The Deserted Village of Feltville

When I arrived at the site, I felt uncertain about what I would encounter. I had explored a few abandoned places in the past, and some of those experiences had left me with a chilling sense of unease. On this particular day, the atmosphere was especially gloomy, with dark clouds hanging overhead, further enhancing the eerie surroundings.

However, amidst the unsettling ambiance, I surprisingly found a sense of quietude and tranquility. The Watchung Reservation has many trails to explore. The reservation is over 2,000 acres and has a 6-mile historic trail.

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The Natives of Watchung

This area, rich in history and culture, was once home to the Lenni Lenape tribe, who lived in harmony with the land and its resources. Their deep connection to the natural world shaped their way of life and spiritual beliefs.

 

In the nineteenth century, the American landscape underwent dramatic changes due to the United States government’s expansionist policies. These policies aimed to extend territorial claims into areas inhabited by Native American tribes, leading to widespread displacement and removal.

 

The arrival of European settlers marked a significant turning point, as they encroached upon the ancestral lands of the indigenous peoples, often through violent means. The narrative surrounding this period depicts the natives as having been forcibly displaced; however, it raises an important question: Did the Native Americans leave their homes willingly, or was there resistance against the encroachment on their way of life?

The name “Watchung” itself is a testament to the region’s indigenous heritage. It is derived from the Lenni Lenape language and translates to “high hills.” This name reflects the area’s geographical features, highlighting the tribe’s intimate understanding of its surroundings. The word “watschu,” which also means “hill,” further emphasizes their connection to the landscape.

As we consider the history of Feltville and the broader context of the Watchung area, it is essential to recognize the resilience and legacy of the Native American tribes. Their stories and experiences are an integral part of this land’s fabric, reminding us of the cultural richness that existed long before European settlement.

 

By honoring their history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our past and the ongoing impacts of these historical events on communities today. With this foundation established, I can now turn my attention to the once-thriving village of Feltville and its rumored ghostly inhabitants, exploring the intersection of history, culture, and the supernatural.

 

Dreams of Success Turned to Failure

After reading numerous stories about various failed business ventures, I find myself wondering if the land is somehow cursed for those attempting to succeed after displacing the Native Americans from their homes. Was it the perception that David Felt was cold and ran the village with strict rules? Everyone worked six days a week and was required to attend church on Sundays. Did people leave to escape what they believed was a Utopia that would bring better days?

Settlers who came to Watchung with dreams of success 

In 1736, Peter Willcocks moved from Long Island and built a sawmill along the Blue Brook. This was to produce lumber for the farmers coming to the region.

1844-1845 David Felt bought 760 acres of land and built a printing factory along the brook. He built a town for his workers; by 1850, 175 people were living in Feltville. He built thirteen double dwellings, two dormitories (one for women, one for men), a church, a general store, a barn, and a blacksmith shop.  Felt retired in 1860. 

In 1882, Warren Ackerman purchased the property and converted the mill town into a summer resort known as Glenside Park.  Glenside Park closed in 1916 due to the increasing popularity of the Jersey Shore as a summer vacation destination. The town became deserted for a short time.

The sight of the weathered gravestones and the overgrown vegetation surrounding them only heightened the air’s mystery. Each step we took seemed to echo the stories of those who had once been laid to rest there, deepening my curiosity about what lay ahead in the exploration of the abandoned site.

Ghost and Witch Stories

Some may say they felt a haunting presence overcome them during their visit. I am a believer in ghosts and unexplained things caught on camera. Look at the ghost I caught on camera at Waterloo Village during a summer visit! But let’s get back to the Deserted Village. I love visiting abandoned places and taking photos of eerie buildings. I like to think about the people who once lived there.

There is a story of missing sisters who never returned to the woods. Before markings, it was easy to get lost in the woods. After the girls went missing, people didn’t let their children go deep into the woods, and some moved away. Some say Satanists come to the woods, and someone said they saw a fire in the shape of a pentagram.

There have even been stone altars found in the woods. I wouldn’t be surprised by what’s been done here. It’s pretty scary, and I’m sure the hairs on my neck would curl even at night. 

It seems only right to leave ghost stories at this abandoned site. A creepy village tucked in the woods; this is a classic movie. I wonder why no movies have been filmed here yet.

Take a trip to the Deserted Village to learn more about its history or to see if you can catch a glimpse of the ghosts. Or just come for a great hike out into nature. The village is located at 2 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Park in the lot and walk for about five minutes down the paved road.  Every day from dawn until dusk, the Visitors’ Center is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

ucnj.org/parks-recreation/deserted-village  

Self-guided tour: ucnj.org/parks-recreation/deserted-village/self-guided-walking-tour/

Before you plan your next getaway, take a moment to explore within.

My book, Let Yourself Bloom: Affirmations to Nourish Your Spirit, along with its accompanying guided journal and coffee table edition, was created to inspire courage, curiosity, and self-belief—no matter where life takes you. The journey starts with one choice: to live fully and fearlessly. 🌍

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