Before it became the bustling township we know today, Plainsboro was a patchwork of fertile farmland nestled between Cranbury and South Brunswick. The area was primarily agricultural, with residents relying on farming as their main livelihood. However, as the community grew, so did the need for local governance and infrastructure, particularly in education.​

In the early 20th century, residents faced challenges due to inadequate school facilities. Children had to travel long distances to attend schools in neighboring towns, which were often overcrowded and under-resourced. The turning point came when Cranbury Township refused to fund the construction of a new school in the Plainsboro area. This refusal galvanized local leaders to seek independence and better control over their community’s needs. ​

Prominent figures like John Van Buren Wicoff, a Trenton lawyer and president of Broad Street National Bank, and Henry W. Jeffers Sr., manager of the Walker-Gordon Dairy Farm, led the charge. With support from residents and business leaders alike, Plainsboro officially became a township on May 6, 1919.

The newly formed township wasted no time addressing its educational needs. By December 1919, construction began on a new four-room public school, laying the foundation for what would become a robust local education system. ​

The Walker-Gordon Dairy Farm played a significant role in Plainsboro’s development. Established in 1897, it became renowned for its innovative practices in producing clean, high-quality milk. Under the leadership of Henry Jeffers Sr., the farm introduced the “Rotolactor” in 1930—a revolutionary rotary milking system that attracted visitors from far and wide. ​

Plainsboro’s story lives on at the Wicoff House Museum, the former home of founder John V.B. Wicoff. It’s the perfect place to discover how our town grew from farmland to a thriving community—and each year, we bring that history to life with our Founders Day celebration! Join us on May 3rd for a day of activities, stories, and local pride.