All About Califon

The Facts

The Borough of Califon was incorporated on April 2, 1918 and has a total area of .972 square miles, including land and water. The last census had us at a population of about 1,060, including almost 400 households. Califon is a borough, governed by the mayor and a six-person Borough Council, all of whom are elected. The borough is in the 7th Congressional District of New Jersey and is part of New Jersey’s 23rd state legislative district.

Some History

With some homes and buildings in the area, Califon was basically rural until about 1850, when several mills were established. By 1870, it even had a hotel. The district developed along the South Branch of the Raritan River and by 1875, Califon was a station on the High Bridge branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey.  The rail line was abandoned in 1976 and now serves as a Hunterdon County administered rail trail called Columbia Trail, which runs south to High Bridge and north to points in Morris County. The trail runs through the well-known Ken Lockwood Gorge, which was named by Trout Unlimited in dedication of conservationist and fly fisherman, Ken Lockwood.  The Gorge, with its pristine waters and forest is a treasure for trout fisherman, hikers, weekend strollers, cyclists and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. 

Califon was first called California, from miller Jacob Neighbor’s enthusiasm for the California Gold Rush. Much of Califon’s history is preserved in the buildings of the Califon Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.  It encompasses approximately 170 buildings, including homes, commercial buildings and out-buildings. 

 Califon is a Victorian-style enclave where many houses are marked with the names of the builders and their dates of establishment. Many of Califon’s businesses are now housed in the older buildings along Main Street and Academy Street. 

Today

With its vibrant and walkable “downtown,” scenic trails, playground and playing fields, beautiful riverfront and a thriving commercial district, Califon embodies all the virtues of small-town country living.

Last modified: February 24, 2019