The Manasquan River is a 26.5-mile-long (42.6 km) waterway in central New Jersey .
96-714: It flows from western Monmouth County , beginning in Freehold Township , near the headwaters for the Manalapan Brook and Millstone River systems in the Raritan Basin , and flowing to the Atlantic Ocean , where it empties between the communities of Manasquan and Point Pleasant via the Manasquan Inlet . It widens greatly as it nears the ocean, making it ideal for boating , and is a very popular recreational area of
192-485: A capacity of roughly 10,000 people. In 1995, on the opposite side of the parkway, the New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial was opened. In 1996, the facility expanded heavily, adding thousands in capacity, and shifting toward general music with broader appeal to compete with other amphitheaters. In 1996, the facility was renamed to PNC Bank Arts Center. The theater is one of the most successful amphitheaters in
288-590: A developer began site redevelopment, with the research building becoming a New Urbanism inspired mixed-use facility, while the surrounding land became residential housing. In 2016, Monmouth Mall in Eatontown announced that it would be redeveloped into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-used development, including demolition of some of the abandoned parts of the mall, with the addition of housing, plazas and walkways, amongst many other changes. The mall, which opened in 1960, had faced lots of vacancies and financial troubles over
384-652: A grand arcade alongside the boardwalk. On September 8, 1934, the SS Morro Castle caught fire and burned during a storm on its route from New York City to Havana , Cuba . The ship drifted ashore to Asbury Park by the Convention Hall , where it remained until 1935 when it was towed away to be scrapped. The disaster was one of the deadliest maritime disasters in United States history, having killed 137 people. On December 13, 1943, Naval Weapons Station Earle
480-739: A large influx of Chinese immigrants, including many Taiwanese immigrants. Many Chinese American families send their children to Mandarin language schools in Edison. Some of these private schools include Edison Chinese School, located at John Adams Middle School, or Tzu Chi , located at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, both of which teach in Traditional Chinese , in addition to Huaxia Chinese School , which teaches in Simplified Chinese . The Taiwanese airline China Airlines provides private bus service to John F. Kennedy International Airport from
576-775: A large scale. Other battles and massacres during the war in Monmouth County include sites such as the Burrowes Mansion in Matawan , and the Allen House in Shrewsbury . At independence, Monmouth's population included 1,640 slaves, as well as an undetermined number of free African Americans . The number of enslaved persons fell steeply after 1820, though a small number remained until at least 1850. Monmouth's free African American population climbed from 353 in 1790 to 2,658 in 1860. There
672-405: A largely amicable relationship with the new arrivals. Enslaved Africans were present in the area from at least 1680, and by 1726 made up 9% of the total population of the county. Monmouth County was established on March 7, 1683, while part of the province of East Jersey . On October 31, 1693, the county was partitioned into the townships of Freehold , Middletown and Shrewsbury . In 1764,
768-1064: A low of 22 °F (−6 °C) in January to a high of 86 °F (30 °C) in July, although a record low of −13 °F (−25 °C) was recorded in January 1984 and a record high of 106 °F (41 °C) was recorded in July 2011. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.98 inches (76 mm) in February to 5.08 inches (129 mm) in July. Average monthly temperatures in Asbury Park range from 32.5 °F in January to 75.0 °F in July, while in Allentown, NJ they range from 32.1 °F in January to 75.5 °F in July. [3] On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused catastrophic damage to coastal areas of Monmouth County. As Sandy's surge arrived in Monmouth County, flood levels of 13.31 feet (4.06 m) above normal were measured at Sandy Hook shortly before
864-618: A minimum, the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset. Trenton , the seat of Mercer County and the state capital of New Jersey, is located in Central Jersey. New Jersey's geographic center is in Hamilton , Mercer County. In 2011, the population center of the state was in the western portion of East Brunswick , in Middlesex County. The two busiest highways in New Jersey,
960-460: A research laboratory of Bell Laboratories . The northeastern portion of the county, in the Locust section of Middletown Township and the boroughs of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands , are also very hilly. The lowest point is sea level. Along with adjacent Middlesex and Ocean counties, Monmouth County is a mecca for boating and fishing. Its waterways include several tributaries that flow from
1056-425: A sandy beach area and even used to have an improvised swing-set for youngsters which has been removed by the boro of Brielle, but is mainly covered with trees. The water surrounding the island is deep enough to accommodate boat traffic, and boaters normally beach their boats on the sand while they enjoy a day of relaxation on the island. Today its officially named Nienstedt Island , honoring the family who donated it to
SECTION 10
#17328449611771152-477: A source of debate. In 2015, New Jersey Business magazine defined Central Jersey more narrowly as the five counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Somerset. In 2022, legislation was proposed in the New Jersey Legislature to establish distinct geographic areas for tourism in the state. Bill A4711 was sponsored by Assemblymembers Roy Freiman , Sadaf Jaffer , and Anthony Verrelli in
1248-542: Is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of New Jersey . It is bordered to its west by Mercer and Middlesex Counties, to its south by Ocean County , to its east by the Atlantic Ocean , and to its north by the Raritan Bay (sharing a border with the boroughs of Staten Island , Brooklyn , and Queens in New York City , across it). Monmouth County's geographic area comprises 30% water. The county
1344-503: Is a South Asian-focused commercial strip in Middlesex County, the U.S. county with the highest concentration of Asian Indians, at nearly 20% as of 2020. The Oak Tree Road strip runs for about one-and-a-half miles through Edison and neighboring Iselin in Woodbridge Township , near the area's sprawling Chinatown and Koreatown , running along New Jersey Route 27 . It is the largest and most diverse South Asian cultural hub in
1440-621: Is another area that is associated with some parts of Central Jersey, specifically Mercer County. Yet despite the County’s close geographic proximity to Philadelphia's combined statistical area , Mercer County is considered part of the New York Combined Metropolitan Statistical Area as defined by the United States Census Bureau. Some but not all regions of Hunterdon County associate themselves with
1536-569: Is from a suggestion from Colonel Lewis Morris that the county should be named after Monmouthshire in Wales , Great Britain . Other suggestions include that it was named for James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth (1649–1685), who had many allies among the East Jersey leadership. Around the year 1000, the area of Monmouth County began to be inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans prior to
1632-517: Is in Union County. Popular tourist attractions in Central New Jersey include Six Flags Great Adventure , Gateway National Recreation Area , Monmouth Park Racetrack , Freehold Raceway , and the many boardwalks along the northern Jersey Shore , in Monmouth County and northern Ocean County. The New Brunswick music scene has produced many successful indie bands. The city also is home to
1728-579: Is known as the Hub City, and at one time was a regional transportation hub for streetcars which converged in the city. The Monmouth Ocean Middlesex Line has been proposed for the region. The Garden State Parkway , New Jersey Turnpike ( I-95 ), I-287 , US 1 , US 9 , Route 18 , and Route 18 are major automobile routes through Central Jersey that pass over the Raritan River at Perth Amboy and New Brunswick . I-195 travels through Central Jersey (hence
1824-449: Is less clear in Central Jersey. Central Jersey Riptide was a short-lived professional soccer club. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) operates three divisions in the state: North, South, and Central, which encompasses Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset counties and portions of Warren County . (Routes 22, 122, 173, 78 and including south of Route 57). Apart from Mercer County, which comes under
1920-452: Is located in Plainsboro . The campuses of the major pharmaceutical corporations Bristol-Myers Squibb Company , Johnson & Johnson , Merck and Sanofi-Aventis are located in the region, as are major operations of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Aurobindo Pharma . Princeton University 's Frist Campus Center is used for the aerial views of Princeton‑Plainsboro Teaching Hospital seen in
2016-583: Is one of eight Ivy League universities and the nation, one of the world's most prominent research universities , and consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world; in the 2023-24 issue of U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking , Princeton University is ranked the best university in the nation. Rutgers-New Brunswick is the flagship university campus of the state New Jersey. Monmouth University , Rider University , and The College of New Jersey are located in Central Jersey as well. Each county maintains its own county college , with
SECTION 20
#17328449611772112-573: Is one of the largest national historic sites in the United States. Depending on the location, different parts of Central Jersey fall into overlapping spheres of influence from New York media market and Philadelphia media market . Mercer County is located in the Philadelphia television market, while the rest of the region belongs wholly to the New York City market. The Star-Ledger , based in Newark ,
2208-569: Is part of the Jersey Shore region of the state. It has also been categorized under the Central Jersey region, though it was not among the four counties explicitly listed as included in Central Jersey as part of legislation signed into law in 2023. As of the 2020 United States census , the county was the state's fifth-most-populous county with a population of 643,615, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 13,235 (+2.1%) from
2304-530: Is the largest circulated newspaper in New Jersey . Four Central Jersey newspapers, Asbury Park Press , Home News Tribune , and two Trenton dailies, The Trentonian and The Times and several local papers are published in Central Jersey. New Jersey On-Line , MyCentralJersey.com and CentralJersey.com are online news services. During statewide political events like Gubernatorial or Senatorial election debates often held in Trenton, partner stations from both
2400-541: Is the only airport in Central New Jersey providing long-distance commercial service. Monmouth Executive Airport , formerly known as Allaire Airport, is a public-use airport located near Allaire State Park . Central Jersey Regional Airport is a privately owned, public airport in Somerset County . Linden Airport is a small general aviation airport located along U.S. Route 1&9 in Union County . The Route 9 BBS,
2496-444: The 2010 census count of 630,380, which in turn reflected an increase of 15,079 from 615,301 at the 2000 census . As of 2010, the county fell to the fifth-most populous county in the state, having been surpassed by Hudson County . Monmouth's county seat is Freehold Borough , though many county offices are also located in neighboring Freehold Township . The most populous place was Middletown Township , with 67,106 residents at
2592-640: The Assunpink Trail . Raritan Landing , across from New Brunswick in today's Piscataway , became an important inland port and commercial hub for the region. Two of the nine Colonial Colleges , founded before the American Revolution , were the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University ), and Queens College (now Rutgers University ). 2017 2010 Type (805 km ) (1,222 km ) (585 km ) (790 km ) (1,114 km ) All of
2688-587: The Big Bang , were discovered. The county is also home to Monmouth University , a private university in West Long Branch . The naming of Monmouth County has different historical theories. It is thought that the county received its name from the Rhode Island Monmouth Society. This is likely, due to many of the county's earliest settlers originating from Rhode Island . Another plausible theory,
2784-532: The Dayton section of South Brunswick , Middlesex County, and has implemented a multimillion-dollar expansion of these Central New Jersey operations. In March 2023, Bengaluru -based technology services and consulting company Wipro opened its American international headquarters in East Brunswick , Middlesex, County. Starting in the 2000s, highly educated suburbs in northern and central New Jersey, have received
2880-789: The Delaware Valley and the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The Raritan Valley is the region along the middle reaches of the Raritan River and its North Branch and South Branch . The Raritan Valley includes the communities of Branchburg , Bridgewater , Somerville , Raritan , Hillsborough , Franklin Township , Green Brook , North Plainfield , Bound Brook , and South Bound Brook , all in Somerset County; Dunellen , Middlesex , Piscataway , South Plainfield , Highland Park , New Brunswick , East Brunswick , Edison , and Metuchen , all in
2976-613: The Elberon section of Long Branch , a few months after being shot in a failed assassination attempt. Garfield was one of several presidents who would vacation in Long Branch around the Gilded Age , with other presidents who frequented the town including Chester A. Arthur , Ulysses S. Grant , Benjamin Harrison , Rutherford B. Hayes , William McKinley , and Woodrow Wilson . On July 5, 1886,
Manasquan River - Misplaced Pages Continue
3072-671: The Jersey Shore . The Manasquan River and Inlet is the unofficial northernmost terminus of the Intracoastal Waterway . The river is the center of a large watershed area that incorporates numerous streams as well as a large man-made pumped (i.e. no direct flow from the river) reservoir in Howell Township ; aptly named the Manasquan Reservoir . It also marks the traditional boundary between North Jersey and South Jersey ; it separates Monmouth and Ocean counties and marks
3168-839: The New Jersey Folk Festival . In an early era, the Stone Pony and Asbury Park Convention Hall were important venues on the rock scene. Major music and theater venues in the region include PNC Bank Arts Center , the Trenton War Memorial , CURE Insurance Arena , the McCarter Theater , the Count Basie Theater , the George Street Playhouse and the Starland Ballroom . East Jersey Olde Towne Village ,
3264-512: The New Jersey General Assembly . This included an official designation of the region of Central Jersey, which the legislation defines more broadly as the seven counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union. The New Jersey Senate version of this legislation passed by a vote of 36-1 on June 20, 2023. On August 24, 2023, Gov. Murphy signed legislation officially designating Central Jersey including, at
3360-725: The New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway , intersect in Woodbridge , Middlesex County. Princeton University and Rutgers University , the two most prominent institutions of higher education in the state, are situated in Central Jersey. The region lies roughly at the geographic heart of the Northeast megalopolis and is wholly in the New York metropolitan area , the nation's largest metropolitan area. The Delaware Valley
3456-699: The North Jersey Coast were once part of the PRR, as was Amtrak which serves the commuter hub at Metropark , New Brunswick, and the Trenton Transit Center . The Central Railroad of New Jersey once connected Jersey City (with connecting ferries to Manhattan) and many Central Jersey towns . Much of that system is now included in New Jersey Transit rail operations to the Raritan Valley . New Brunswick
3552-646: The North River and the Upper New York Bay by boat and then transfer to stagecoaches to travel overland through what is now Central Jersey. One route from Elizabethtown to Lambertville was known as Old York Road . Another route, from Perth Amboy through Kingston to Burlington , ran along a portion of the Kings Highway , These roads followed Lenape paths known respectively as the Naritcong Trail and
3648-537: The Road Up Raritan Historic District as well as those in Trenton , Lawrence , and Princeton recall the colonial era. The region saw a lot of action during the American Revolution due to the region's strategic importance between Philadelphia and New York City . As such, many important battles took place here. These battle sites have been converted into state parks, offering historic preservation of
3744-645: The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was built. At the June 28, 1778, Battle of Monmouth , near Freehold Township , General George Washington 's soldiers battled the British under Sir Henry Clinton , in the longest land battle of the American Revolutionary War . At Monmouth the tactics and training from Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben developed at Valley Forge during the winter encampment were first implemented on
3840-564: The Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club in Rumson opened as the first lawn tennis club in the United States. In 1888, Palace Amusements opened in Asbury Park alongside the boardwalk, and contained numerous amusement rides and games, such as a carousel . After years of a declining economy within the city, the palace closed in 1988, 100 years after it opened. In 2004, the building
3936-575: The U.S. state of New Jersey . The designation Central Jersey is a distinct administrative toponym . While New Jersey is often divided into North Jersey and South Jersey , many residents recognize Central Jersey as a distinct third entity. As of the 2020 census , Central Jersey has a population of 3,580,999. All descriptions of Central Jersey include Middlesex County , the population center of New Jersey, and most include much of nearby Monmouth , Mercer , Somerset , and Hunterdon counties. The inclusion of adjacent areas of Union and Ocean are
Manasquan River - Misplaced Pages Continue
4032-409: The 2000s, manufacturing began to leave Central Jersey, and many facilities had closed and moved overseas. The Bell Labs Holmdel Complex has been the site of many innovations in telecommunications and is experiencing a renaissance as a business incubator for high-tech startup companies . Today Verizon Wireless , AT&T Communications , Vonage , Avaya , and Bell Labs are located in
4128-427: The New Brunswick BRT, and the Central Jersey Route 1 Corridor are projects in the region intended to expand the use of bus rapid transit in New Jersey . Central New Jersey, particularly Edison and surrounding Middlesex County, is prominently known for its significant concentration of Asian Indians . The world's largest Hindu temple was inaugurated in Robbinsville in 2014, a BAPS temple. The growing Little India
4224-436: The New York and Philadelphia markets pool resources together to co-host the events and bring them to New Jersey homes. Identification with sports teams is also affected by the region's location, and it is not uncommon to find fans of major sports teams of either city. For example, while residents of northern New Jersey root for New York teams, those in the southern part of the state root for Philadelphia teams. The distinction
4320-442: The United States. Monroe Township (nicknamed Edison South ), in Middlesex County, has experienced a particularly rapid growth rate in its Indian American population, with an estimated 5,943 (13.6%) as of 2017, which was 23 times the 256 (0.9%) counted as of the 2000 Census; and Diwali is celebrated by the township as a Hindu holiday. Carteret 's Punjabi Sikh community, variously estimated at upwards of 3,000, constitutes
4416-465: The arrival of European settlers. They came from the Mississippi River area. They lived along the vicinity of the Jersey Shore , the Raritan Bay , the Raritan River and other areas in the northeastern United States . The Lenape were a hunter-gatherer society. They were largely sedentary, changing campsites seasonally. They were prolific hunters of small game and birds. They were also skilled fisherman, and were known to harvest vast amounts of clams from
4512-409: The auspices of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission , all counties in the region are part of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority , a government partner which approves transportation projects for the state. The United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company traversed the region in 1830, eventually becoming the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). NJT's Northeast Corridor Line and
4608-516: The bays and inlets on the Jersey Shore. They also practiced some agriculture to augment their food supply. During this time, an important crossroad of two major Lenape trails was located in the area of Freehold Township in western Monmouth County. In 1609, the English navigator, Henry Hudson , and his crew aboard the Dutch vessel Half Moon spotted land in what is now Monmouth County, most likely off Sandy Hook ; however, some historical accounts credit this landing to present-day Keansburg . Among
4704-408: The border between rich, fertile soil to the north and the sandier soil of the " Pine Barrens " to the south. Situated in the middle of the river east of the New Jersey Route 70 highway bridge and adjacent to the former Point Pleasant Hospital site and Point Pleasant Canal entrance is a sizable island only accessible by boat that is a popular spot for picnics and recreation. The island includes
4800-409: The borough. In the 19th century it was known as "Osborn Island". In May 1888, Robert Louis Stevenson spent about a month in Brielle along the Manasquan River. One day Stevenson visited Osborn Island and was so impressed he whimsically renamed it "Treasure Island" after his famous novel Treasure Island (1883) and carved his initials into a bulkhead. This took place five years after he had completed
4896-483: The building acted as a research and development facility. The facility was expanded twice in 1966 and 1982. On October 17, 1978, cosmic microwave background radiation was discovered at the site by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson . On June 12, 1968, the Garden State Arts Center opened in Holmdel alongside the Garden State Parkway , having its own exit of 116. The amphitheater often hosted classical and popular music , as well as various other programs, and has
SECTION 50
#17328449611774992-565: The communities of Sayreville , Woodbridge , Perth Amboy , South Amboy , and Old Bridge , all in northeastern Middlesex County; Aberdeen , Matawan , Keyport , Union Beach , Hazlet , Keansburg , Holmdel , Middletown , Atlantic Highlands , and Highlands , all in northern Monmouth County. The telephone area codes 732 and 848 includes Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Union, and northern Ocean counties. While area codes 609 and 640 includes southern Ocean, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties, as well as Mercer County. Between 1674 and 1702, in
5088-405: The country. In 1970, Asbury Park experienced a major race riot between July 4 and July 10, one of the largest in New Jersey. The riot was largely due to high unemployment , poor housing conditions, and lack of recreational activities within the African American community. Over 180 people were injured during the week long riot. The largely African American West Side of the city experienced
5184-404: The county serve as commuter towns to and from New York City and other points north . Highways such as the Garden State Parkway , U.S. 9 , Route's 34 , 35 , and 36 , along with NJ Transit 's North Jersey Coast Line and Seastreak , connects county residents to economic centers in North Jersey and New York City. In 2015, the county had a per capita personal income of $ 69,410, making it
5280-493: The destruction of the tidal station, breaking all previous local records. The surge caused waves as high as 32.5 feet (9.9 m), measured where the Sandy Hook Bay meets the New York Bay . As of the 2020 census , the county had 643,615 people, 240,377 households, and 161,545 families. The population density was 1,372.9 inhabitants per square mile (530.1/km ). There were 268,912 housing units at an average density of 573.6 per square mile (221.5/km ). The county's racial makeup
5376-494: The early part of New Jersey's colonial period , the border between West Jersey and East Jersey ran diagonally across the middle part of the state. The Keith Line , as the demarcation is known, ran through the center of what is now Mercer County. This border remained important in determining ownership and political boundaries until 1745. Remnants of that division are seen today, notably as the Hunterdon-Somerset, Ocean-Burlington, and Monmouth-Burlington county lines. The division of
5472-450: The estuary of the Manasquan River , a bay-like body of saltwater that serves as the starting point of the Intracoastal Waterway , which attracts as many as 1,600 boats each weekend during the peak season. Much of Monmouth County has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ), while some inland areas have a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ). In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Freehold Borough have ranged from
5568-496: The exception of Hunterdon County - whose residents may attend either Raritan Valley Community College (located in Somerset County) or Mercer County Community College (located in Mercer County) at no additional cost. Monmouth County's residents have the choice of attending Brookdale Community College which was recently listed as one of the top three community colleges in the state. Thomas Edison State College in Trenton provides extensive on-line and adult education. Kean University
5664-466: The fifth highest in New Jersey and ranked 74th of 3,113 counties in the United States. Many inland areas of the county are still quite agricultural, with many orchards, wineries, equestrian farms, and distilleries, such as Cream Ridge Winery , Delicious Orchards , Four JG's Orchards & Vineyards , and Laird & Company . The Bell Labs Complex is a major scientific research facility in Holmdel , where important breakthroughs, such as evidence for
5760-623: The first European settlers and majority landowners in the area were Richard and Penelope Stout . Penelope "miraculously" survived her wounds from a native attack in Sandy Hook and lived to the age of 110. A group of Quaker families from Long Island settled the Monmouth Tract , an early land grant from Richard Nicolls issued in 1665. They were followed by a group of Scottish settlers who inhabited Freehold Township in about 1682–1885, followed several years later by Dutch settlers. As they arrived in this area, they were greeted by Lenape people, who lived in scattered small family bands and developed
5856-419: The first night flight, and the first air mail delivery. Fort Hancock in Sandy Hook played a minor role in World War 1 and World War 2 . The fort was intended as one of the defensive forts of New York City, and as neither war came to the area, the fort was largely unaffected. However, during World War 1, several of the artillery guns were removed for use elsewhere. In 1919, the Sandy Hook Proving Ground
SECTION 60
#17328449611775952-402: The fort is a National Historic Place and Landmark . In 1916, two of the three Jersey Shore shark attacks occurred in Monmouth County, with one occurring on July 6 in Spring Lake while the other occurred on July 12 in Matawan . One person was killed in the Spring Lake attack, while in Matawan two people were killed and one was injured. In 1917, construction of Fort Monmouth began under
6048-475: The historic county of Monmouthshire in Wales , Great Britain . The county, like much of the state, was significantly involved during the American Revolutionary War . The Battle of Monmouth was fought in June 1778 in what has been preserved as Monmouth Battlefield State Park , currently located in Freehold Township and Manalapan Township . The county's economy is rich and diverse, due to its high population density and proximity to New York City. Located in
6144-407: The important structures contingent to their respected battles. State parks include Washington Crossing State Park , Princeton Battlefield State Park , and Monmouth Battlefield State Park . The Middlebrook encampment in Bridgewater was where the first official flag of the United States was unfurled, after a law to adopt a national flag had been passed by Congress on June 14, 1777. Ocean Grove
6240-437: The land is a living history museum and U.S. historic district known as Allaire Village . On May 18, 1826, the Navesink Twin Lights were commissioned by Congress , and were first used in 1828. The twin lighthouses were one of only seven in the country. However, this structure deteriorated rapidly, and was in need of replacement. On May 1, 1862, the current structure was first lit at a much grander scale. Upon completion, it
6336-509: The largest concentration of Sikhs in the state. In Middlesex County, election ballots are printed in English, Spanish , Gujarati , Hindi , and Punjabi . Indian pharmaceutical and technology companies are coming to Central New Jersey to gain a foothold in the United States. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories , based in Hyderabad , set up its U.S. headquarters in Princeton , Mercer County . Pharmaceutical company Aurobindo , also headquartered in Hyderabad, has established its U.S. headquarters in
6432-437: The middle of the Northeast megalopolis , its inland county seat of Freehold Borough , the Tri-City region of coastal cities of Red Bank , Long Branch , and Asbury Park , along with the county constituting a vast swath of the New Jersey coastline, has contributed in its draw of tourists throughout the state (and much of the Northeastern United States at large), particularly during the summer months. Many communities within
6528-410: The more agrarian regions of western Monmouth County into the Raritan River , and various rivers and inlets that flow from the more densely populated region of the Raritan Bayshore of northern Monmouth County into the Raritan Bay and the Lower New York Bay , before finally draining out into the Atlantic Ocean . The Manasquan Inlet is located in the county, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with
6624-407: The most damage, with an estimated $ 5,600,000 in damages. On February 8, 1974, The Stone Pony opened in Asbury Park across the street from the boardwalk. The live music venue is small but well-known, with its most notable talents Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as well as Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes having launched their career out of the venue. In 2005, Fort Monmouth
6720-468: The name "Central Jersey Expressway") from the Trenton area towards Belmar . From the Raritan Bayshore, SeaStreak catamarans travel to Pier 11 at Wall Street and East 34th Street Ferry Landing . NY Waterway ferries travel to Paulus Hook Ferry Terminal in Jersey City , Battery Park City Ferry Terminal , and West Midtown Ferry Terminal . As of 2018, there are plans to create ferry service from Carteret in Middlesex County. Trenton-Mercer Airport
6816-588: The name of Camp Little Silver as training grounds. The first permanent structure, a barracks , was erected in 1928. In 1928, the first radio -equipped meteorological balloon reached the atmosphere , a precursor to modern day weather sounding . Numerous buildings were constructed during the 1930s-1940s at the facility, with the fort significantly expanding in size. Fort Monmouth was also where Soviet spies Julius Rosenberg , Joel Barr , and Alfred Sarant operated. Numerous scientific breakthroughs occurred at Fort Monmouth, including Project Diana in 1946; SCORE ,
6912-461: The northern and central portions of Middlesex County; and Plainfield in southwestern Union County. The Raritan Bayshore is used to describe the region in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, located along the coastline of the Raritan Bay , from the mouth of the Raritan River in the west to the barrier island of Sandy Hook bordering the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The Raritan Bayshore includes
7008-604: The novel. To this day, many still refer to the island as such. The navigable Manasquan River and its tributaries are crossed by three drawbridges , the Brielle Road Glimmer Glass Bridge , the Route 35 Manasquan River bridge, and the NJ Transit railroad bridge, and one fixed bridge – the Route 70 September 11 Memorial Bridge. Monmouth County, New Jersey Monmouth County ( / ˈ m ɒ n m ə θ / )
7104-783: The region's counties are ranked among the highest income counties in the United States , as measured by median household income . It has been called the state's "wealth belt". For decades, Central Jersey was a hub for manufacturing in the eastern United States. Many industrial companies had major production facilities in and around the area, including Edison Assembly , Ford Motor Company 's production plant for Rangers, Mustangs, Pintos, Mercurys, and Lincolns. Other notable companies include General Motors in Linden, Frigidaire 's air-conditioner plant in Edison, Hess Corporation in Woodbridge, Siemens in Edison, and ExxonMobil Chemical . Starting in
7200-560: The region. Central New Jersey is a global leader in the pharmaceuticals industry. New Brunswick is known as "the Healthcare City", due to the concentration of medical facilities in Central Jersey, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Saint Peter's University Hospital , as well as the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School . University Medical Center of Princeton
7296-652: The same time the region underwent massive and not unrelated economic changes, this process led to places like Monmouth County, New Jersey becoming significantly more diverse and somewhat less rural. In 1822, James P. Allaire bought land that would be used to establish the Howell Works Iron Foundry in what is now Wall Township . The village was an early example of a company town , having its workers live on site with numerous types of stores and facilities for them. The furnace had ceased to operate by 1848 as iron and coal production moved to Pennsylvania . Today,
7392-533: The television series House . Major shopping centers include the Freehold Raceway Mall , Woodbridge Center , Menlo Park Mall , Bridgewater Commons , The Grove at Shrewsbury , Monmouth Mall , Brunswick Square Mall , Forrestal Village , Quaker Bridge Mall , Princeton Market Fair , Ocean County Mall , Jackson Premium Outlets , and Jersey Shore Premium Outlets . Princeton University in Princeton
7488-560: The theater. In 1984, it was renamed after Count Basie , a native of Red Bank. Many well-known acts had performed at the theater, such as Tony Bennett , Olivia Newton-John , Bruce Springsteen , and Jon Bon Jovi . In 1928, the Asbury Park Convention Hall was constructed alongside the boardwalk . On January 1, 1930, the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park showed its first film, Wings . The buildings are connected by
7584-399: The time of the 2020 Census, while Howell Township covered 61.21 square miles (158.5 km ), the largest total area of any municipality. While there are differing historical theories, the most plausible of theories in the origin of the county's name are attributed to many settlers originating from Rhode Island where the Rhode Island Monmouth Society hailed from, or it being named after
7680-561: The two provinces was cultural as well as geographical. New Jersey's position between the major cities of New York and Philadelphia led Benjamin Franklin to call the state "a barrel tapped at both ends". Travel between the two cities originally included a ferry crossing. Due to the obstacles created by the Meadowlands and the Hudson Palisades , passengers from New York would cross
7776-584: The world's first communications satellite in 1958; TIROS-1 , the world's first full-scale weather satellite in 1960, and other projects including photography . On November 11, 1926, the Count Basie Theater opened as the Carlton Theater in Red Bank . In 1970, the theater had closed alongside most of the other historic theaters in the town. In 1973, an anonymous donation allowed for the preservation of
7872-475: The years that led to the decision. The plans were finalized in 2023. On June 14, 2018, Monmouth Park Racetrack became the first place in New Jersey to offer sports betting . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 661.40 square miles (1,713.0 km ), of which 468.18 square miles (1,212.6 km ) was land (70.8%) and 193.22 square miles (500.4 km )
7968-479: Was $ 102,870, and the median family income was $ 124,778. About 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over. The 2010 United States census counted 630,380 people, 233,983 households, and 163,320 families in the county. The population density was 1,344.7 per square mile (519.2/km ). There were 258,410 housing units at an average density of 551.2 per square mile (212.8/km ). The racial makeup
8064-431: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.16. About 21.4% of the county's population was under age 18, 8.1% was from age 18 to 24, 34.8% was from age 15 to 44, and 18.2% was age 65 or older. The median age was 43.5 years. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. The county's median household income
8160-550: Was 71.6% White , 6.08% African American , 0.07% Native American , 5.6% Asian , and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.5% of the population. Of the 240,377 households , of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% were married couples living together, 25.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 14.4% had a male householder with no wife present and 32.8% were non-families. 13.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who
8256-409: Was 82.60% (520,716) White , 7.37% (46,443) Black or African American , 0.19% (1,211) Native American , 4.96% (31,258) Asian , 0.03% (211) Pacific Islander , 2.89% (18,187) from other races , and 1.96% (12,354) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.67% (60,939) of the population. Central Jersey Central Jersey , or Central New Jersey , is the middle region of
8352-464: Was a major center for scientific research throughout the 20th century. On May 4, 1933, radio astronomy , one of the most significant achievements in the field of astronomy , was invented by Karl Guthe Jansky . On June 25, 1946, the silicon solar cell was patented by Russell S. Ohl , who operated out of Bell Labs. In 1959, AT&T began construction on the current building, completing it in 1962, where
8448-529: Was a small African-American middle class consisting of freedmen present in Monmouth County by the 1840s and 1850s. In 1790 Monmouth County's population was 16,918, of whom roughly 6,600 were of English descent and the remainder were Welsh , Dutch and Swedish , as well as small amounts of African Americans and Northern Irish Protestants . By 2010 Monmouth County's population was 628,112 of whom 40,489 were of English descent . Between 1890 and 1907 nearly 18 million European immigrants came to America. At
8544-562: Was commissioned, which is designed to safely store and transport military ordinance. The 11,000 acre main facility consumes land in Colts Neck , Howell , Wall , and Tinton Falls , while the three-pronged pier in the Leonardo section of Middletown is connected to the main facility via Normandy Road, a military-only railroad and road that connects the facilities. The Bell Labs complex in Holmdel
8640-618: Was deemed unsafe, and was ordered to be demolished, although various elements were saved such as the iconic Tillie mural and the carousel. In 1899, Guglielmo Marconi 's first demonstration of the wireless telegraph in the United States took place at the Navesink Twin Lights . In 1910, the Wright Brothers hosted an aviation show in Interlaken , where numerous records were broken, such as high altitudes , longest time airborne,
8736-542: Was essentially abandoned in favor of a large site at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland . During World War 2, the fort served as a mobilization center. In 1946, the guns at the fort were considered obsolete, leading to their scrapping and subsequent decommissioning of the fort. The fort was reactivated twice, first as an antiaircraft defense and later as a Nike missile base, but was closed for good in 1974. Today,
8832-459: Was more than Hoboken , Jersey City , or Camden during this period. In 1850, Ocean County was carved out of Monmouth County. On July 30, 1870, Monmouth Park Racetrack opened, a thoroughbred racing track in Eatontown . The facility closed and reopened several times, with the current facility having been in use since 1946. On September 19, 1881, U.S. President James A. Garfield died in
8928-543: Was named Fort Hancock after Winfield Scott Hancock . On August 7, 1874, the Sandy Hook Proving Ground was established as a weapons testing area, considered a separate facility from the fort. In 1890, construction began on the artillery batteries of the fort. The Battery Porter was an early prototype of the gun lift carriage . During the 19th century, Keyport's Marine Park was a major shipbuilding hub, having built 55 steamships between 1807 and 1868, which
9024-422: Was recommended for closure, and in 2011 the facility shut down for good. Redevelopment of the land had been in talks since 2006, and in 2021 Netflix had announced it was going to create a film studio at the facility. In 2022, a proposal to develop housing units where the fort's housing stands was approved. In 2006, Bell Labs was sold, and preservation efforts were made by residents and former employees. In 2013,
9120-620: Was the most powerful lighthouse in the United States. In 1883, it became the first lighthouse in the country to use a mineral-oil lamp. Today, the lighthouse is open to the public as a U.S. historic landmark and place . In 1848, one of the original Life Saving Stations was built in Sandy Hook for the United States Coast Guard . Between 1857 and 1867, construction began on the Fort at Sandy Hook. The fort remained nameless until 1895 when it
9216-422: Was water (29.2%). Much of Monmouth County remains flat and low-lying, even at its western inland extreme. However, there are some low hills in and around Holmdel Township , and one of them, Crawford Hill , the former site of a radar facility, is the county's highest point, variously listed at 380 to 391 feet (116 to 119 m) above sea level. The top portion of the hill is owned by Alcatel-Lucent and houses
#176823