History of Parsippany, New Jersey

On May 9, 1928, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills was incorporated following its separation from the larger Township of Hanover. Native Americans who hunted and fished in the area as early as 6,000 years ago are credited with starting the region's history. The name Parsippany is derived from the Lenni-Lenape word "Parseponong," which means confluence of waters. The Dale Road rockshelter and the Petroclyph site provide evidence of this early occupation of the Township.

Troy Village was established in 1720 along Troy Brook, downstream of South Beverwyck Road, due to the abundance of land and hardwood forest, as well as the availability of waterpower. In 1755, the First Presbyterian Church, a log structure at the time, and a burial ground were constructed on the present-day Route 46 West, which is now known as Vail Cemetery. Across the street, a newer, larger church was constructed 70 years later.

During the Revolutionary War, the Township was home to several large estates, including Beverwyck, the 2,000-acre plantation of Dutch West Indies merchant Lucas Von Beverhoudt. During the two encampments of the Continental Army in Morristown, numerous balls were held for the officers, including General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. In 1971, the house that once stood at the intersection of Route 46 east and South Beverwyck Road was destroyed by fire. After the Revolutionary War, many of the remaining estates were subdivided into smaller family farms.

During the 19th century, milk and milk products production for the Newark and New York City markets became the primary occupation of Township residents. Early in the 20th century, a number of lake communities were established as vacation destinations; after World War II, they became permanent communities. During the middle of the 20th century, many farms were subdivided for housing developments to accommodate the Township's growing population. Learn about the geography of Parsippany, NJ.