Griggstown Bridge Tender’s Station
The D&R Canal was built between the years 1830 and 1834. The waterway connected the Delaware and Raritan Rivers and, after its completion, served to expedite the flow of commerce between Philadelphia and New York City. Coal was the primary commodity transported along this canal.
This station was used by the Griggstown bridge tender who monitored boat traffic and operated the bridge at this location.
The bridge tender’s station was fitted with a Morse telegraph machine, one of the earliest uses of the technology, in order to alert other locations of emergencies and other needed information.
This historical interpretation was provided by Boy Scout Troop 850 of Montgomery township, with assistance from the Griggstown Historical Society and the D&R Canal Commission.
Landscaping materials donated by the Belle Mead Co-op.
Marker is at the intersection of Griggstown Causeway and Canal Road, on the left when traveling west on Griggstown Causeway.
Courtesy hmdb.org
