Centerville, Hunterdon County, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Centerville, New Jersey
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 Centerville, New Jersey
Location in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Centerville, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Centerville, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Hunterdon |
| Township | Readington |
| Elevation | 108 ft (33 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 875336 |
Centerville was once a small community in Readington Township, Hunterdon County, in the state of New Jersey. It was located near a stream called Campbell's Brook, which is now known as Pleasant Run. The community also sat along an old road called Old York Road.
What Was Centerville?
Centerville was known as a hamlet. A hamlet is a very small settlement, even smaller than a village. It usually has only a few buildings. Centerville grew up because it was a perfect stopping point for travelers.
A Busy Stop for Travelers
Centerville became important because it was about halfway along a long travel route. This route, called the Swift Sure Stage Line, went from New York all the way to Philadelphia. Travelers often stopped at a tavern in Centerville to rest.
Life in the Hamlet
Over time, Centerville had several important buildings. It had a school where children could learn. There was also a store where people could buy supplies. A post office helped people send and receive letters. The community also had a church and a blacksmith shop. Blacksmiths were important because they made and repaired metal tools and horse shoes.
Why Centerville Changed
As time went on, new ways of travel were invented. Railroads were built, and new, faster roads were created. These new routes did not pass through Centerville. Because of this, fewer and fewer travelers stopped there. Today, all the old buildings in Centerville are homes. It is no longer a busy stopping point.
