Pre-History
The history of West Windsor dates to well before Europeans first colonized the region. By 10,000 B.C, the glaciers of the last Ice Age had melted, leaving behind scoured and worn mountain ranges, plains, lakes and islands. This retreat revealed a vast region of what is now the northern United States. Thus uncovered, the land was ripe for settlement by the Asiatic people who eventually migrated to the continent's east coast.
Although archaeological evidence of human presence in West Windsor's proximity extends to around 6,000 B.C, the Native Americans whom the first Europeans encountered in the region, the Lenape (also known as the Delaware), are thought to have settled the region around 1,000 A.D. The Lenape, a loose association of bands, migrated seasonally between the Delaware Valley and the Lower Hudson Valley. Sadly, because of warfare and disease, most of the Lenape disappeared within a century of European settlement.
European Conquest
The story of Europeans in West Windsor far precedes its incorporation in 1797. The region was first explored for settlement by Thomas Young, an English captain searching for the ever-elusive Northwest Passage. A member of Jamestown, he navigated the Delaware River in 1634, reaching as far north as Trenton.
Europeans had previously explored the broader region (such as the landing of Giovanni de Verrazano at Sandy Hook in 1524), but they were driven by trade, not settlement. In the mid-1600s, these colonists began settling in the region that would become West Windsor, founding villages such as Grovers Mill and Dutch Neck. A large swath of the Mid-Atlantic was officially annexed by Europeans through William Penn’s Treaty with the Lenape in 1682. Subsequently, the Native Americans ceded a large portion of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey region to the Quakers.
A wave of colonists (most of them Dutch, German, Swedish, and British) swept through the region soon after, attracted by the rich soil and lucrative economic opportunities. By the mid-1700s, the area, then part of "New Windsor" township, had emerged as a well-established agrarian territory. Many of its original farms still survive (such as the Schenck Farmstead and Grover's Farm, both seen on the tour).
The history of West Windsor dates to well before Europeans first colonized the region. By 10,000 B.C, the glaciers of the last Ice Age had melted, leaving behind scoured and worn mountain ranges, plains, lakes and islands. This retreat revealed a vast region of what is now the northern United States. Thus uncovered, the land was ripe for settlement by the Asiatic people who eventually migrated to the continent's east coast.
Although archaeological evidence of human presence in West Windsor's proximity extends to around 6,000 B.C, the Native Americans whom the first Europeans encountered in the region, the Lenape (also known as the Delaware), are thought to have settled the region around 1,000 A.D. The Lenape, a loose association of bands, migrated seasonally between the Delaware Valley and the Lower Hudson Valley. Sadly, because of warfare and disease, most of the Lenape disappeared within a century of European settlement.
European Conquest
The story of Europeans in West Windsor far precedes its incorporation in 1797. The region was first explored for settlement by Thomas Young, an English captain searching for the ever-elusive Northwest Passage. A member of Jamestown, he navigated the Delaware River in 1634, reaching as far north as Trenton.
Europeans had previously explored the broader region (such as the landing of Giovanni de Verrazano at Sandy Hook in 1524), but they were driven by trade, not settlement. In the mid-1600s, these colonists began settling in the region that would become West Windsor, founding villages such as Grovers Mill and Dutch Neck. A large swath of the Mid-Atlantic was officially annexed by Europeans through William Penn’s Treaty with the Lenape in 1682. Subsequently, the Native Americans ceded a large portion of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey region to the Quakers.
A wave of colonists (most of them Dutch, German, Swedish, and British) swept through the region soon after, attracted by the rich soil and lucrative economic opportunities. By the mid-1700s, the area, then part of "New Windsor" township, had emerged as a well-established agrarian territory. Many of its original farms still survive (such as the Schenck Farmstead and Grover's Farm, both seen on the tour).
West Windsor During the Revolution
During America's war for independence, New Windsor citizens witnessed consequential battles nearby. No actual skirmish occurred in the Windsor area until 1776, but almost everyone felt the effects of the war. Rationing was prevalent and several families were forced to quarter Hessian forces. In December of 1776, as the contracts of his weary and demoralized soldiers were close to expiring, General Washington recognized the need for a swift victory. On Christmas Eve, American troops attacked and defeated a contingent of Hessians just outside of Trenton. On January 3, the opposing armies reengaged inside the borders of New Windsor. At the Battle of Princeton, the Continental Army achieved a much-needed victory, repelling the British, animating the troops, and turning the tide of the war.
West Windsor, Post-Revolution
Following the Revolution, New Windsor residents perpetuated their agrarian lifestyles. Vast tracts of arable land invited population growth. As the region’s communities grew, the area increasingly coalesced into potential townships.
Finally, in February 1797, West Windsor officially incorporated, after New Windsor split into multiple municipalities – including East Windsor and Princeton. In the ensuing years, major commercial arteries connected these townships to a larger national context. In 1830s, the Delaware and Raritan Canal became an important avenue for carrying commodities. However, by the 1860s, railroads were rapidly appropriating business from canal operators. By this point, six small villages - Grovers Mill, Dutch Neck, Edinburg, Clarksville, Port Mercer, and Penn's Neck - had manifested within West Windsor. After the Civil War, the construction of extensive tracts of railroad promoted travel to various metropolises and enabled interstate trade on an unprecedented scale. It was during the last quarter of the 19th century that Princeton Junction manifested as West Windsor's seventh historic village.
Finally, in February 1797, West Windsor officially incorporated, after New Windsor split into multiple municipalities – including East Windsor and Princeton. In the ensuing years, major commercial arteries connected these townships to a larger national context. In 1830s, the Delaware and Raritan Canal became an important avenue for carrying commodities. However, by the 1860s, railroads were rapidly appropriating business from canal operators. By this point, six small villages - Grovers Mill, Dutch Neck, Edinburg, Clarksville, Port Mercer, and Penn's Neck - had manifested within West Windsor. After the Civil War, the construction of extensive tracts of railroad promoted travel to various metropolises and enabled interstate trade on an unprecedented scale. It was during the last quarter of the 19th century that Princeton Junction manifested as West Windsor's seventh historic village.
West Windsor in the Twentieth Century
As West Windsor celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1897, numerous developments were occurring. Railroads spurred residential booms throughout much of central New Jersey. In 1917, Dutch Neck Elementary School was erected to accommodate an influx of children, eliminating the need for centuries-old one-room schoolhouses. Berrien City, a prime example of post-WWI development, commenced construction in the early 1920s. Meanwhile, two new volunteer fire companies were formed in response to this surge in population. The area's economy continued to flourish until the stock market crash of 1929. During the subsequent decade, economic suffering was pervasive. Joblessness was at an all-time high and morale at its nadir. Perhaps it reflected a nation on edge that Orson Welles' 1938 "The War of the Worlds" broadcast, which named the community of Grover’s Mill as the site of the alien landing, gripped the populace.
However, West Windsor's economy resurged post-WWII. Residential and commercial development resumed and more schools were constructed. In 1977 the municipal center relocated from Dutch Neck to more accommodating quarters in Princeton Junction. As a result of its expanding population, the character of West Windsor transformed from a mainly agrarian township to its current status as a more diverse suburban and commercial center with a large commuter population.
However, West Windsor's economy resurged post-WWII. Residential and commercial development resumed and more schools were constructed. In 1977 the municipal center relocated from Dutch Neck to more accommodating quarters in Princeton Junction. As a result of its expanding population, the character of West Windsor transformed from a mainly agrarian township to its current status as a more diverse suburban and commercial center with a large commuter population.
West Windsor Today
Since its founding over 221 years ago, West Windsor has evolved in parallel with the nation. Now, it is a thriving suburban community of nearly thirty thousand residents. Its award-winning schools, peaceful communities, and convenient location - it is right next to America's busiest railroad line - help it attract more and more residents every year. While West Windsor may be a town adapting to change, its unique history and rich heritage are still widely visible and accessible, make it worth exploring - whether by car, on a bike, or on foot.