Located along the gentle, meandering Whippany River, the town of Whippany is a small suburban community with a rich history and a bright future. Originally called Whippanong by the Native Americans, its name has been translated many ways: Some say the Lenape meaning “place of the arrow wood,” others believe it refers to the straight cattail stalks that grow in the meadowlands now known as Black Meadows and Troy Meadows alongside the Whippany River, or to the arrowheads found at Munsee encampments. Today the community is best known for the Whippany Railway Museum, which offers actual train rides, and the 1718 Whippany Burying Ground, which claims to be the oldest cemetery in Morris County.
The town is also home to several historic districts, including Malapardis and Monroe. Its rich history is rooted in the abundance of natural resources, including dense forests of virgin timber, fertile land, veins of iron ore and the power of the Whippany River. The township’s early settlers were attracted by the promise of abundant opportunities and a strong economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce.
In the late 1800s, as railroad traffic boomed and new technologies were introduced, the area’s old agricultural economy gave way to a more industrial and urban one. The town became the center of an extensive paper industry and a prominent manufacturer of machinery and steel products. During the post-World War II period, the Township became heavily suburbanized and primarily residential.
Whippany is a great place to live and work, with good schools and plenty of things to do and see. The local government is responsive to residents’ needs and the Borough Council is well-balanced, representing a wide range of views. There are also numerous recreational activities, including a golf course and country club, as well as an abundance of parks. The township is served by the Morristown-Hanover Airport, the second largest corporate airport in the State of New Jersey.
There are a variety of housing options in the township, from condominiums to single-family homes. Among the most popular are new construction homes that feature luxury finishes and features, including granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Some new construction homes are even energy-efficient and feature solar panels.
In addition to the convenience of living in a newer home, Whippany offers easy access to all the amenities of nearby towns. Residents can take advantage of the Morristown train station for quick, direct commutes to NYC and other nearby cities. Likewise, there are multiple shopping and dining options in the immediate area.
The township is also home to the famous Whippany Museum, which has exhibits that tell the story of the area from its indigenous people through its colonial and industrial eras. The museum is free and open to the public. Its website is full of information about the city, as well as a detailed map and a list of events. The site is available in both English and Spanish. In addition, the site contains historical photos of the area.
