The serenity enjoyed by the Lenni Lenape Indians, the area’s first settlers, came to an abrupt end with the arrival of the Dutch in the mid 1600’s. Dutch efforts at colonization failed, and they lost their stand to the English, who put down stakes in Elizabethtown in 1664. At this time, Summit was known as “Turkey Hill” to distinguish it tom "Turkey”, the first name of New Providence.

Summit’s mid 19th century claim to fame was as a resort. Many New Yorkers took the train out to the “country”, as the higher elevations at the summit promised far cooler summers. The present day Summit Hotel can trace its development from the Blackburn family farmhouse to its conversion to a resort after the Civil War, to the modern hotel/motel complex still operating on the same site.

Summit developed rapidly after the Civil War, as more New York commuters established homes there. The housing is now a tapestry of varied architectural styles and sizes set on charming hills and winding tree-lined streets. Downtown Summit has a thriving central business district of 200 shops and stores. Four “Park and Shop” areas accommodate parking, along with a tiered parking garage.