About Rockaway Township

Incorporated in 1844, Rockaway Township is the largest municipality in Morris County. Encompassing an area of 45.89 square miles, it was originally part of Hanover and Pequannock Townships. The name “Rockaway” came from the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe who, in 1715, negotiated a land grant with William Penn. Rockaway Township’s rich iron ore heritage impacted our nation’s history from the 1700s to the 1970s.

The original handwritten Charter for Rockaway Township, 1844

The Mount Hope and Hibernia mines and forges, owned by notable iron masters and patriots, John Jacob Faesch and Lord Stirling, provided General George Washington and the Continental Army with cannon balls, shot, as well as cooking stoves and utensils. The Ford-Faesch Ironmaster’s House, c.1772, is on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The house is being restored with grants and support from Morris County Historic Trust, Morris County Historical Preservation Trust, Rockaway Township and the Historical Society of Rockaway Township. The mansion will feature an interpretive 18th century history museum, research library and meeting space focuing on Rockaway Township history.

As the iron industry declined during the 1800s due to mining competition in the Midwest, other industries developed, including major employers – Picatinny Arsenal, Reaction Motors and Shamoon Industries. During the 1940s -50s, Rockaway Township’s many lakes became a destination for vacationers from nearby urban areas. Telemark, Green Pond and White Meadow Lake soon became year-round communities. Today, Rockaway Township is thriving, diverse suburban community including many small and large businesses.