Summit is situated in New Jersey's second Watchung Mountain, overlooking the State of New Jersey from 450' elevation.
The Leni-Lenape Indians were the areas' first settlers, followed by the Dutch in the 1600's. The English took claim of the settlement in 1664.
During the Revolutionary War, Summit was known as "Turkey Hill". George Washington rode his horse from Morristown through Madison to Summit for the purpose of observing movements of the British Troops.
By the late 1770's, early 1800's, more and more people discovered the "salubrious mountain air" and healthful mineral waters and decided to leave the New York area for this mountain paradise during the summer. Over the years and decades, in surveys taken, Summit has consistently ranked in the top cities of New Jersey.
Community Profile: A century later, Turkey Hill served as a summer resort for wealthy New Yorkers, who were served by several hotels, such as the Beechwood, which sprang up to accommodate these visitors arriving via the new Morris & Essex railroad line.
The Arts: Residents of Summit can satisfy their cultural needs with ongoing courses and exhibits at the New Jersey center of Visual Arts, which for 64 years has been providing an excellent environment that encourages appreciation of and participation in contemporary art through professional instruction, creative expression, qualitative exhibitions and dialogue. Classes are diverse and encompass studies in painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry making, print making, cartooning, and video/film.
Recreation: The YMCA and YWCA offer a plethora of recreational activities from free swim to indoor tracks and supervised after-school programs. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum with its holiday crafts shows and year-round floral displays offer Nature Lovers classes in horticulture and botany. Five city parks, a county park and a nine-hole golf course serve Summit's population of 19,000. The Summit Community Pool welcomes families during the summer.
Hiking and picnicking are available in the South Mountain Reservation, while New Jersey's Great Swamp in nearby Morris County offers unique opportunities to enjoy a Wildlife Refuge with both hiking and educational programs for young and adult alike.
Education: Summit's educational system includes five public elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. there are three private schools located here, and quality care offered at the Summit Child Care Center, one of the oldest day-care centers in the country.
Summit's distinguished history of educational excellence dates back to 1792 when public education was first established in a one-room schoolhouse. In the ensuing 209 years, facilities, curriculum, faculty and students have changed dramatically, but the expectation of high quality education has endured and strengthened. Today, Summit is one of the leading school districts in New Jersey. Fourteen percent of the class of '96 have achieved National Merit Semifinalist commendation.
Transportation: Conveniently located, Summit is home to a railroad station linked to the Midtown Direct Service of NJ Transit, reducing the commute time to midtown Manhattan to 30 minutes. Easy auto access to Routes 24 and 78 make Summit an ideal commuter residence.
Health Services: Summit is proud of its world-renowned medical facilities. Besides Overlook Hospital, this city is home to the Charter Behavioral Health System of New Jersey (formerly known as Fair Oaks), a substance abuse rehabilitation and psychiatric center. Within a ten mile radius are St. Barnabas Medical Center, with its excellent burn center, and Beth Israel, which boasts and pioneering heart center.
Shopping: No chain stores here, but a classic small-town strip of stores on and around Summit's Springfield Avenue proffer a wealth of home-made, hand-crafted and antique boutiques. The very attractive Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of special events, frequently offering gift certificates that are good throughout town. For the mall walker, Short Hills Mall lies within a five to ten minute drive, and boasts a varied shopping center ranging from Macy's to Neiman Marcus.
House of Worship: The Houses of Worship which serve the needs of many denominations are located in Summit and the surrounding towns.
