History of West Milford, New Jersey, USA

1844 - West Milford
West Milford was formed from Pompton in 1834. It is situated N.W. of Paterson 15 m. It is 13 m. long, with an average width of 7 m.; and is bounded N. by part of Orange co., New York, E. by Pompton, S. by Pequannock and Jefferson, Morris co., and W. by Hardiston and Vernon, Sussex co. There are in the township 10 forges, 2 tanneries, 1 grist-m., 5 saw-m.; 11 schools, 408 scholars. Pop. 2,108.

The surface is generally hilly or mountainous, and it is watered by numerous small streams. There are several small ponds in the south part, - their outlets flowing into Pequannock river: they are Mackepin, Hanks, Cedar, Buck, and Dunker's ponds. Long Pond, a favorite resort for anglers, extends from Orange co. int the N. part. The manufacture of iron is extensively carried on in the township. New Milford is a thickly-settled agricultural vicinity, in the central part. There is at that place a Presbyterian church, and the surrounding country is fertile.
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY by JOHN W. BARBER and HENRY HOWE, 1844

1854 - West Milford
West Milford, a post-township of Passaic co., New Jersey, bordering on New York, about 40 miles N. W. from Jersey City. Population, 2624.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - West Milford
West Milford, a post-hamlet in West Milford town ship, Passaic co., N.J., 3 miles from Hewitt Station, and about 20 miles N.W. of Paterson. It has 2 churches. The township comprises the southern half of the beautiful Green wood Lake, which extends into Orange co., N.Y., and is a summer resort. The scenery of West Milford is very picturesque. Pop. of the township, 2660.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
West Milford, a post-village in West Milford town ship, Passaic co., N.J., about 20 miles NW. of Paterson, its banking point. The township comprises the southern half of Greenwood Lake. Pop. of the township in 1900, 2112.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1976 - PLANE CRASH KILLS 5.
West Milford, N.J. (AP) - Five persons were killed when a single-engine private plane crashed 700 feet short of a runway and exploded into flames near a drive-through animal park.

LOUIS FABER, 52, a fifth-grade teacher from Sayville, N.Y., was piloting the white Beechcraft Bonanza on Sunday when it hit treetops, flipped and crashed in a woods about 50 yards off a former access road to Jungle Habitat.

Also killed were MICHAEL CAVALE, 31, of Smithtown, N.Y.; his son, MICHAEL, JR., 6; JOHN FURREVIG, 44, an auto mechanic from Deer Park, N.Y.; and CHARLES DIGIORGIO, 41, a construction worker from Huntington Station, N.Y.

Both CAVALE and DIGIORGIO were also licensed pilots. FABER was described by a friend as an experienced pilot who had flown for more than 20 years.

The group left Islip-MacArthur Airport in Islip, N.Y., Sunday morning and was flying to Pennsylvania to pick up CAVALE'S plane, which had been undergoing repairs in Honesdale.
North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
July 19, 1976

West Milford has something for everyone. Here's a list:
1. Greenwood Lake:
Start your adventure at Greenwood Lake, a stunning 7-mile-long lake that straddles the border of New York and New Jersey. You can enjoy a relaxing day of fishing, boating, or just soaking in the beautiful scenery. There are also lakeside parks where you can have a picnic or take a leisurely stroll.

2. Wawayanda State Park:
If you're a nature enthusiast, Wawayanda State Park is a must-visit. It offers miles of hiking trails, including the iconic Appalachian Trail. The park also features a pristine lake for swimming and paddling. In the fall, the foliage is absolutely breathtaking.

3. Long Pond Ironworks State Park:
History comes alive at Long Pond Ironworks State Park. Explore the remnants of an 18th-century ironworking community, complete with historic buildings and artifacts. The park is a fascinating blend of natural beauty and industrial history.

4. Bald Eagle Commons:
For some retail therapy and local flavor, check out Bald Eagle Commons. This... Read MORE...