Ledgewood: History and Parks

Cultural history and several parks are among Ledgewood’s main attractions. The Morris Canal is a recurring historical reference: it features in the history of the Ledgewood Historic District and in individual park features. This gives you two areas of interest to consider when planning your trip: local history and outdoor activities. You can weigh these options according to whether historic sites or forests, trails, and park amenities appeal to you more.

Historic Sites and Their Place in Time

The Silas Riggs “Saltbox” House is in Ledgewood. It is a living history museum dating to the mid-18th century and a collection of historical data. The King Canal Store is a well-preserved general store dating from 1815, located at 209–211 Main Street in Ledgewood. The Ledgewood Baptist Church was founded in 1874 as Drakesville Baptist Church. Its first building at 261 Main Street is still standing, although it has been extensively altered. The Theodore F. King Homestead features exhibit rooms and period-furnished rooms.

The dates point to different historical references: the Saltbox House is associated with the mid-18th century, 1815 is the date of the King Canal Store, and 1874 is the year the church was founded under the name Drakesville Baptist Church. Thus, a period associated with the House, the date of a store, and the church’s founding year are presented side by side.

If you are planning a specific visit to the museum or the King Canal Store, please check current visiting options in advance.

Connections to the Morris Canal

The Ledgewood Historic District includes a concentration of resources associated with the Morris Canal. Plane 2 East in Ledgewood Canal Park is one of the best-preserved inclined planes on the Morris Canal. These places illustrate the canal’s connection in different ways: as part of the historic district and at a specifically named structure.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Ledgewood Park and Morris Canal Park together cover more than 250 acres of forest; amenities include a fishing pond and hiking trails. The trail in Riggs Canal Park is ¼ mile long and features historical information about the Morris Canal towpath. The measured trail and its historical theme, along with the combined forest and park amenities, offer different areas of interest. The combined forest area is equivalent to more than 100 hectares.

Emmans Park in Ledgewood features several soccer fields and a dog park. Unlike the forests, hiking trails, and fishing pond mentioned above, its specific features are sports fields and a dog park. Check current conditions in the parks and on the trails before visiting, as facilities and conditions may change.

For a broader travel overview: Morris County.