Morris Plains, New Jersey

Rivers & Roads in Song near Morris Plains

Songs written about the waterways and highways that run near Morris Plains.

90 stories, landmarks & places within ~20 miles — the same local lore RoadyGoat plays as you drive through.

• Speedwell Ironworks · 1.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever imagine a world without instant communication? You're about to see where that world changed forever. This is Speedwell Ironworks, where the electric telegraph was perfected. Back in the 1830s, Samuel Morse and…

• Morris County Courthouse (New Jersey) · 2.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This courthouse, built in 1827, has witnessed countless legal battles and historical moments in Morris County. It stands proudly on Washington Street in Morristown, a silent observer to the ebb and flow of justice.…

• Morristown National Historical Park · 2.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine the biting wind and the gnawing hunger – this very ground was once a crucial winter encampment for George Washington's Continental Army. Twice, in the winters of 1777 and 1779-1780, Washington chose Morristown…

• Fosterfields · 2.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This isn't just another old farm; it's a portal to a simpler time. Fosterfields, as it's known today, shows what life was like on a working farm back around 1920. Before it was Fosterfields, it was owned by Joseph…

• Morristown District · 2.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine being at the heart of a revolution – that's essentially what Morristown was during the fight for American independence. During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington and the Continental Army 1777 and…

• Thomas Nast Home · 3.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over for a minute and imagine the pen that shaped American politics and our holidays! This is where Thomas Nast, the legendary political cartoonist, lived for many years. Nast moved into this house on MacCulloch…

• Morristown and Erie Railroad Whippany Water Tank · 3.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This century-old water tank stands as a reminder of the vital role railroads played in the industrial development of northern New Jersey. Back in 1904, the Morristown and Erie Railroad built this water tank right here…

• United States Army 4039 · 3.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine a world powered by steam, where trains were vital to national defense. That's the story of U.S. Army 4039, a locomotive built right here in 1942 for World War II. ALCO, the American Locomotive Company, churned…

• Grimes Homestead · 3.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This unassuming farmhouse has a powerful story to tell. The Grimes Homestead, built in the late 1700s, wasn't just a home; it served as a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad. Runaway slaves seeking freedom found…

• Baker Building · 5.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine a night out in Dover in the late 1880s, gas lamps flickering, the excitement of live performance filling the air. This is the Baker Building, once known as Baker's Opera House, a grand vaudeville theater built…

• Morristown National Historical Park · 5.5 mi · Historical Marker

  The Continental Army's winter encampment at Morristown in 1779-1780 was harder than Valley Forge, with record snowfall and near-mutiny.

• Boonton Iron Works · 5.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever wonder what helped build early America? Look around, because right here, the Boonton Iron Works forged the very nails and bars that shaped a young nation. Around 1770, Samuel Ogden and his family set up shop along…

• Jockey Hollow · 6.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine enduring a winter so brutal it's still talked about today. That's what Continental Army soldiers faced right here at Jockey Hollow. During the Revolutionary War, Jockey Hollow served as a winter encampment for…

• Whippany Burying Yard · 6.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Step back in time as you approach the Whippany Burying Yard, the oldest cemetery in northwest New Jersey. This isn't just a place of rest; it's a tangible link to the earliest settlers of this region. Dating back to…

• Tempe Wick Road–Washington Corners Historic District · 6.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Believe it or not, this quiet stretch of road played a part in the Revolutionary War! The Tempe Wick Road–Washington Corners Historic District reminds us of rural life centuries ago. The road is named for Temperance…

• Davenport–Demarest House · 7.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  These walls have seen centuries of change. This is the Davenport–Demarest House, a testament to early Dutch settlement in New Jersey. Built in stages, the oldest section of this stone farmhouse dates back to sometime…

• New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site · 7.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine the harsh conditions faced by Continental Army soldiers as you stand on the site where the New Jersey Brigade encamped during the Revolutionary War. During the winter of 1779-1780, approximately 1,300 men of the…

• Van Duyne–Jacobus House · 7.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over for a sec - this old stone house has seen some things! It's the Van Duyne–Jacobus House, dating back to the mid-1700s. The oldest part of the house was built sometime between 1761 and 1778. It was a working…

• Battle of Short Hills · 9.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Right here, near Scotch Plains and Edison, New Jersey, a small but crucial battle helped save the Continental Army from disaster. In June of 1777, British General Howe marched his troops into central New Jersey, hoping…

• Grover Cleveland Birthplace, Caldwell · 10.5 mi · Historical Marker

  The 22nd and 24th President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, was born in this Caldwell manse on March 18, 1837.

• Lotta Crabtree Cottage · 10.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Look left! This isn't just any old cottage; this gorgeous lakeside home was designed by a famous architect for a celebrated actress of the late 1800s. It’s a true slice of Gilded Age glamour tucked away in Mount…

• Fairfield Dutch Reformed Church · 10.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over for a sec, because this unassuming church tells a story of early settlers in New Jersey. The Fairfield Dutch Reformed Church congregation was established way back in 1720 by Dutch families who'd made their…

• Grover Cleveland Birthplace · 10.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever wonder where one of America's only two-time presidents got his start? This unassuming house is it. Stephen Grover Cleveland was born right here in Caldwell on March 18, 1837. His father, Richard Falley Cleveland,…

• John Dods House and Tavern · 10.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over here and picture this: weary travelers in the 1700s, kicking up dust on the road, drawn to the promise of rest and refreshment at John Dods' Tavern. This wasn't just a place for a drink; it was a vital stop on…

• Bell Labs (Nokia Bell Labs), Murray Hill · 11.3 mi · Historical Marker

  Bell Labs in Murray Hill produced some of the 20th century's most important inventions, including the transistor, the laser, and Unix.

• Baltusrol Golf Club · 12.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Get ready to drive past golf history! Baltusrol Golf Club has hosted some of the sport's most memorable moments. Founded in 1895, Baltusrol quickly became a premier golfing destination. Its two courses, both designed by…

• Lyons VA Medical Center · 12.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This isn't just another building; it's a place of healing and honor, dedicated to those who served our country. The Lyons VA Medical Center opened its doors in 1930, becoming a crucial part of the VA New Jersey Health…

• Thomas Edison National Historical Park · 13.0 mi · Historical Marker

  Thomas Edison's West Orange laboratory complex was the world's first industrial research facility, producing over half of his 1,093 patents.

• Thomas Edison National Historical Park · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Get ready to step back in time to the place where innovation was practically a daily event! This is Thomas Edison's laboratory and estate, a hub of invention for over 40 years. In 1887, Edison moved his operations here…

• Edison Storage Battery Company Building · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever wonder where the first batteries for electric vehicles were mass-produced? You're near the Edison Storage Battery Company Building. Thomas Edison, yes, *that* Edison, developed a nickel-iron battery in 1901. This…

• Stone House by the Stone House Brook · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine a time when this land was brand new, claimed but not yet tamed. That's the era of the Stone House by the Stone House Brook, one of the oldest buildings still standing in New Jersey. Built before 1680, this house…

• Nathan Cooper Gristmill · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over here – this old mill tells a story of early industry in New Jersey. Built around 1828 by Nathan Cooper, this gristmill used the power of the Black River to grind grain into flour. For decades, local farmers…

• Montclair Art Museum · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine a place dedicated to art, open to everyone, way back when that wasn't the norm. That's the Montclair Art Museum. This museum opened in 1914 as the very first in New Jersey specifically dedicated to art and…

• Pompton Plains station · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This unassuming spot was once a vital link connecting Pompton Plains to the bustling world beyond. The Pompton Plains station served passengers traveling along the Erie Railroad's Greenwood Lake Division. It shuttled…

• Stage House Inn · 13.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over here for a second – this old building has seen a *lot*. Built in 1737, the Stage House Inn has been a landmark in Scotch Plains for nearly three centuries. Back in the day, this was a key stop on the Old York…

• Carnegie Library (Montclair, New Jersey) · 13.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This unassuming building holds a story of ambition, philanthropy, and access to knowledge. In 1904, this structure opened as the Montclair Public Library, funded in part by a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie, a…

• Dey Mansion · 13.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever wonder where George Washington planned some of his most important moves during the Revolutionary War? It was right here at the Dey Mansion. Colonel Theunis Dey built this impressive home in the 1770s. It became…

• East Orange VA Medical Center · 13.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This VA hospital complex has been serving veterans since 1952. It was built to provide medical care and support to veterans, particularly those returning from World War II and the Korean War. Over the years, it has…

• Lackawanna Terminal (Montclair, New Jersey) · 14.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine the bustling train travel of the early 1900s at this beautifully preserved terminal. This is Lackawanna Terminal, built in 1913. It served as the western end of the Montclair Branch for the Delaware, Lackawanna…

• Cliffside Hose Company No. 4 · 14.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine relying on horses and hand-pulled equipment to fight fires! That was the reality when the Cliffside Hose Company No. 4 was built. Back in 1901, this firehouse was constructed to protect the northern part of…

• Stanley Theater (Newark, New Jersey) · 14.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Right up ahead, you're near a place that was once a doorway to another world: the Stanley Theater. For decades, this building offered Newark residents an escape into the magic of the movies. Opened on May 26, 1927, the…

• Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center · 14.8 mi · Local history

  You are at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, New Jersey. Yogi Berra played eighteen seasons with the New York Yankees, caught Don Larsen's perfect…

• Holsten's — The Sopranos' Cut-to-Black Diner · 15.5 mi

  Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery sits at 1063 Broad Street in Bloomfield, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and candy shop that has been making its own chocolate and ice cream since 1939 (and is still open). It earned…

• Waterloo Village, New Jersey · 15.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine a bustling 19th-century canal town, a vital rest stop for weary travelers and hardworking mules. That's Waterloo Village. During its heyday, Waterloo Village served as roughly the halfway point along the Morris…

• Elizabeth and Gershom Frazee House · 16.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine coming face-to-face with a British General during the Revolutionary War! That's exactly what happened right here. After the Battle of the Short Hills in 1777, British General Charles Cornwallis stopped at the…

• Great Falls (Passaic River) · 16.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Feel the spray – this is the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a natural powerhouse that birthed a city! In 1791, Alexander Hamilton chose this very spot to establish Paterson, one of America's first planned industrial…

• Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park · 16.5 mi · Historical Marker

  Alexander Hamilton chose the Great Falls of the Passaic River as the site for America's first planned industrial city in 1792.

• Church Street School (Nutley, New Jersey) · 16.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine learning your ABCs in a building that's stood for generations – that's the story of the Church Street School. Built in 1875, this one-room schoolhouse served the children of Nutley for many years. It's a simple…

• Pietro and Maria Botto House · 16.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This unassuming house played a pivotal role in the fight for workers' rights in America. In 1913, the city of Paterson, New Jersey, was the site of a massive silk workers' strike. Facing hardship and lacking a central…

• Old Essex County Jail · 16.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever wonder what life was like behind bars over a century ago? This spot marks the location of the old Essex County Jail, a place that witnessed over a century of American prison history. Construction on the complex…

• Bethany Baptist Church (Newark, New Jersey) · 16.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  You're near a place that marks the beginning of a powerful community. Bethany Baptist Church started with just a handful of people who wanted a place to call their own. In 1870, a group of about 26 African Americans,…

• Paterson, NJ · 16.9 mi · Local history

  Paterson, New Jersey, a city forged in industry and resilience, owes its name to a prominent figure of the early republic: William Paterson. He was the governor of New Jersey, a signer of the Constitution, and an…

• Liberty Hall (New Jersey) · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Step back in time at Liberty Hall, home to New Jersey's first governor and a gathering place for influential figures throughout history. William Livingston, the first governor of New Jersey, built this fourteen-room…

• Eberhardt Hall, New Jersey Institute of Technology · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This unassuming building has sheltered generations of Newark's children, from orphans to college students. Originally the Newark Orphan Asylum, it was built in 1856 and 1857 to provide a home for children in need. For…

• Woodruff House (Hillside, New Jersey) · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over a second, you're passing a real piece of New Jersey history! This is the Woodruff House, built way back in 1735. It’s a tangible link to the lives of early settlers in this area. The Woodruff family were among…

• Kenney Memorial Hospital · 17.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine a time when Black doctors struggled to find places to treat their patients. That's why this spot is so important. Dr. John A. Kenney Sr. founded Kenney Memorial Hospital right here in 1927. It was located at 130…

• St. James' A. M. E. Church (Newark, New Jersey) · 17.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Did you know this unassuming corner holds a story of faith, resilience, and community? St. James' A.M.E. Church, originally built in 1850, has been a landmark here for over a century. Designed by architect John Welch,…

• Reaction Motors Rocket Test Facility · 17.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This unassuming spot in New Jersey played a vital role in helping Allied planes take to the skies during World War II. Here, at the Reaction Motors Rocket Test Facility, engineers developed and tested jet-assisted…

• Glencoe (Newark, New Jersey) · 17.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever wonder about the grand estates that once dotted Newark? You're near the former site of Glencoe, also known as the Coe Mansion. Built in 1871, Glencoe was a significant example of late 19th-century architecture in…

• Arch Street Bridge · 17.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This bridge isn't just steel and concrete; it's a survivor, a testament to Paterson's resilience in the face of nature's fury. The Arch Street Bridge you see here was built in 1907 after floods wiped out the previous…

• American Insurance Company Building · 17.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Check it out, that's the old American Insurance Company Building! It was once a shining symbol of Newark's powerful insurance industry. Built in 1925, this neo-classical skyscraper at 15 Washington Street served as the…

• John Ballantine House · 17.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine living in the lap of luxury, fueled by the success of a brewing empire. That's exactly what the John Ballantine House represents. Built in 1884, this stunning mansion was home to John Holme Ballantine, son of…

• Indian and the Puritan · 17.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Did you know that the sculptor of Mount Rushmore also created this monument right here? It's called Indian and the Puritan, and it stands in Harriet Tubman Square in Newark.The monument, crafted by Gutzon Borglum,…

• Newark Female Charitable Society · 17.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Did you know this area was once home to the oldest social organization in New Jersey? The Newark Female Charitable Society, later known as the Newark Day Center, was founded by prominent women of Newark in 1803. These…

• Lamington Black Cemetery · 17.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  These weathered stones whisper tales of a community often overlooked: the African Americans of Lamington. This small cemetery, also known as the Cowperthwaite African American Cemetery, offers a glimpse into their lives…

• Newark, NJ · 17.4 mi · Local history

  Newark, a vibrant city built on a relatively flat landscape only 54 feet above sea level, has always hummed with a particular energy. Established in 1666 and named for Newark-on-Trent, England, its strategic location…

• Equestrian statue of George Washington (Newark) · 17.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This statue of George Washington marks the spot where history and art converged. Crafted by Scottish-American sculptor J. Massey Rhind, the equestrian statue portrays General Washington bidding farewell to his…

• Jacob Vosseller House · 17.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over here for a sec; this old house has stories etched into its very foundation. It's the Jacob Vosseller House, built around 1753. For a long time, it wasn't just a house. It was Castner's Tavern, and later…

• Newark Symphony Hall · 17.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over for a second, and picture this: a grand theater, once known as The Mosque, buzzing with music and life. Newark Symphony Hall was built in 1925, quickly becoming a cultural hub. For years, this was home to the…

• Rutt's Hut · 17.5 mi · Things to Do

  Deep-fried hot dogs called rippers since 1928. The Ripper will change your hot dog life forever.

• First National State Bank Building · 17.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  This spot whispers of early 20th-century grandeur, a time when banks built cathedrals to commerce. Designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert, the First National State Bank Building rose here in 1912. Gilbert,…

• Old First Presbyterian Church (Newark, New Jersey) · 17.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  These grounds whisper tales of Newark's earliest settlers and their unwavering faith. The First Presbyterian Church, now known as First Church Newark, has stood here for centuries, witnessing the city's growth and…

• Clark Thread Company Historic District · 17.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Get ready to glimpse a bygone era of industrial dominance! This spot was once the beating heart of the Clark Thread Company, the undisputed king of sewing thread worldwide. Construction began here in 1875. The Clark…

• Military Park Building · 17.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Once the tallest building in Newark, the Military Park Building offers a glimpse into the city's architectural past. Designed by Polhemus & Coffin, the Military Park Building was completed in 1926. It stood as the…

• National Newark Building · 17.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Dominating the Newark skyline, this neo-classical skyscraper was once the tallest building in the city. Built in 1931, the National Newark Building, formerly the National Newark and Essex Bank Building, quickly became a…

• Robinson Plantation House · 17.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Step back in time – you're near the Robinson Plantation House, a rare survivor from New Jersey's colonial beginnings. Built around 1690, this house was home to Dr. William Robinson, the first official landowner in what…

• Murphy Varnish Works · 17.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Believe it or not, this area was once dominated by varnish! In 1865, Franklin Murphy founded Murphy Varnish Works, which became the largest varnish producer in Newark. Murphy himself went on to become a New Jersey…

• Elizabeth station (Central Railroad of New Jersey) · 18.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Stand here a moment and imagine the clatter of steam engines and the bustle of passengers eager to reach their destinations. This disused station is a relic of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Built in 1893, this…

• Hersch Tower · 18.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Look up! That Art Deco tower piercing the Elizabeth skyline? It's Hersch Tower, a symbol of ambition built during the Great Depression. In 1931, local businessman Louis Hersh commissioned Nathan Myers and Joseph Shanley…

• Middlebrook encampment · 18.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine General George Washington himself standing right here. This unassuming patch of New Jersey was strategically vital during the Revolutionary War. Twice, in the spring of 1777 and then again for a longer period…

• Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center · 18.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Get ready to be transported back to the roaring twenties! This spot, the Ritz Theatre, was once *the* place to be in Elizabeth. Built in 1926 on the site of an older opera house, the Ritz was designed by architect Fred…

• Merchants and Drovers Tavern · 18.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Pull over and step back in time! This is the Merchants and Drovers Tavern, a spot that's seen centuries of travelers pass through. Built in phases around 1795 and 1818, it first opened its doors as an inn around 1798.…

• Sterling Hill Mining Museum · 18.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Prepare to be amazed, because beneath your feet lies a world of glowing rock and industrial history! This is the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, a former zinc mine famous for its incredible fluorescent minerals. Mining…

• Passaic, NJ · 18.3 mi · Local history

  Passaic, New Jersey sits squarely on the Piedmont plateau, a band of ancient, rolling hills that stretches from the Appalachians to the coastal plain. The bedrock here is mostly Precambrian gneiss, some of the oldest…

• Elizabeth, NJ · 18.4 mi · Local history

  Elizabeth, New Jersey, owes its existence to geography and a bit of historical luck. Situated on the Arthur Kill, a narrow tidal strait separating New Jersey from Staten Island, it offered a sheltered harbor close to…

• Newark Metropolitan Airport Buildings · 18.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Ever wonder where commercial aviation really took off in the United States? It was right here at Newark Metropolitan Airport, the nation's first major airport.Opened in 1928, Newark Metropolitan quickly became a hub for…

• Newark's Ironbound District · 18.6 mi · Historical Marker

  Newark's Ironbound district, named for the railroad tracks that bound it, has been a gateway neighborhood for immigrant communities since the 1830s.

• Garretson Forge and Farm · 19.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine owning the same plot of land for over 300 years! That's the story of Garretson Forge and Farm. The Garretson family has continuously owned this farm in Fair Lawn, New Jersey since 1719. The Peter Garretson…

• Old Stone Arch Bridge (Bound Brook, New Jersey) · 19.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  You're about to cross a bridge that's seen more history than most towns! The Old Stone Arch Bridge, right here in Bound Brook, is the oldest bridge in New Jersey. Built around 1731, this sturdy stone structure spans the…

• Wallace House (Somerville, New Jersey) · 20.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb

  Imagine George Washington pacing these very floors, wrestling with the fate of a nation! This is the Wallace House, and it was Washington's headquarters during the second Middlebrook encampment. From 1778 to 1779,…