From the New Jersey Frontier Guard website.
The Frontier Guard was a military unit organized by New Jersey's colonial legislature in 1755 to man a series of frontier fortifications along the Delaware River in northwestern New Jersey.
At the time of the French and Indian war the population of New Jersey largely was centered around Atlantic seaports in Elizabethtown (present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey), Newark and Perth Amboy and the colonial legislature authorized the construction of blockhouse forts in the area of present-day Sussex and Warren Counties, New Jersey to serve as a first line of defense in the event of an incursion by the French army and the forces of French-allied Indian tribes.
The area where these blockhouse forts were constructed was composed of sparsely populated frontier settlements that were subjected to frequent raids and attacks by Indian warriors.
Supplies were provided to the Frontier Guard from Elizabethtown, transported by way of the Military Road.
The Military Road (also known as the Military Supply Road) was built to connecting Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth) with the string of fortifications along the Delaware River in northwestern New Jersey.
The road was conceived and built under the order of Jonathan Hampton, Esq., an Elizabethtown merchant and surveyor who was appointed as Victualer and Paymaster to the New Jersey Frontier Guard by an act of the New Jersey's colonial legislature.
A one-mile (1.6 km) segment of the original road, runs from the village of Walpack Center in Walpack Township, New Jersey to the terminus of the route at the Delaware River within the bounds of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is maintained in its original condition.
By 1758 seven forts were in existence on the NJ Frontier along the Delaware. A story has it Fort Walpack situated at a known Indian River crossing site was the last fort of the Frontier to see action, as perhaps in 1763 an Indian Warrior got the attention of the tiny garrison between five to seven men at the fort as he waved a scalp, whooped and shrieked his war cry. The NJ Frontier would not see action again until the American Revolution when British Rangers and Indian Warriors struck settlements at Minnisinks NY,NJ July 1779; Conashaugh, PA August 1781. The NJ Frontier was active in Continental Army movements going North and South along its trails and roads.
Today another type of War exist, the war to keep our Heritage and Natural Wonders unimpaired for future generations. The Area of the NJ Frontier entrusted to the National Park Service has been reduced due to continued budget cuts to where it was more defended in 1755 that it is today.
The enemy today; uncaring Park visitors who disregard rules, leave trash and litter and vandalize structures and monuments. When the National Park took over the old NJ Frontier officially in the early 1970's, 37-39 law enforcement Rangers were on duty in the Park. Today because of Budget cuts 7-9 Rangers are responsible for both sides of the Park, NJ and PA. Without the help of people like us in defending this last wild place the situation can only get worse. Something as simple as including the phone number of the National Park to inform Rangers of violations and offenders can help in this effort. Defending this resource is essential to every caring, Hiker, Fisherman, Hunter anyone whom appreciates its value as a place of enjoyment or recreation. Defend our National Park at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; most of all pitch in, show your concern and if you see trash even though its not yours, set an example especially for the children. We cannot except the norm of litter, especially in our last wild places and National Parks. Oh and by the way, cigarette butts count. Write your Congressman and Senators; ask why the National Parks are being deteriorated through budget cuts?
The gifts of nature, the plants,animals, rocks and tress need our human custodianship.
National Park Emergency Number to report Violations 570-426-2457.
