The Growth of Monmouth Junction in the 1800's

In 1840, the village of Monmouth Junction included a church, store, post office, hotel, rail station and 14 homes. In 1871, John Martin built a public house, while Stryker Rowland and H.B. Groves opened stores in 1880.

The main source of employment was the railroad, which provided jobs as flagmen, ticket agents, station managers, conductors and engineers.  Timbering was a mainstay business in Monmouth Junction, as it was for the Deans family in Deans.

Many of the timbers were sold to the railroad to make ties. Well-known longtime families lived here including, Stout, Culver, Rule, Gulick, Bastedo and Rowland. These families were supported by, blacksmiths, carpenters and wheelwrights.  

The Rowland Farm Implements and Coal business was the largest of its kind in Middlesex County. Though a small community, the hamlet had all the needs of its citizens covered.

On Ridge Road was Mechanics Hall, which was a social center. Emens store was located on Railroad Avenue and the famous Monmouth House Hotel was also located on Railroad Avenue.  

The local railroad stations were located across the street from Railroad Avenue and riders had to cross the tracks carefully to catch a train. The small train station is still located across the tracks from the Ridge Road side, quietly awaiting passengers.