[26][27][28] The development of Boonton began in about 1829, as a result of the construction of the Morris Canal and the formation of the New Jersey Iron Company.

[29] The decision to build the chlorination system was made by John L. Leal[30] and the facility was designed by George W.

As the ironworks grew, workers and their families formed a community in 1761 that was named "Boone-Towne" in honor of the Colonial Governor, Thomas Boone.

The site of Old Boonton downriver has been covered since 1903 by the Jersey City reservoir formed on the dammed river.

After the war, operations at Boonton were continued under John Jacob Faesch and his two sons, and, later, by William Scott.

In 1824, Scott's interest in rejuvenating the antiquated ironworks faded when he learned that the Morris Canal was soon to be constructed, and that it would bypass the community of Booneton 1-mile (1.6 km) or more away.

But the proximity of the canal to Booneton Falls made that site ideal for a large factory.

Machinery and ironworkers were imported from England, and with the erection of the mills, a new community, called Booneton Falls, began to be developed on the rugged hillside overlooking the river.

Although several attempts—one by Joseph Wharton—were made to re-establish iron works on a smaller scale, none endured for any great length of time.

In the 21st century, only vestiges of foundations and structures remain in the "Hollow" between Plane Street and the river, to remind Boonton of its own Iron Age.

The Morris Canal, although going into a rapid decline when superseded by railroads, still employed a number of men.

In 1906, Seabury learned of experiments with synthetic resins made by Leo Baekeland, for whom Bakelite was later to be named.

Originally intended by Baekeland for a synthetic varnish, the new material was used by Seabury in making the world's first molding of organic plastics in 1907.

The company produced the line of Boontonware dinnerware, molded plastic plates, bowls, and cups manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s.

He is considered a preeminent contributor to the development of the industry through his services as president and board chairman of the SPI during the period 1943–1947.

More than a half dozen radio and electronics firms were later formed as spin-offs, and recognized internationally for the excellence of their products.

Most of those companies have been bought up and are now divisions of larger corporations and have relocated elsewhere, having undergone name changes in many cases.

Stevenson & Company established the "Butter Works" on the site of the old Knox Hat factory.

Under later operation by E.F. Drew & Company, the Boonton plant grew to be one of the largest edible oils processors in the country.

[1][2] The Rockaway River flows through Boonton Gorge downtown, featuring whitewater rapids including a waterfall that is 25 feet (7.6 m) high.

[34] The borough borders the Morris County municipalities of Boonton Township, Montville, Mountain Lakes and Parsippany-Troy Hills.

[53] Grace Lord Park provides recreation opportunities and hiking trails, including a view of Boonton Falls.

[7][58][59] As of 2025[update], the Mayor of Boonton is Republican James Lynch, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2027.

[61] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 11th congressional district is represented by Mikie Sherrill (D, Montclair).

[65] Actual day-to-day operation of departments is supervised by County Administrator Deena Leary.

The building in which it resides was willed to the Town of Boonton by James Holmes for use as a public library.

Holmes used his wealth to improve the town, as when he donated the land and purchased the equipment to begin a firehouse in South Boonton.

The building itself dates much further back to when Eliza A. Scott purchased the corner lot in 1849 from the New Jersey Iron Company and built the first structure on the site in that same year.

The upper two floors have been used, at various times, as business space, a Masonic Hall, and most recently as three apartments.

In 1895, Charles Grubb rented rooms in the Holmes Library and installed presses in the basement where on October 4, 1895, he published the first issue of The Boonton Times newspaper.