In Somerset County, via the Main Streets of Bound Brook and Somerville

In the distant past it was understood that roads provided a way of communication by land for purposes of conquest and commerce. From this developed a Roman maxim: "The first step in bringing civilization to undeveloped land is to build roads." Though true that principle may have been, the road development of New Jersey proceeded along somewhat different lines. The first step was for the settler to clear his land and get it into production, and in consequence there was but little time or need for building roads. However, it was not long before they were required and for good reason. There had come to Somerset many new arrivals, and with those already here, the need to communicate became essential.

In earlier days it was largely the riverways that had supplied the means, but with the newcomers, roads became more than useful. The people had need to go to church, to the blacksmith, to mills and markets that had sprung up, and to court. The Indian trails then came more in use; and as they did, they widened into bridle paths. These in turn prompted the use of the carts and wagons that followed.

To be noted is the fact that the earliest legislation relating to roads enacted by the New Jersey Assembly was in 1676. Six years later another act, the first to apply to road regulation in general, proved an impetus to road development throughout the province. It then came to the minds of some that while they were about it, it would be expedient to build a road from New York to Philadelphia, the two chief trading centers in all of America. But as yet, and for some long while, it was not to be.

Again, in 1711, the same idea was advanced in Philadelphia when its undertaking was initiated by the Governor of Pennsylvania, who directed that a road survey be made as a start to such an undertaking. But New Jersey delayed entering upon a task of that magnitude, important though it may have been, until the legislative act of 1765 made it law.

Notwithstanding the many hindrances, whatever they may have been, road building, such as satisfied immediate requirements, had been going on in the county and elsewhere in the province prior to 1700. For the most part those early roads served the needs of a neighborhood. One of these, on the north side of the Raritan River, followed it upstream, extending itself from time to time as conditions warranted. It might have had its beginning at New Brunswick or even Amboy, the provincial capital; but now it seems there is no way to tell. Here and there it was known by different names. Some called it "The Road up Raritan," others "The Great Raritan Road," and still others "The Great Road." But one or the other, it was quite likely in that sequence; and as it was extended, it naturally increased in value as a necessary utility.

The causes for New Jersey's deferring action on the larger project are indefinite except that a contributing factor may well have been the difficulties that the so-called Raritan Road had been subjected to for many years. Some of the trouble came from charging those traveling the road (not yet a public way as trespassers on private property. These and similar contentions had to be taken to the Governor for his action.

Eventually the discord reached the point in 1764 that a joint survey of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, consisting of six men each, was designated to alter and regulate the road to the end that it would become " . . . a public way from the mouth of the North Branch to the middle of the Bound Brook Stone Bridge."

Soon thereafter, or in 1765, came decision, action and attainment, for in the Assembly's act of that year the road commissioners were directed to run as a straight public road certain of the roads between New York and Philadelphia. Starting at the New York-Elizabethtown Point Ferry it was projected by way of Elizabeth to Scotch Plains, to Quibbletown and Bound Brook, thence along the Raritan to the mouth of its north branch; and on to connect with the York Road at New Hope, Pennsylvania.

—New Jersey Journal, Oct. 5, 1779.

WHEREAS Alice, late called the wife of the subscriber, of Bernards Township, Somerset County, hath, without just cause, eloped from my bed and board, in my absence and, by and with the advice and assistance of some evil-minded persons, in a felonious manner, hath taken away my effects to a very considerable amount like a thief, under cover of the night. This is therefore to forewarn all merchants and other persons not to trust her on my account, as I am determined to pay no debts of her contracting from the date hereof.
Jacob Willis.
Bernard Town, Sept. 27, 1779

Here follows a word to clarify road titles as used in those days of which we speak: The King's Highway, as then known in England, was the property of the King. Private land ended at its roadside. There were several King's Highways in the colonies, and a number of them in New Jersey.

A York Road was one that terminated at a place called York (short for New York). It was so named by those living in Philadelphia and elsewhere to distinguish it from roads that went to other places.

The title, "Old York Road," was used to tell it from another York road in the same region but of later origin; or from that which passed through New Brunswick to New York City.

So it was in 1765 that the long-looked-for straight road became a reality; and with it was brought into being a stage that traveled it in two days, known as the "Safe-Sure Coach Line." Those preceding it took four days and likely as not, were neither safe nor sure. Strange it may seem, but this King's Highway, better known as the Old York Road, made much of its way over the Naraticong Trail which generations of that Indian tribe had used on their seasonal migrations across New Jersey to the Delaware.

Over this highway there passed many of those who helped shape our country's early course. Likewise, it contributed to New Jersey's development and to the bringing of enlightenment to the colonies. It remains an unmarked memorial to progress.

WANTED IMMEDIATELY. A SCHOOL-MASTER, in a good neighborhood, to teach Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. A Single man, well recommended, will meet with proper encouragement by applying to Mr. Mercer, at Schenck's Mills, near Somerset Court-house. -New Jersey Gazeteer, September 12, 1780.