What was the Morris Turnpike, and what did it connect?

In 1801 the first chartered turnpike in New Jersey was created, known as "The Morris Turnpike." Subscriptions were sold at the rate of $25.00 a share, subscription books to receive same being kept open at private homes in Morristown, Newton and the home of Joseph Lyons in Elizabeth. A deposit payment of only $1.00 was required. For the first time the inhabitants and the millowners had a good road to the cities if they were willing to pay toll. of course, many cirvented the payment of toll by "shunning the Pike" and roads to this day known as "Shunpike" roads became very popular. One of these roads is still located south of the Morris Turnpike in Springfield and is still called "Shunpike Road". However, the Turnpike was profitable and a first dividend of 55� a share was paid in 1807. Toll gates were located on Morris Turnpike near the present Canoe Brook Road, and near the corner of Springfield Avenue and Morris Turnpike. The Turnpike connected Springfield with Elizabeth, Morristowni Newton, and Phillipsburg and the road beyond the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. Its principal purpose was to bring down the products of the iron mines of northern New Jersey to ships in Elizabeth harbor.