A Brief History of Cranford, New Jersey
Cranford, New Jersey, is a township and city in Union County. Cranford was settled by Puritans in 1666 when the area was still part of Elizabethtown Tract, but it became its own town within Elizabethtown in 1798. It is said that the name "Cranford" came from settlers who had come to America with William Penn on his ship called The Crane. Learn information about Fanwood, NJ.
The history of Cranford has been influenced by many things, including the Industrial Revolution, which helped make Cranford into a vital railroad junction for freight trains carrying coal and other goods that were produced at factories located there, as well as being home to one of the most famous mansions built during this period - Greystone Mansion. Discover facts about Finding the Perfect Place to Live: Livingston, New Jersey.
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Cranford, New Jersey, is one of the oldest municipalities in United States history. Cranford was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 14, 1871, from portions of Elizabeth Township and Springfield Township. The area has been drawing people since its development began in 1666 when Quakers moved to the area from Long Island. Cranford lies along railroad lines that pre-date even "the dawn of railroading.”
In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt made his first public appearance outside Washington D.C., speaking briefly at a 50th-anniversary observance for John Parson's invention. He also had a secret desire to see a real train station, which could have inspired the train station he would someday make famous. Cranford is home to many firsts in America, including the first planned industrial suburb, the first railroad station, and the first county park, among others. One of its most popular attractions was once known as "The World's Smallest Railroad," where visitors could ride on a one-eighth scale model train that traveled nearly two miles through pine forests. It closed down after three decades due to lack of attendance but can still be seen today.