Frenchtown

The borough of Frenchtown is located within the western portion of Hunterdon County along the Delaware River banks. Just thirty-two miles away from the state capital of Trenton, today, the borough of Frenchtown is home to nearly 1,500 residents. The borough was incorporated on April 4, 1867, from portions of Alexandria Township and Kingwood Township. The area has previously been named by different ferry operators residing on both sides of the Delaware River. The settlement was previously referred to as Alexandriaville and Sunbeam before being formally named Frenchtown. Before a group of French Huguenot refugees settled the area in 1725, the area was home to the Lenape Native Americans. The French Huguenots were originally from France’s Picardy region and left the county when the King began to persecute all non-Catholics. One of the most well-known settlers was Luther Calvin, a businessman, ferry operator, and hotel owner who served as the 1st Lieutenant during the French and Indian War. In 1757 a town began to develop in the area called Calvin’s Ferry. In 1796,  the tract was sold to Paul Henri Mallet-Prevost, a Swiss fugitive and French speaker. As many of the other settlers spoke French, the town eventually began to be called “Frenchtown.” 

Frenchtown’s population grew greatly in the 19th century with the influx of grain and other farm products borough in Lambertville. Boatmen and tradespeople would buy cargo and food and hire Frenchmen pilots. In 1853 the Belvidere Delaware Railroad sparked continued development in Frenchtown and brought an influx of residents and businesses to the area. The steam-powered industry also played a large role in Frenchtown’s history, and many of Frenchtown’s water mills were converted to larger factories. In the early 1900s, growth continued with Porcelain Works’ arrival and the founding of Warren Paper Company’s Milford plant. 

Each year, the borough celebrates Bastille Day in July, with a different theme being featured. Frenchtown has been home to many famed authors, including Nathanael West, author of Miss Lonelyhearts, Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert, and James Agee, author of Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. 

While GasTec’s history may not date back to Frenchtown’s foundation, GasTec has been a part of New Jersey since its inception and has shown a commitment to the many towns and boroughs of the Garden State. Today, propane company GasTec offers a wide selection of propane services, from commercial to residential propane GasTec is committed to servicing Frenchtown residents and businesses.