Homes
for sale in Bernards Township, New Jersey, rest on ground steeped in history.
According to historical accounts, 3,000 acres were purchased from King James
III for $50 in 1760. In May 2010, the township paused to celebrate the 250th
anniversary of its founding.
The township, home to approximately 26,000 residents, is known for its giving spirit. During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, citizens of the area mounted assistance efforts in every way possible. In appreciation for their efforts, one Louisiana parish sent their high school band on an all-expenses-paid trip to the area to participate in the Christmas parade and to perform a special concert.
One of the world's weirdest sites is Bernard Township's Devils Tree. Many legends surround this tree. The tree was once used for KKK lynchings. In another account, a local farmer used the true to hang himself because he had killed his entire family. During a recent storm, the infamous hanging branch fell to the ground. Many accounts have appeared in magazines, particularly Weird NJ.
One tale concerns a black truck believed driven by Satan's right-hand angel. On a road near this tree, people relate tales of being chased down the road by this truck with its high-beam headlight only to see the lights go out and the truck suddenly vanish. Although some tales are deemed folklore, there is still a belief that anyone who attempts to destroy or maim Devils Tree will be branded with a curse resulting in death.
Homes for sale Bernards Twp. is home to Brick Academy, circa 1750, which under the auspices of a Presbyterian minister functioned as a preparatory school from which students were automatically transferred to Princeton University.
Among notable sons and daughters of the area is Page McConnell who spent his childhood in the Basking Ridge section of the township. Best known for his membership in the Phish band, McConnell's father was a physician whose efforts led to the birth of Tylenol and the MRI medical testing. A long time resident of the area, children's book author, Patricia Gauch, was elected to New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame.
Circus history might be quite different had it not been for one African-American boy born in the area. William Henry Johnson, circa 1842, was born with an unusually-shaped head that was much smaller than normal and never developed in portion to the rest of his body. When this child came to the attention of circus mogul, P. T. Barnum, he was given the name Zip the Pinhead and spent many years traveling with the circus.
In addition to being the home of literary giant, Barnes&Noble and one of America's major communications companies, Verizon Wireless, other interesting facts concerning Bernards Township make it one of the most important areas in American history. In 1740, the lawn of Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church was the site of one Great Awakening Revival services during which a congregation of approximately 3,000 worshipers gathered under its giant oak tree. Historical Society accounts include information regarding George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette finding restful shelter beneath this same tree.
The township, home to approximately 26,000 residents, is known for its giving spirit. During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, citizens of the area mounted assistance efforts in every way possible. In appreciation for their efforts, one Louisiana parish sent their high school band on an all-expenses-paid trip to the area to participate in the Christmas parade and to perform a special concert.
One of the world's weirdest sites is Bernard Township's Devils Tree. Many legends surround this tree. The tree was once used for KKK lynchings. In another account, a local farmer used the true to hang himself because he had killed his entire family. During a recent storm, the infamous hanging branch fell to the ground. Many accounts have appeared in magazines, particularly Weird NJ.
One tale concerns a black truck believed driven by Satan's right-hand angel. On a road near this tree, people relate tales of being chased down the road by this truck with its high-beam headlight only to see the lights go out and the truck suddenly vanish. Although some tales are deemed folklore, there is still a belief that anyone who attempts to destroy or maim Devils Tree will be branded with a curse resulting in death.
Homes for sale Bernards Twp. is home to Brick Academy, circa 1750, which under the auspices of a Presbyterian minister functioned as a preparatory school from which students were automatically transferred to Princeton University.
Among notable sons and daughters of the area is Page McConnell who spent his childhood in the Basking Ridge section of the township. Best known for his membership in the Phish band, McConnell's father was a physician whose efforts led to the birth of Tylenol and the MRI medical testing. A long time resident of the area, children's book author, Patricia Gauch, was elected to New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame.
Circus history might be quite different had it not been for one African-American boy born in the area. William Henry Johnson, circa 1842, was born with an unusually-shaped head that was much smaller than normal and never developed in portion to the rest of his body. When this child came to the attention of circus mogul, P. T. Barnum, he was given the name Zip the Pinhead and spent many years traveling with the circus.
In addition to being the home of literary giant, Barnes&Noble and one of America's major communications companies, Verizon Wireless, other interesting facts concerning Bernards Township make it one of the most important areas in American history. In 1740, the lawn of Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church was the site of one Great Awakening Revival services during which a congregation of approximately 3,000 worshipers gathered under its giant oak tree. Historical Society accounts include information regarding George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette finding restful shelter beneath this same tree.
