Monmouth Timeline

Rumson

The borough of Rumson was formed by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 15, 1907, from portions of Shrewsbury Township, based on results of a referendum held on June 18, 1907. Rumson was originally purchased by English settlers in pieces. The first purchase was dated January 25, 1665, and it included parts of Middletown. The rest of the area was purchased later that year. Legend has it that the borough's name is derived from early settlers who bought the land from the Native Americans in exchange for some rum. But as far back as 1663, long before the area was officially named Rumson, Native Americans called it "Navarumsunk". Over the years it has been shortened to "Rumson", though sources also talk of a Chief Alumson as a source of the name. Other names Rumson has been known by include Black Point, Port Washington, and Oceanic. Source: Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 184.
History of Rumson
Official town logo of the Borough of Rumson, N.J.

Landmarks & Trails in Rumson

Bicentennial Hall today, formerly Fisk Chapel A.M.E. Bethel Church of Fair Haven. Image credit: Google Maps.
Black History Trail

Fisk Chapel

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Bicentennial Hall today, formerly Fisk Chapel A.M.E. Bethel Church of Fair Haven. Image credit: Google Maps.
August 20, 1882

Bicentennial Hall, formerly Fisk Chapel, the African Methodist Episcopal Bethel Church of Fair Haven

Bicentennial Hall is the oldest building in Fair Haven. It was originally called Fisk Chapel, also known as the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Bethel Church. It is the oldest religious edifice still in use on the Rumson peninsula, and one
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Photo of the The Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, image source: official website.
July 5, 1886

The Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club

On July 5, 1886, The Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club first opened, making it the oldest lawn tennis club in the U.S. Located in Rumson, the club was founded mainly for athletic purposes, but soon became a center of
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