This small stone monument is located along Johnsonburg Road, or CR-612 in Frelinghuysen Township.  Erected in 1754 as a road marker informing early travelers they were approaching “Logg Gaol,” or Log Jail, the name of the first county seat of Sussex County, which was later re-named Johnsonburg. Let’s use this small old marker as an introduction AND, if I may borrow an old saying from Paul Harvey, of radio fame (definitely just dated myself), “Here’s the rest of the story”:

Story behind the Photo of the Week

I have seen this small roadside marker many times over the years and knew what it was about.  My original idea was that this was going to be a part of an article depicting various old markers, stones and/or unusual sites.  However, revisiting this marker and then heading into Johnsonburg to revisit the other markers and sites, I began realizing that this is really a two-part story: The marker itself, all alone out in the then-wild frontier, followed by the actual ‘Logg Gaol’ site, which the marker was advertising to those early travelers along the highway.  I am going out on a limb here, but I will compare this to a lighthouse, advertising to mariners what and where sites were during their journeys.  Remember folks, nowadays, when we travel, we have everything at our fingertips and are not alone!  Back when, on land or sea, these markers large or tiny were important and much appreciated!!

Observations

Let’s put a few things in perspective before we journey back in time!!!  Take a moment and ponder on these thoughts!

FIRST:  We were not a Country yet!!  ‘Us’ being a Country wasn’t even a thought!!

SECOND:  Tensions that launched the French and Indian War (1756-1763), also known as the Seven Years’ War, were just beginning! In this North American war, which included fighting in territories in present day U.S. and Canada (and spilled over into Europe,) the British American colonies fought those of France, aided on both sides by Native American allies. The French colonies were outnumbered with only about 60,000 settlers, versus two million in the British Colonies. However, that is not a lot of people considering we are talking about all of North America!! SO, KEEPING THESE NUMBERS IN MIND, put yourself in the shoes of a traveler passing by our little monument!  Dare say, some might be happy and relieved to know they were approaching civilization!!  I’m thinking we all have some friends that still consider our area as ‘Out There’!! 

THIRD:  Warren County was split from Sussex County in 1824; Sussex County was split from Morris in 1753; Morris County was split from Hunterdon in 1738-1739; Hunterdon County was split from Burlington in 1714.

In 1754, as the seat of the brand new Sussex County, Johnsonburg contained two taverns, a grist mill, and the first county jail, from which came the “Logg Gaol” name. Though it didn’t last long as the county seat, it continued to be a bastion of life for local rural residents, gaining a church, school and post office, and more over the next 50 years. It thrived, in part, due to its location along a “highway” capable of accommodating carriages.

However, Northwest New Jersey’s famed canal systems, turnpike, and railroads did not venture nearby, leading other, more navigable towns to take its place in popularity.

This is an interesting article providing information about Johnsonburg National Historic District!!

Hope you have enjoyed your journey back in time, along with your visit to ‘Logg Gaol’.  There is a lot to see and many places to pull over. Remember Charlie says, “Don’t be afraid to STOP & SMELL THE ROSES!!!!”

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Director Open Space
Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman
Allamuchy Historical Society – President