Montgomery Township spans about thirty-two square miles between the Millstone River lowlands and the Sourland Mountain, a region first inhabited by the Lenni Lenape, who fished shad along its waterways long before Dutch settlers began clearing fields in the seventeenth century. Over time the fertile terrain supported an agricultural economy that connected local farmers to markets in New York and Philadelphia, and the area became known as the Western Precinct of Somerset County before its borders shifted with the formation of Mercer County. In 1798 it was formally organized and named in honor of Colonel Richard Montgomery, whose death during the Revolutionary War carried national significance. Today, its population sits just under 24,000, living in neighborhoods shaped by centuries of gradual expansion.
History is still visible in preserved buildings such as the Harlingen Reformed Church, which traces its founding to 1727 and remains an active congregation with deep community roots. The Blawenburg Historic District provides an additional window into nineteenth-century life with structures including the old Blawenburg Tavern and the Blawenburg Church, both tied to early village development.
Outdoor recreation plays a central role in township life. Skillman Park, built on the grounds of the former state-run Skillman Village, now features paved trails, meadows, historic stone walls, and preserved tree lines. The park’s open fields host runners, dog walkers, and community fitness groups who rely on its lengthy loop paths. Nearby, Van Horne Park provides baseball fields, basketball courts, and wide green spaces used by youth leagues and families who spend afternoons there during mild seasons.
Local businesses reinforce the township’s distinct character. Cherry Valley Country Club operates as a full-service golf and social club offering an 18-hole course, tennis, swimming, and community events that draw members from across the region. The Princeton Elks Lodge, located within the township’s borders, hosts charitable programs, gatherings, and seasonal activities that contribute to local civic life.
Food options span familiar traditions and global influences. Alfonso’s Pizzeria offers Italian classics such as fresh pastas, chicken dishes, and specialty pizzas with a long-established following. Aja Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar provides sushi rolls, noodle dishes, and hibachi-style entrées that appeal to diners seeking modern Asian fare. Thomas Sweet Café & Bakery rounds out the scene with ice cream, baked goods, and café staples that bring steady foot traffic from families and students.
Community events shape the township’s social calendar. FunFest, held each September, fills the grounds of the high school with music, food vendors, nonprofit booths, children’s activities, and live demonstrations, drawing thousands from the region. The July 4th fireworks celebration brings families together for an evening of performances, games, and a large display visible from surrounding fields.
Local lore adds a subtle layer of mystery. Long-standing stories describe unexplained sounds and flickering lights near the old Skillman Village grounds, tied to the former state institutions that once operated there.
Those old stories show how deeply Montgomery Township’s people connect to this place, just as community events bring neighbors together throughout the year. When water or mold disrupts that sense of security at home, dependable help becomes important. Fuessel Remediation restores properties with care.
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