Historic village of Point Pleasant PA

Point Pleasant is located at the confluence of Geddes Run, Tohickon Creek, and the Delaware River. This area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the name Tohickon originating from the Lenape word for “the crossing.” Native Americans, particularly the Lenni Lenape, camped here for generations to fish, as shad were abundant at this location. The fish, known to be ‘prime’ here as they migrate upstream to spawn, were less metabolized and available in great numbers. Historically, they swam by the millions. Sturgeon were also plentiful but were last officially spotted in 1890; there are rumors that they may still exist in these waters, although they are elusive. European-introduced game fish, such as bass, sunfish, and catfish, may have contributed to the decline of the shad population.

Point Pleasant was formed from two previously separate towns: Lower Black’s Eddy, the older settlement, and Pearson’s Landing, both of which served as ferry sites. Black’s Ferry operated from 1739 to 1855 at the bottom of Ferry Road, which opened in 1738. This ferry was a favored stop for raftsmen, and when the Delaware Canal was constructed, the existing inn was expanded by the Blacks. The construction of the canal required a bridge across the Tohickon, leading to the creation of the Aqueduct, one of ten along the canal and the longest one.

The central part of the inn, known most recently as The Mountainside, is the oldest building in the area, constructed in 1689. Pearson’s Landing served as the northern settlement and ferry site. Matthew Hughes of Buckingham owned much of the land that is now Point Pleasant. In 1739, Enoch Pearson won a long dispute over the right to build a ferry on approximately 100 acres he owned. However, he operated the ferry for only two years; by 1748, it had changed hands twice before a group of seven villagers, known as the Cave Bank Fishery Company, took control. For much of this period, it was referred to as Pearson’s Ferry.

Between 1748 and 1765, John White built a gristmill, which ground various grains, and the Stover Family operated it from 1803 until 1925. This mill became a center of commerce, fostering the growth of numerous other businesses in the area. The inn was constructed in 1790. In 1828, citizens renamed Lower Black’s Eddy to Point Pleasant when it acquired a post office, leading to the merging of the two towns.

The Point Pleasant Inn became a popular resort, attracting notable visitors such as Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, as well as affluent families like the Astors, Vanderbilts, and Whitneys. In 1855, a five-span wooden covered bridge was built to connect to Byrum, New Jersey, enhancing travel from New York. This bridge was destroyed by fire in 1892 and was immediately rebuilt with steel. Four spans on the New Jersey side were destroyed by a flood in 1903 and were rebuilt again. The flood of 1955 caused further destruction to the bridge, which was not rebuilt.

Kolbe’s Point Pleasant Inn was converted into a shop that offered a wide variety of unique items, including lamp wicks, oil, beeswax candles in various shapes, sizes, and colors, lamps, garden ceramics, and an assortment of clever signs and useful furnishings. After the property’s renovation, it has now been repurposed as an antiques and art collective featuring many dealers. The bar and walk-in fireplace, once open to the public, have been preserved and add character to the interior. Additionally, there is a café where visitors can relax while browsing.

And right in the center of the village you will find one of the finest Antique Centers around.

Kolbe Antiques & Art on the Delaware 6 River Road Pipersville PA 18947

www.KolbeAntiques.com

Open Tue-Sun 10-5

We express our gratitude and credit to our dealer, Laure Duval, a local historian, for providing most of the information in this article.

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