The Cranbury Dam

The dam, constructed in the 1800's with rebuilding and repairs through the late 19th century, diverted the Cranbury Brook in order to supply power to the local grist and saw mills.

Local sewer construction in the 1977 unearthed and partially destroyed portions of the original structure before archaeologists halted the work and revealed portions of a well-preserved crib dam.

Left Photo

Section of the Original Crib Dam Unearthed During Main Street Excavations

Right Photo

Donald Jackson of the Historic American Engineering Record helped identify the structure with its various rebuildings.

Drawing of a Typical Crib Dam with Plank Covering

James Leffel, Construction of Mill Dams, 1881, Park Ridge, New Jersey, Noyes Press

A Gift of Squibb Corporation, 1987

Marker is on South Main Street (County Road 535) 0.2 miles from Station Road (County Route 615), on the left when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB