The small town of Garwood, located in Union County, New Jersey, has been witness
to many historical events over the years. From Revolutionary War battles to the rise of industry and modern transportation, here are seven historical events that took place near Garwood, NJ.
1. Battle of Short Hills In 1777, during the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Short Hills
took place less than a mile from what is now Garwood. This was a significant conflict between American and British forces, and helped set the stage for eventual American independence.
2. Rahway River Railroad In the 1830s, the Rahway River Railroad was completed, which connected Elizabeth to Cranford, and ran right through Garwood. This was one of New Jersey's earliest railroad lines and helped put Garwood on the map.
3. The Maxine Elliott Theatre In 1921, the famous actress Maxine Elliott opened a new theater in Elizabeth, just a few miles from Garwood. The Maxine Elliott Theatre was a hub of cultural activity for many years, and played a role in the development of the performing arts in the region.
4. The Clark Reservoir In the early 20th century, the Clark Reservoir was built just north of Garwood. This reservoir not only provided a source of drinking water for the area, but also became a popular recreational spot for locals.
5. The Garden State Parkway In the 1940s and 1950s, construction began on the Garden State Parkway, a major thoroughfare that runs just east of Garwood. This highway has been a key part of New Jersey's transportation infrastructure for decades.
6. The ExxonMobil Refinery In the mid-20th century, an ExxonMobil refinery was built just south of Garwood. This facility helped spur significant economic growth in the region, but also created pollution and environmental concerns that continue to this day.
7. Hurricane Sandy In 2012, Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast, including the Garwood area. The storm caused significant flooding and property damage, and led to major efforts to improve disaster preparedness and infrastructure in the region.
From the Revolutionary War to modern-day industrial development and natural disasters, Garwood, NJ has been a key witness to many significant historical events. Understanding this history is not only important from a cultural perspective, but also helps shape the town's ongoing evolution and future.
7 Pieces Of History Near Garwood, NJ
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