Rahway

What lurks beneath the surface of Rahway? Rahway, New Jersey. A city nestled in Union County, a stone’s throw from the bustling metropolis of New York City. Rahway’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of industry, artistry, and perhaps, buried pirate treasure. Rahway wasn’t always Rahway. It began as a collection of four distinct communities: Upper Rahway, Bridge Town, Leesville, and Milton. Before European colonization, the Lenape Native Americans called this area home. Legend claims that Rahway’s name honors Rahwack, a Lenape chief. This area was part of the Elizabethtown Tract, purchased from the Lenape in 1664, marking the start of English colonization. Rahway’s strategic location between New York City and Philadelphia, along with the navigable Rahway River, fueled its growth. The city officially incorporated in 1858. Rahway became a hub for manufacturing, home to companies like the Regina Music Box Company, Wheatena, Mershon Bros., and most significantly, Merck & Co. George W. Merck relocated his chemical company here in 1903. Did you know that Rahway played a role in the American Revolutionary War? In 1777, the Battle of Spanktown, named after Rahway’s original moniker, took place near the present-day Union County Park. This battle resulted in the loss of nearly 100 British troops. George Washington himself graced Rahway with his presence in 1789, on his journey to his presidential inauguration in New York City. A plaque near the Merchants and Drovers Tavern commemorates this visit. Rahway even housed the first national mint to inscribe “E pluribus unum” on a coin. After World War II, Rahway, like many industrial cities, experienced decline. But in the late 1990s, a revitalization project breathed new life into the downtown area, leading to new housing, art galleries, and businesses, like the Watt Hotel, a stylish Hilton-managed establishment. Rahway boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Union County Performing Arts Center, housed in the historic Rahway Theatre, is a cultural gem. The Rahway Public Library, rebuilt after Hurricane Floyd caused devastating flood damage in 1999, stands as a testament to the city’s resilience. And then there’s the legend of Captain Kidd’s buried treasure. Some say it lies along the Rahway River, buried with one of Kidd’s murdered crewmen. A Lenape chieftain, Ra-wa-rah, supposedly witnessed this grim event. From Native American settlements to revolutionary battles, from industrial powerhouses to artistic havens, Rahway’s story is an intricate narrative of change and resilience. As you explore Rahway, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, the echoes of the past whispering in the present.