An article in the March 18, 1871, Trenton State Gazette told the story of a group of Pennsylvania hunters who had traveled to New Jersey in search of game birds.

“The next stage was across the Grouse Plains (Pine Barrens), ten miles, over a perfectly straight road to Cedar Bridge, noted for a stream of excellent water issuing out of a cedar swamp. At this place there are two taverns, both doing some business.