Linden, New Jersey

Book excerpt: Like many of New Jersey's older towns, Linden owes its existence to the enterprising and visionary Puritan colonists from Long Island who sought religious freedom and better farmland among the virgin wilderness of northeastern New Jersey. Close upon the heels of these pioneering and hard-working farmers, legions of merchants and artisans flocked to the small villages they established, thus ensuring industry, culture, and expansion for centuries to come. Linden's unique offering of picturesque setting, between Staten Island Sound and the Rahway River, and its proximity to major urban centers, such as Newark, Elizabeth, and New York City, has contributed greatly to the community's overall growth and continues to attract new people chasing the same dreams and destinies that the first settlers sought. With over 100 illustrations, Linden, New Jersey chronicles the exciting story of a community that has survived wars and depressions and flourished both economically and culturally in times of prosperity. Journeying across an evolving landscape, readers will experience firsthand the early settlers' struggles against both land and man, the fear and violence from the British and Hessian raids during the Revolutionary War, and an assortment of events that shook Linden, from local political discord to dutiful service during times of national crisis. This comprehensive volume recalls much more than traditional textbook history, but celebrates the township's diverse population, such as the historic Jewish community, and immigrant cultures that have called Linden home over the years.