History
Members of a subtribe of the Lenni Lenape or Delaware Indians are seen as the original inhabitants of the area now known as Metuchen. The first Europeans did not arrive until many years later, in 1665 under the leadership of Lord Carteret. In order to promote development of the area, Lord Carteret traveled to New England and promised generous land grants to those who relocated south. Eventually, the area was settled around 1700, receiving its name from the Indian Chief Metuching, who lived between 1630 and 1700.
The area remained a small farming village into the early 19th century, when the completion of the New Jersey Railroad stimulated commercial development and steady growth of the area. By 1870, Metuchen had developed into a hub of commerce and culture. Everything from churches and businesses to schools and even a literary and debating society were established. By the end of the decade, commerce had grown to such an extent that the New Brunswick Directory listed 91 businesses in Metuchen.
Metuchen was incorporated as a borough in 1900. As technology and industry progressed, so did Metuchen. Often referred to as “The Brainy Borough,” due to the substantial concentration of professionals, artists, educators and literary figures (and now even a former Governor) that have lived in the area, Metuchen stands as a town of cultural and social development.
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- Mayor’s Message
- Portrait of Metuchen
- Welcome
- Community Introduction
- History
- Location and Transportation
- Real Estate
- Business and Industry
- Tourism
- Shopping and Dining
- Culture and Entertainment
- Government
- Recreation
- Education
- Healthcare
- Worship
- Metuchen Area NJ Chamber Website
- Metuchen Area NJ Chamber Participating Advertisers
