During the 19th century, Waterloo Village was a thriving point on the Morris Canal. This part of New Jersey history, which contains a 400-year-old Lenape Indian Village in addition to the once-thriving port’s colonial town, is plucked down along the beautiful Musconetcong River.
Nestled within Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Stanhope, Waterloo Village contains a working sawmill, blacksmith shop, carpenter’s workshop, general store and even an active church, all available for public viewing.
This summer season Waterloo is open to the public every day from morning ’til night. Even better, on Saturdays and Sundays throughout July, August, and September, they are hosting Canal Days, where some of the historical homes and businesses will be open to visitors while knowledgeable volunteers regale them with the history and inner-workings of canal life. Learn of what some of the community’s duties were like in an 1800’s canal town while hitching a canal boat ride, getting a lesson from the tinsmith, or watching the working sawmill.
Canal Days at Waterloo Village are being held 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/11, 8/25, 9/8, and 9/22. Admission is free, and parking is just $5. Farmer’s Markets are also being held Sundays in July, 7/15, 7/22, and 7/29, with a special Christmas in July on 7/21. The availability of the town’s buildings and the Lenape Village differ, and you can find more information regarding events at Canal Society of New Jersey‘s website or on Waterloo’s Facebook Page.
Beyond the interesting living history of Waterloo, the setting holds a great amount of inspiration to those of us who enjoy taking photographs. The landscapes, old buildings, and demonstrations are of great substance (though it should be noted that most buildings do not allow for photos to be taken inside), and the warmth and knowledge of those working at Waterloo Village are so welcoming and make me want to go back for more Canal Days!
