 Waterloo is rich in history, dating
back to the time of the Munsee (Lenape) Indians who inhabited northern New Jersey and made
use of the rich natural resources and the abundance of the landscape and waterways.
Later, with the discovery of rich veins of iron nearby, the Andover Forge was established
here, making bar iron for shipment to England before the American Revolution.
The
village of Waterloo had its most active period with the arrival of the Morris
Canal in 1831. With a canal lock and inclined plane located here, Waterloo
Village became a small inland port on the cross-state trip from the Delaware River to the
Hudson River. Today, Waterloo Village is the only place on the East Coast where
both a canal lock and the remains of an inclined plane can be seen along with the town
that grew up around them.
The inclined plane, an engineering wonder, carried canal boats over hills by a system
of railroad tracks and cables, overcoming extreme changes in elevation. Once the
railroads were built, however, their speed and efficiency made the canal obsolete.
With the closing of the canal, Waterloo was left a quiet residential hamlet.
Today, the Village has been restored and is a living example of a bygone era.
Visitors can tour the beautiful grounds and buildings for great lessons in history,
architecture, social studies, industry, and more. Buildings that can be visited or
toured are, the Church, the Canal House, Smith's General Store, the Stagecoach Inn, the
Grist Mill, the Saw Mill, the Blacksmith Shop and many others. The Museum of the
Canal Society of New Jersey details the engineering and history of the Morris Canal and
includes a documentary video. The canals of New Jersey are a fascinating subject
themselves.
A life-size Lenape Village on Winakung Island in Waterloo Lake
is a faithful reproduction, including long houses, huts, women's quarters, burial grounds,
carvings, and artifacts. The island brings to life the culture of the New Jersey
Indian at the turn of the 17th century.
 The
American Craft Series at Waterloo includes a Gunsmith, Potter, Broom
Maker, Weavers, Spinners and more. Finally, a Historic Farmsite features New
Jersey's oldest freestanding log cabin, and includes farm animals, planted fields and
kitchen gardens. Outbuildings, including a corncrib, and a smokehouse, can be
seen. Seasonal activities and special events are custom-made for family outings and
are sure to be enjoyed. Call or email for a calendar of events.
Naturally, the description here is condensed. This is a big place with lots of
interesting things to see and do. Perfect for family day trips and perfect, too, for
School Groups of all ages.
School Tours are Self-Guided, led by the class teacher along an assigned route.
Allow at least four hours to see the entire Village. Open rain or shine. Call for
reservations. |
Hours: Mid-April through mid-November: Wednesday through Sunday 10am - 5pm. Call ahead to confirm.
Admission:
Adults $9.00
Children $7.00
Seniors $8.00
School Groups:
Per class of 15-20: $260.00
(with 5 adults - all school tours are guided tours)
Group Reservations: Call in advance to schedule School or Group visits to Waterloo.
Call for special tour pricing.
Lunch: Picnic area on grounds. The
Pavilion Café and Tow Path Tavern serve food.
Handicapped: Partial.
Directions: I-80
West to exit 25. Follow signs.
Time: 1 hour west from the
George Washington Bridge.
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