Long-Lost Plaque Returns To Essex County Park, 40 Years Later

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It was stolen from a park near the historic Essex County Courthouse in the 1970s. Now, almost 40 years later, it’s back. Sort of.

On Thursday, Essex County officials unveiled a replica of the long-lost “Indian Trails plaque” next to the historic courthouse in Newark. The plaque shows old trails through the City of Newark and how they relate to current major thoroughfares.

The Indian Trails plaque was originally dedicated in 1951 in what is now Justice William Brennan Park, but disappeared in the 1970s, possibly to be sold as scrap metal, some locals speculate.

The replica plaque was funded with a $5,000 grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund, and was remade according to specifications created by the Newark Landmarks and Preservation Committee.

But this time – instead of being mounted on a rock – the plaque has been attached to a metal stand.

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Photo: Essex County