century. The Morris Canal, which flowed through the heart of the town, transformed Stanhope into a major outlet for canal goods into upper Sussex County. By the beginning of the 20th century, the iron complex had been enlarged many times and was under the control of the Singer Manufacturing Company of Elizabeth, N.J. Although the iron manufacturing period at Stanhope was over by about 1925, numerous remnants of the early industrial community have survived the transition to suburbia.

The Early Days

Stanhope was initially an unincorporated village, situated in the southern part of a formerly larger Byram Township. Byram, established as a municipal entity in 1798, was created out of old Newton Township. Remaining as part of the township throughout the 19th century, Stanhope finally incorporated as a separate borough in 1904.

For about 140 years, Stanhope was greatly involved in the production of iron. The Musconetcong River, which runs along the edge of the town, and the surrounding topography made the location quite a favorable one for iron manufacture. In addition to the important source of waterpower, several other vital ingredients were close at hand. Great quantities of iron ore were available at the nearby Stanhope or Hude Mine near Pennyton Homes, at the Roseville Mines in Byram Township, and also in Morris County at the Dickerson Mine in Mine Hill. Wood supply, which was essential for producing charcoal to fire the early forges and furnaces, was also conveniently nearby. The early iron companies at Stanhope owned large tracts of forested land that included all of present-day Stanhope, Netcong, Port Morris, parts of Byram Township and at least a dozen various iron mines in surrounding Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties. One final ingredient, limestone, was also within close proximity. Andover and its surrounding areas had considerable limestone deposits that yielded the all important flux required for separating the iron from the impurities in the ore. For all of the above reasons it was not surprising that early iron concerns were attracted to Stanhope.

The Middle Years

Over the years, the iron complex in Stanhope evolved to include a series of various other industries and businesses that were necessary to accommodate the growing community. These buildings were owned by the iron company but were usually operated by tenants. Included were a tannery, two grist mills, sawmills, a plaster mill and a blacksmith shop. Several stores were operated in town, the majority being depots that served the Morris Canal. Many of the above structures remain extant or are archaeological sites.

Another all important ingredient to an iron company town was tenant housing, homes for the furnace laborers. Stanhope has dozens of these dwellings, which remain to illustrate the evolution of housing from the early double family tenant housing of about 1820 to the multiple family dwellings of about the 1880’s.

Today

By the 1930’s, people discovered Stanhope for what it remains today: a beautiful, rural community in the New Jersey Highlands, bordered by the Muscontecong River and Lake. Between 1930 and 1980, Stanhope’s population tripled in size and today the quaint community boasts more than 3,500 proud residents. In recent times, citizens have become more and more aware of the importance of protecting Stanhope’s natural resources. Efforts to balance development with the preservation of open space, clean water and air have been a commendable priority for its municipal leaders.

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Make tax or utility payments online via check or credit card:


  • Make Payments Online

Borough Directory

Municipal Departments

  • Borough Administrator
    973-347-0159 (x 14)
    bmcneilly@stanhopenj.gov
  • Borough Clerk
    973-347-0159 (x 16)
    ehorak@stanhopenj.gov
  • Deputy Clerk
    973-347-0159 (x 15)
    lchirip@stanhopenj.gov
  • Court and Violations
    973-770-1200
  • Construction Department
    973-347-0159 (x 20)
    construction@stanhopenj.gov

  • Dept of Public Works
    973-347-6368
    stanhopedpw@stanhopenj.gov
  • Finance Department
    973-347-0159 (x 10)
    laponte@stanhopenj.gov
  • Tax Assessor
    973-347-0159 (x 31)
    jlaliker@stanhopenj.gov
  • Tax Collector
    973-347-0159 (x 13)
    asabatini@stanhopenj.gov
  • Registrar and Vital Statistics
    973-347-0159 (x 16)
    ehorak@stanhopenj.gov
  • Deputy Registrar
    973-347-0159 (x 15)
    lchirip@stanhopenj.gov
  • Water and Sewer
    973-347-0159 (x 10)
    tminniti@stanhopenj.gov
  • Zoning and Code Enforcement
    973-347-0159 (x 11)
    zoning@stanhopenj.gov

Emergency Services

  • Ambulance Corps
    973-347-2105 (Call 911 in Emergency)
  • Fire Department
    973-347-5017 (Call 911 in Emergency)
  • Police Department
    973-347-4533 (Call 911 in Emergency)

Government

  • Mayor and Council
  • Board of Health
    973-347-2435
  • Environmental Commission
  • Land Use Board
    973-347-0159 (x 18)
  • Recreation Commission
    973-347-0159 (x 39)
    recreation@stanhopenj.gov
  • Shade Tree Commission
    973-347-0159

How Do I...?

  • Register to Vote
  • View the Borough Calendar
  • Attend a Borough Council Meeting
  • Obtain a Pet License
  • Dispose of Electronics, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, etc.
  • Apply For or Get a Copy of a Marriage License
  • Get a Construction Permit
  • Put Leaves and Brush Out for Pickup

Code Book, Tax Maps and Zoning

  • View the Stanhope Ordinance/Code Book
  • View Zoning and Tax Maps
  • Learn about Zoning Permits
  • Download a Zoning Application

Meeting Dates and Minutes

Borough Council Meetings

Borough Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in Borough Hall Council Chambers. All are welcome to attend.


  • Upcoming Borough Council Agenda
  • Mayor & Council Meeting Dates

Meeting Minutes

  • Mayor and Council
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Trash Collection and Recycling

Recycling is collected every Wednesday morning. Garbage is collected every Thursday morning. Items may be put out for pickup the night before collection.


  • More Information About Trash Collection
  • View the Full Borough Calendar

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Borough of Stanhope

77 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Phone: 973-347-0159
Fax: 973-347-6058

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