Madison

History

Native Americans occupied present-day Madison and most of New Jersey for several thousand years, following the retreat of the Wisconsin Glacier. Lenape settlements in present-day Madison were agriculturally based following matrilineal lines. The protected lands nearby, Jockey Hollow, are what is remaining of the settlement. Occupation changed with the seasons, the variable nature of the climate, and to preserve the fertility of the rich soil. Their fishing and hunting territories were wide-ranging and similarly divided among the three clans of the matrilineal culture in this Eastern Woodland environment. Trade with these native peoples for food and furs was conducted by the Dutch during the period of colonization of New Netherland. Although the European principle of land ownership was not recognized by the Lenape, Dutch West India Company policy required their colonists to purchase land that they settled, but typically, trading relationships were established in this area, rather than Dutch settlements. During the British colonial period of the 17th and 18th centuries, the earliest settlers arriving in Madison were of European descent in what was then the colonial-era Province of New Jersey. Traditional native trails and pathways were followed as settlement began. Pressures upon the Lenape constantly drove them westward. In or around 1715, Bottle Hill, a village, was established at the crossing of Ridgedale Avenue and Kings Road. Village governance principles followed the British model. The Luke Miller house at 105 Ridgedale Avenue is thought to be the oldest remaining home, having been built around 1730. During British colonial rule, Kings Road was a toll road that assessed fees levied by the government appointed by the English king. Farther south was the Shunpike, a…

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 4.33 square miles (11.20 km2), including 4.31 square miles (11.17 km2) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) of water (0.30%). Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Brooklake Park, East Madison and North Park.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Morristown High School
  High · MORRISTOWN · 1,868 students · 13.4:1 ratio
• Morris Knolls High School
  High · DENVILLE · 1,447 students · 11.1:1 ratio
• Randolph High School
  High · RANDOLPH · 1,349 students · 11.1:1 ratio
• Chatham High School
  High · CHATHAM · 1,231 students · 12.1:1 ratio
• Montville Township High School
  High · MONTVILLE · 1,112 students · 10.4:1 ratio
• West Morris Mendham High School
  High · MENDHAM · 1,077 students · 12.2:1 ratio
• Frelinghuysen Middle School
  Middle · MORRISTOWN · 1,069 students · 10.7:1 ratio
• Parsippany Hills High School
  High · Morris Plains · 998 students · 9.9:1 ratio