Military Road (New Jersey) facts for kids
The Military Road was an important path built in New Jersey a long time ago. It was also called the Military Supply Road. This road was made during the French and Indian War. It connected a town called Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth) to forts along the Delaware River. These forts were in what are now Sussex and Warren Counties. A man named Jonathan Hampton planned and built this road. He was a merchant and surveyor from Elizabethtown. The government of New Jersey asked him to be in charge of supplies and payments for the New Jersey Frontier Guard.
Today, much of the original Military Road has become part of modern roads. These include federal, state, and county highways. Some parts are also local town roads. A small section, about one mile long, is still kept in its original condition. This part goes from Walpack Center to the Delaware River. It is inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The National Park Service takes care of this historic section. Other short parts of the old road are not maintained. They often run next to the newer roads that grew from the original path.
History of the Military Road
The Military Road was built during the French and Indian War. This war was fought between Great Britain and France. Both sides wanted control of land in North America. New Jersey needed a way to move supplies and soldiers. They had forts along the Delaware River to protect their frontier.
Jonathan Hampton was chosen to build this important road. He was a businessman and a surveyor. A surveyor measures land and plans routes. Hampton was put in charge of getting food and supplies for the soldiers. He also paid them. The road he built helped connect Elizabethtown to the forts. This made it easier to send what the soldiers needed. Hampton used parts of an older path called the Minisink Trail for his new road.
Modern Roads Today
Many parts of the old Military Road are now busy modern roads. These roads help people travel across New Jersey every day. They show how important the original path was. Even though the war is over, the route is still useful.
What Roads Follow It Today?
Several modern roads follow the path of the old Military Road. These include:
- U.S. Route 206
- New Jersey State Route 10
- County Route 521 (New Jersey)
- County Route 519 (New Jersey)
- County Route 626 (New Jersey)
