Raccoon Island (New Jersey) facts for kids
Raccoon Island is a cool island located on Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey. It's about 50 acres big and has a mix of private homes and empty lots. The island is part of Jefferson Township, which is in Morris County, New Jersey.
Most people visit or live on Raccoon Island during the warmer months, from April to October. This is because a special ferry service runs only during these times. The ferry helps people get to the island with their cars or small trucks. Because of this limited access, not many people live on the island all year round. However, in the summer, lots of families move there temporarily and travel to work from the island.
The homes on Raccoon Island are quite varied. Some are small cottages built way back in the 1880s. Others are more modern houses that have been updated and sit on bigger pieces of land. There are no public parks or areas on the island; all the land is privately owned.
A long time ago, in the late 1800s, paddle-wheel boats used to bring people to Raccoon Island. These boats connected the island to mainland train stations. The island was a popular summer spot for people from New York City, which is about 45 miles away. Back then, it was a great vacation spot before cars and more travel options made it easier to go to faraway places.
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Getting to Raccoon Island
How People Traveled to the Island Over Time
In the past, Lake Hopatcong was actually two separate lakes called Big Pond and Little Pond. After people started developing the area in the 1880s, a bridge was built to connect Raccoon Island to the mainland.
The Chincopee Bridge and Its History
The first bridge, called the Chincopee Bridge, opened in 1891. But it didn't last long and collapsed in 1899. People planned for a new bridge, and it was approved in 1928. However, the Great Depression, a very tough economic time, stopped that project from happening.
Ferry Service to the Island Today
Instead of a new bridge, a ferry service started in 1932. This ferry still operates today, helping people get to Raccoon Island from Chincopee Road. It's the main way to reach the island by vehicle during the warmer months.
