Wickatunk, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wickatunk, New Jersey
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Wickatunk from Pleasant Valley Road approaching Route 79
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 Wickatunk, New Jersey
Location in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Wickatunk, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Wickatunk, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Monmouth |
| Township | Marlboro |
| Elevation | 174 ft (53 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
07765
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| GNIS feature ID | 881818 |
Wickatunk is a small, unincorporated community located in Marlboro Township. It is part of Monmouth County in the state of New Jersey. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place with a name but no separate local government.
Wickatunk sits about 180 feet (55 meters) above sea level. It was first settled in 1695 by three Scottish servants. They came from a nearby community called Toponemus, which no longer exists. The name "Wickatunk" likely comes from the Delaware language word "wikwetung." This word means "the fishing place."
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Farming and Local Produce
Wickatunk has a rich history of farming. It was especially known for its potato harvests. In 1923, the town even hosted visitors from potato farms across the country and Canada.
Beyond potatoes, the area was famous for its apples, like the Stayman and Rome varieties. These apples won state awards! Farmers also raised special Holstein Friesian cattle and squab (young pigeons) here.
Getting Around Wickatunk
Railroad History
For many years, a key part of Wickatunk was its railroad shipping point. This was part of a 12-mile (19 km) single-track railway line. It connected Matawan to Freehold, New Jersey.
The railroad crossing in Wickatunk was once considered one of the most dangerous in 1908. The old station and crossing were removed in the 1970s. Today, the Henry Hudson Trail uses this old railway path and goes right through Wickatunk.
Roads and Highways
The main road that runs through the center of Wickatunk is Route 79. Other important roads around Wickatunk include County Routes 3 and 520.
Interesting Places to Visit
Old Scots Burying Ground
Wickatunk is home to the Old Scots Burying Ground, a historic cemetery. It dates back to 1685. The first Presbyterian church in the area was built nearby in 1692, starting as a simple log structure.
By 1705, a better church was built. The congregation grew so much that the church moved to Freehold Township by 1730. The Old Scots Burying Ground remained next to the original church site.
More than 100 graves are known to be in the cemetery. In 1895, many people visited the burial ground. They came to honor the life of Rev. John Boyd, the first pastor of the church. A tall monument made of granite stands in the cemetery. It has Scottish thistle carved into it. The monument was put up to remember Rev. John Boyd. In 1915, John Tennent's name was also added to the monument.
Robert Collier Estate
In 1901, Robert J. Collier built his summer home in Wickatunk. He bought the property from State Assemblyman John D. Honce. The estate was used for many parties and local celebrations, including the township's Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) events.
Later, the estate was donated and became the Collier High School. The large property also hosted an annual fox hunt. This hunt started in East Freehold and finished at the Collier Estate.
General Store and Post Office
In the late 1920s, a general store and post office were built on Route 79. Over the years, it has had many owners. Today, it is a bike store.
Yellowstone Buffalo
In the early 1900s, something very unusual was seen in Wickatunk! A buffalo from Yellowstone National Park was kept on a local farm. Richard W. Herbert brought the buffalo, and people could come to his farm to see it.
Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital
Starting in 1928, the State of New Jersey bought a large amount of land, about 509 acres (206 hectares). Some of this land was in Wickatunk. It was purchased to build the Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital. The hospital was first called "Hillsdale asylum at Wickatunk." Later, it became known as "Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital."
