South Branch, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
South Branch, New Jersey
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South Branch Reformed Church
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 South Branch, New Jersey
Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
South Branch, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
South Branch, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Somerset |
| Township | Hillsborough |
| Named for | South Branch Raritan River |
| Elevation | 82 ft (25 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| GNIS feature ID | 882406 |
South Branch is a small community located in Hillsborough Township in Somerset County, New Jersey. It is called South Branch because it sits along the South Branch Raritan River. The South Branch Historic District, which includes the village, was added to important lists of historic places in 1977.
Contents
History of South Branch
The community of South Branch started around 1750. It was also known as Branchville back then. It is located where the South Branch Raritan River meets the larger Raritan River.
Early Inhabitants and Trade
Long ago, the Narticong Tribe of the Lenni Lenape Native Americans lived here. They called the area "Tucca-Ramma Hocking." It was in this spot that Dutch explorers traveled up the Raritan River. They made a deal with the Native Americans to trade for land. They exchanged items like beads, guns, blankets, and powder for the land.
Famous People in South Branch
Peter Dumont Vroom was born in South Branch. He later became the Governor of New Jersey. A governor is the leader of a state government. Peter Dumont Vroom was the only governor from Somerset County.
Another famous person, Diamond Jim Brady, once lived in a house known as the South Branch Hotel. He bought the house in 1903 for a friend, Edna Maculey. He spent a lot of money to change the house to his liking. Visiting "Brady's Farm" became a popular thing to do. Many famous people of the time, like Anna Held, Flo Ziegfeld, and Lillian Russell, often visited.
South Branch Historic District
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South Branch Historic District
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Italianate style house built c. 1870
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| Location | River Road and Orchard Drive |
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| Area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000908 |
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| Added to NRHP | December 13, 1977 |
The South Branch Historic District is a special area in the village. It is located along River Road and Orchard Drive. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 13, 1977. It is important because of its architecture, its connection to government and politics, and its religious history. The district includes 25 buildings that help tell its story.
Images for kids
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Peter D. Vroom House
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House with a mansard roof
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Greek Revival Temple Farm House
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South Branch Bible Fellowship
