The D&R Canal was built between 1830 and 1834, connecting the Delaware and Raritan Rivers and, after its completion, helping speed the flow of commerce between Philadelphia and New York City. Coal was the primary commodity transported along the canal. This station was used by the Griggstown bridge tender, who monitored boat traffic and operated the bridge at this location. The bridge tender’s station was fitted with a Morse telegraph machine, one of the earliest uses of the technology, to alert other locations to emergencies and other needed information.