Monksville, New Jersey facts for kids
Monksville was once a small village in West Milford, New Jersey. It was also known simply as Monks. This village no longer exists today because it was removed and flooded to create the Monksville Reservoir. This important reservoir is located in Passaic County.
Contents
What Was Monksville?
Monksville was a quiet settlement. It was named after the Monks family, who lived there. The village was home to James Monks. He was the grand-uncle of Charles A. Monks, who also lived in Passaic County.
The Monks Family and Their Home
The Monks family arrived in the United States around the time of the American Revolution. They owned land and property in Monksville for many years. In 1928, the Monks family sold their property. They sold it to the North Jersey Water District Supply Commission. This sale was a big step towards the area becoming a reservoir.
Why Was Monksville Flooded?
The Monksville Reservoir was built in the early 1980s. Its purpose was to provide drinking water for many people. To create the large body of water needed for the reservoir, the entire village of Monksville had to be removed. The land was then flooded. This is why Monksville is sometimes called a "ghost town" or a "lost village."
Moving a Cemetery
Before the area was flooded, a very important task had to be done. The Monks Cemetery needed to be moved. This cemetery was the resting place for many people. Workers carefully relocated the burial sites. They moved the remains of 15 members of the Monks family. They also moved 15 other remains that could not be identified. This respectful process ensured that the history of the village was preserved, even as the land changed.
