Whippany, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whippany, New Jersey
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Whippany's Central Park
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 Whippany, New Jersey
Location in Morris County, New Jersey
Whippany, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Whippany, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Morris |
| Township | Hanover |
| Elevation | 233 ft (71 m) |
| ZIP Code |
07981
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| FIPS code | 34-80540 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0881770 |
Whippany is a community in Hanover Township, Morris County, New Jersey. It is called a census-designated place (CDP) because the U.S. Census Bureau uses it for gathering data. The name Whippany comes from the Whippanong Native Americans. They once lived in this area. "Whippanong" means "place of the willows." This name came from the willow trees growing along the Whippany River.
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Whippany's Past: A Look at History
The Whippany River has played a big role in Whippany's history. It was important for the Munsee people, early European settlers, and during the time of factories. Today, the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee helps protect the river.
Early People: The Munsee Lenape
Around the year 1000, the Munsee Lenape people lived in Whippany. They also lived in most of northern New Jersey. By 1500, all of New Jersey was part of their homeland, called Lenapehoking.
The Munsee people gathered mussels from the Whippany River. They also hunted for food. Arrowheads found in their camps show they hunted wolves, elk, and wild turkey.
First European Settlers
The first European settlers arrived along the Whippany River around 1685. The river was very important to their lives. It provided water power for the many mills in the town. These mills helped the community grow.
Modern Times in Whippany
The Seeing Eye is a famous school. It was the first guide dog school for blind people in the United States. It was located in Whippany from 1931 to 1966. Later, it moved to a new campus in nearby Morris Township. This new location is next to Fosterfields living historical farm.
Sports in Whippany
The New York Red Bulls U23 team plays in Whippany. This team helps develop young soccer players. They use a 15-acre (6.1 ha) training facility in the township.
Learning and Schools
Whippany has several public schools. These include Bee Meadow School, Mountview Road School, and Salem Drive School. There is also Memorial Junior School and Whippany Park High School.
Arrow Academy is a private Christian school. It teaches students from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade.
Important Organizations
Whippany is home to several notable organizations and businesses:
- Barclays – A large bank that moved some of its operations here from Manhattan.
- J. E. Ashworth & Sons – This company used to run a mill that made woolen blankets.
- Whippany Railway Museum – A museum located in the center of town. It shows the history of trains.
- Bayer HealthCare – A company that works in health and medicine.
- Communication Techniques, Inc. (CTI) – A company that is part of Herley Industries.
- The New Jersey Jewish News – A weekly newspaper. It is published by United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey.
- CAE Inc. – This company offers flight simulation and training for business pilots.
- Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey – A place for Ukrainian American culture.
- Physicians' Desk Reference – A well-known medical reference book.
People from Whippany
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Whippany:
- Adlan Amagov (born 1986) – A professional fighter.
- Sal Canzonieri – A guitarist and a founder of the band Electric Frankenstein.
- Damon Daunno (born 1984) – An actor who starred in the Broadway show Oklahoma!.
- Dan Frischman (born 1959) – An actor known for playing "geek" characters.
- Dan Miller (born 1981) – A professional fighter.
- Brian Saxton (born 1972) – A football player who played for the New York Giants.
