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History Marks the Spot: Mendham Borough

by Anne Motto, F.M. Kirby Curator of Collections
May 12, 2026

Morris County’s 39 municipalities are home to a fascinating tapestry of historic sites recognized on the state and national level for their significance. Some famous, some little known, together they preserve the story of the people, industries, and culture that shaped our community. In this blog series, MCHS highlights the sites to be found in each town and how they contributed to the diverse and multifaceted county we live in today.

The village of Mendham in the 1868 Beers Atlas of Morris County

Mendham Historic District: Long the central hub within Mendham Township, the historic district encompasses much of the one-time village that developed into Mendham Borough (incorporated 1906). The ancient intersection dates back to the 18th century and quickly became a bustling business and community center. Today, the district contains 140 contributing structures, including Black Horse Tavern, First Presbyterian Church, Phoenix House, Methodist Church, St. Joseph’s Church, and St. Mark’s Church. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, Mendham Historic District continues to serve a significant role in community life.

The front porch on the first floor was enclosed in 1983, but before that time, Black Horse Tavern had two front doors, one to the hall of hotel and another to the barroom.

Black Horse Tavern: The oldest surviving structure in the district, the tavern was established around 1742 by one of the township’s founders, Ebenezer Byram. Long a local meeting place and stop for travelers, the Black Horse Tavern flourished in the early 19th century when it became a location along the newly completed Washington Turnpike. The toll road connected Morristown to Easton, PA via Schooley’s Mountain and brought with it an influx of travelers seeking accommodations. In the years that followed, the building was expanded and altered significantly. Recently renovated and surviving a 2024 fire, the Black Horse Tavern remains the oldest NJ restaurant in continual operation.

Aaron Hudson’s first commission in Mendham was the Phoenix House’s porch, which he designed and built in the Greek Revival style in 1838.

Phoenix House: Just across the intersection from the Black Horse Tavern, the Federal-style, brick building was constructed around 1800 and served very briefly as a seminary for young ladies. The arrival of the turnpike and its prime location along the busy roadway led William Phoenix to convert it into an inn and tavern. It would remain in the Phoenix family for over a century, and William’s daughter transformed it into a boarding house in the 1850s. Senator and Mrs. Arthur Whitney, among others, purchased the building in 1919 and donated it to Mendham Borough in 1938 to become its municipal hall. Extensive restorations were completed in 2005, and funding for additional exterior restoration was awarded in 2023.

First Presbyterian Church (Hilltop Church): Founded in 1738 by Ebenezer Byram, the congregation first met in a log cabin in the Ralston area. Within seven years, Byram and John Cary relocated the church to its current site on Hilltop Road. The new building played a necessary role during the American Revolution, serving as a smallpox hospital for Washington’s men during his 1777 encampment at Morristown. A new church building was erected around 1814 which was later lost in an 1835 fire. Its replacement met a similar fate when another blaze broke out in 1859. The current church was dedicated in 1860 and was said to be designed by locally prominent architect/builder Aaron Hudson. Today, it still remains an active part of the community.

For more historic sites, check out these blogs:
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