117-589: Matawan ( / m æ t ə w ɑː n / ) is a borough in Monmouth County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . A historic community located near the Raritan Bay in the much larger Raritan Valley region , the borough is a commuter town of New York City within the New York Metropolitan Area . As of the 2020 United States census , the borough's population was 9,565, an increase of 755 (+8.6%) from
234-585: A DJ , and live performers; a beer and wine garden ; food vendors and trucks; food eating contests; and numerous activities for kids. Between June and October, Matawan hosts a farmers' market every Friday in front of the municipal building. The town also hosts an annual town-wide yard sale in May and the "Blues and Cruise Night" annual car show in May. Matawan hosts an event for most holidays, including New Jersey's shortest St. Patricks Day Parade, an annual Easter egg hunt , an Arbor Day tree planting celebration,
351-509: A Memorial Day parade, an annual 9/11 memorial service, Halloween home decorating contest and ghost tours, Thanksgiving turkey trots , and annual Christmas tree lighting and home decorating contest. Matawan's primary historic site is the Maj. John Burrowes Mansion museum located on Main Street , a 1723 Georgian style mansion that housed Maj. John Burrowes, a Revolutionary War major. The mansion
468-742: A student–teacher ratio of 11.8:1. Schools in the district (with 2018–19 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Cambridge Park Developmental Learning Center (12 students; Preschool), Cliffwood Elementary School (320; K–3), Ravine Drive Elementary School (326; K–3 – in Matawan), Strathmore Elementary School (397; K–3), Lloyd Road Elementary School (614; 4–5), Matawan Aberdeen Middle School (888; 6–8) and Matawan Regional High School (1,112; 9–12 – in Matawan). The MARSD Central Offices are located at 1 Crest Way, in Aberdeen. Seats on
585-672: A "healthy sound negro" as a reward. The officers of both the Continental Army and the state militias were typically yeoman farmers with a sense of honor and status and an ideological commitment to oppose the policies of the British Crown . The enlisted men were very different. They came from the working class or minority groups (English, Ulster Protestant, Black or of African descent). They were motivated to volunteer by specific contracts that promised bounty money; regular pay at good wages; food, clothing, and medical care; companionship; and
702-670: A Commissary General of Purchases, with four deputies, and a Commissary General of Issues, with three deputies. William Buchanan was head of the Purchase Department (1777–1778), Jeremiah Wadsworth (1778–1779), and Ephraim Blaine (1779–1781). In 1780, the department became subordinated to the Superintendent of Finance , although Blaine retained his position. Charles Stewart served as Commissary General of Issues (1777–1782). The responsibility for procuring arms and ammunition at first rested with various committees of Congress. In 1775,
819-453: A captain. Field officers usually included a colonel, a lieutenant colonel, and a major. A regimental staff was made up of an adjutant , quartermaster , surgeon, surgeon's mate , paymaster , and chaplain . Infantry regiments were often called simply regiments or battalions. The regiment's fighting strength consisted of a single battalion of 728 officers and enlisted men at full strength. Cavalry and artillery regiments were organized in
936-694: A ceramic industry which focused on pottery, stoneware, and tile were established. In 1865, due to postal confusion with Middletown, the Middletown Point post office was renamed "Matawan", to reflect the name of the Township. In 1869, David Bell began publishing the weekly Matawan Journal newspaper. Matawan's current character on Main Street formed during the late 19th century as schools, banks, stores, churches, and dwellings were formed on and around Main Street. The Matawan Train Station (later renamed Aberdeen-Matawan when
1053-553: A countywide basis are Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon (R, 2025; Ocean Township ), Sheriff Shaun Golden (R, 2025; Howell Township ) and Surrogate Rosemarie D. Peters (R, 2026; Middletown Township ). As of March 2011, there were a total of 5,315 registered voters in Matawan, of which 1,355 (25.5%) were registered as Democrats , 1,136 (21.4%) were registered as Republicans and 2,820 (53.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 4 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . In
1170-537: A fact that General Daniel Morgan integrated into his strategy at the Battle of Cowpens and used to fool the British in 1781. The financial responsibility for providing pay, food, shelter, clothing, arms, and other equipment to specific units was assigned to states as part of the establishment of these units. States differed in how well they lived up to these obligations. There were constant funding issues and morale problems as
1287-570: A field organization, usually known as the Military Branch of the Commissariat of Military Stores, was made responsible for distribution and care of ordnance in the field. In 1777, Congress established a Commissary General of Military Stores. Known as the Civil Branch, this organization was responsible for handling arsenals , laboratories , and some procurement under the general supervision of
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#17328516249981404-399: A four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. The borough form of government used by Matawan is a " weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in
1521-411: A lake". The community was established by Dutch settlers in the 17th century (Matawan celebrated a tricentennial in the 1980s). In 1686, Scotch-Irish settlers from New Hampshire later named the town New Aberdeen, and later Mount Pleasant. The town consisted with a church and a few houses around where southern Main Street and Freneau Avenue are. Neighboring Matawan Township reused the historic name in
1638-501: A lot, producing a great variety of styles to look at, including Greek Revival , Queen Anne , Italianate , Victorian Gothic , Victorian Stick , Folk Victorian , French Second Empire , Federal , Colonial , Beaux Arts , and Georgian styles. In nearby neighborhoods such as Claire Court and Tina Place off Franeau Avenue , all of the houses are modern bright, colorful, Victorian-style houses. Matawan Historical Society provides information about historical residents who lived in many of
1755-533: A one-year term) and a six-member council (elected to staggered three-year terms). The mayor would preside at council meetings, but had no vote except to break ties. This system resulted in a period, known as " boroughitis ", where large numbers of small boroughs were created. In 1894, the Legislature passed an act requiring each township to have a single school district. A wave of borough incorporations followed, as one part of several townships decided that it would prefer
1872-502: A partisan election. Only two boroughs, Roselle and Roselle Park , have ward structures with councils having five ward members and one at-large. The borough system has a weak mayor and the council performs most legislative and executive functions. This form of local government is used by 39% of the municipalities in New Jersey. There are a total of 253 boroughs in New Jersey, which include: Continental Army The Continental Army
1989-409: A similar manner. A company of cavalry was frequently called a troop. An artillery company contained specialized soldiers, such as bombardiers , gunners , and matrosses . A continental cavalry regiment had a nominal strength of 280 officers and men, but the actual strength was usually less than 150 men and even fewer horses. Artificers were civilian or military mechanics and artisans employed by
2106-481: A time when the colonial revolutionaries had no standing army. Previously, each colony had relied upon the militia (which was made up of part-time citizen-soldiers) for local defense; or the raising of temporary provincial troops during such crises as the French and Indian War of 1754–1763. As tensions with Great Britain increased in the years leading to the war, colonists began to reform their militias in preparation for
2223-627: A transfer of frontier forts with Major General Frederick Haldimand collapsed, however, the British maintained control over them, as they would into the 1790s. That failure and the realization that most of the remaining infantrymen's enlistments were due to expire by June 1784 led Washington to order Knox, his choice as the commander of the peacetime army, to discharge all but 500 infantry and 100 artillerymen before winter set in. The former regrouped as 1st American Regiment , under Colonel Henry Jackson of Massachusetts. The single artillery company, New Yorkers under Major John Doughty , came from remnants of
2340-399: A turnout of 42.8%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 58.0% of the vote (1,639 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 32.5% (920 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 7.5% (213 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (35 votes), among the 2,827 ballots cast by the borough's 5,377 registered voters, yielding a 52.6% turnout. Matawan is part of
2457-683: Is a part of the MoCo Arts Corridor, an initiative to designate the towns along the North Jersey Coast Line as regional destinations for arts, with the ACE hubs being the more prominent points along the corridor. Matawan has several community events throughout the year. The largest event, Matawan Day, takes place annually in October on Main Street , consisting of stands and booths hosted by numerous local businesses, organizations, and artisans; music,
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#17328516249982574-458: Is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey. The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to
2691-432: Is home to the highest number of boroughs of any New Jersey county, at 56. The Borough Act of 1878 allowed any township (or portion thereof) with a land area of no more than four square miles (10 km ) and a population not exceeding 5,000, to establish itself as an independent borough through a petition and referendum process on a self-executing basis. As enacted, a borough would be governed by an elected mayor (serving
2808-776: Is the busiest station in Monmouth County, having roughly 2,500 daily boardings. NJ Transit also provides bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan via two routes, the 133 , which also stops in Old Bridge and Aberdeen, and the 135 , which also stops in Freehold, Marlboro, and Aberdeen. People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Matawan include: Borough (New Jersey) A borough (also spelled boro ), in
2925-518: Is the site where the first New Jersey Company of the Continental Army formed. During the war, the British attacked the site in 1778. It has been designated a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. Main Street and surrounding streets contains dozens of historical houses and buildings dating back to the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. The architectural styles vary
3042-566: Is today on Main Street. Some of Monmouth County's wealthiest merchants and tradesmen made their homes along Main Street during this time, many of which remain today. On May 27, 1778, the Burrowes Mansion, which was built in 1723 and located on Main Street, and sold to wealthy grain merchant John "Corn King" Burrowes Sr. in 1769, was the site of a skirmish between the Patriots and the British during
3159-601: Is traversed by Route 34 , Route 79 and County Route 516 . The Garden State Parkway skirts the northern end of the borough (with the southbound lanes only passing through briefly); the nearest exits are exits 118 and 120. In the late 20th century, Matawan became known for its heavily used train station at Aberdeen-Matawan . Commuter rail service is available on NJ Transit 's North Jersey Coast Line , which attracts riders from all over western Monmouth County and provides service to New York City 's Penn Station , either directly or via Secaucus Junction . Aberdeen-Matawan station
3276-589: The 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 6th congressional district is represented by Frank Pallone ( D , Long Branch ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 12th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in
3393-524: The 1st Continental Regiment in January 1776. On June 15, 1775, Congress elected by unanimous vote George Washington as Commander-in-Chief, who accepted and served throughout the war without any compensation except for reimbursement of expenses. As the Continental Congress increasingly adopted the responsibilities and posture of a legislature for a sovereign state, the role of the Continental Army became
3510-541: The 2000 United States census there were 8,910 people, 3,531 households, and 2,376 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,909.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,509.3/km). There were 3,640 housing units at an average density of 1,597.0 per square mile (616.6/km). The racial makeup of the borough was 82.35% White , 6.53% African American , 0.02% Native American , 7.99% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 1.23% from other races , and 1.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.45% of
3627-478: The 2010 census count of 8,810, which in turn reflected a decline of 100 (−1.1%) from the 8,910 counted in the 2000 census . Matawan was part of the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan , an effort by nine municipalities in northern Monmouth County to reinvigorate the area's economy by emphasizing the traditional downtowns, dense residential neighborhoods, maritime history, and the natural beauty of
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3744-401: The 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 52.1% of the vote (1,937 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 46.6% (1,732 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (50 votes), among the 3,753 ballots cast by the borough's 5,667 registered voters (34 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 66.2%. In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 49.9% of
3861-567: The 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment . Congress issued a proclamation on October 18, 1783, which approved Washington's reductions. On November 2, Washington, then at Rockingham near Rocky Hill, New Jersey , released his Farewell Orders issued to the Armies of the United States of America to the Philadelphia newspapers for nationwide distribution to the furloughed men. In the message, he thanked
3978-737: The Atlantic Ocean , Matawan was the site of three shark attacks on July 12, 1916, in Matawan Creek , causing two deaths. They closely followed an attack in Beach Haven on July 1 and one in Spring Lake on July 6 that were all part of the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916 . Today, there is a shark mural located in Matawan Creek visible off High Street. In 1894, an eight-room brick school building
4095-471: The Continental Congress feared the possibility of the Continental Army evolving into a permanent army. The army never numbered more than 48,000 men overall and 13,000 troops in one area. The turnover proved a constant problem, particularly in the winter of 1776–1777, and longer enlistments were approved. As the new country (not yet fully independent) had no money, the government agreed to give grants to
4212-521: The Continental Congress in plenary session , although specific matters were prepared by a number of ad hoc committees . In June 1776 a five-member standing committee , the Board of War and Ordnance , was established in order to replace the ad hoc committees. The five members who formed the Board fully participated in the plenary activities of Congress as well as in other committees and were unable to fully engage in
4329-584: The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District (MARSD), which also serves students from the neighboring community of Aberdeen Township . The district is a comprehensive system with seven schools, which include one preschool, three elementary schools grades K–3, one 4–5 school, one middle school grades 6–8, one high school grades 9–12. As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of seven schools, had an enrollment of 3,827 students and 324.1 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for
4446-652: The Raritan Bayshore coastline. The plan has since been integrated into the 2016 Monmouth County Master Plan . Matawan is a part of the New Jersey Transit Village Initiative , a type of residential-focused transit-oriented development focused around the Aberdeen-Matawan train station. The Lenape Native Americans called the area " Mechananienk ", which gave rise to the area being called "Matovancons" by Dutch settlers, from which derives
4563-607: The Revolutionary War . The mansion is the site where the first New Jersey Company of the Continental Army formed, as John Burrowes Jr. trained local militia in his front yard. Local Patriots used whaleboats stored in Lake Matawan to attack British ships in the Raritan Bay. In response, British General Cortlandt Skinner , leading his Loyalist "Skinner's Greens", attacked Matawan with the (successful) intention of burning down
4680-491: The Second Continental Congress decided to proceed with the establishment of a Continental Army for purposes of common defense, adopting the forces already in place outside Boston (22,000 troops) and New York (5,000). It also raised the first ten companies of Continental troops on a one-year enlistment, riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to be used as light infantry . The Pennsylvania riflemen became
4797-535: The State Senate by Owen Henry ( R , Old Bridge Township ) and in the General Assembly by Robert D. Clifton (R, Matawan ) and Alex Sauickie (R, Jackson Township ). Monmouth County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members who are elected at-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of
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4914-610: The United States Army by their resolution of June 3, 1784. Although Congress declined on May 12 to make a decision on the peace establishment, it did address the need for some troops to remain on duty until the British evacuated New York City and several frontier posts. The delegates told Washington to use men enlisted for fixed terms as temporary garrisons. A detachment of those men from West Point reoccupied New York without incident on November 25. When Steuben's effort in July to negotiate
5031-488: The four-course radio range . VAR was later redeveloped into VOR . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the borough had a total area of 2.41 square miles (6.24 km), including 2.27 square miles (5.87 km) of land and 0.14 square miles (0.37 km) of water (5.89%). The borough is at the northwest corner of Monmouth County and is the second-highest part of Monmouth County. Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within
5148-408: The 1970s when it changed its name to Aberdeen Township. As docks were built along Matawan Creek , which led to the area being called Middletown Point, which helped increase trade and commerce in the town. By the mid 18th century, the town became the main point of water-bound export and entry for Monmouth County. Over the course of the 18th century, the main center of the town moved north toward where it
5265-409: The 3,978 ballots cast by the borough's 5,440 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 73.1. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 68.2% of the vote (1,638 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 30.3% (727 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (37 votes), among the 2,432 ballots cast by the borough's 5,678 registered voters (30 ballots were spoiled), for
5382-500: The American colonies. General George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and maintained this position throughout the war. The Continental Army was supplemented by local militias and volunteer troops that were either loyal to individual states or otherwise independent. Most of the Continental Army was disbanded in 1783 after the Treaty of Paris formally ended
5499-564: The Board of War. Later in the war, a Surveyor of Ordnance was made responsible for inspecting foundries , magazines , ordnance shops, and field ordnance. In July 1777, the Board of War was authorized to purchase artillery. Congress created a hospital department in July 1775 as a part of the Continental Army's administrative structure. It came under the Director General of the Hospital Department , chosen by Congress but serving under
5616-505: The Commander-in-Chief through periodically inspecting and reporting on the condition of troops. The first incumbent was Thomas Conway (1777–1778), followed by Baron von Steuben 1778–1784, under whom the position became that of a de facto chief of staff. The Judge Advocate General assisted the commander-in-chief with the administration of military justice , but he did not, as his modern counterpart, give legal advise. William Tudor
5733-490: The Commander-in-Chief, and was staffed by four surgeons , an apothecary , twenty surgeon's mates , a nurse for every ten patients, a matron to supervise the nurses, a clerk, and two storekeepers. The department was reorganized in 1777; deputy director generals were added to the administrative structure; commissaries of hospitals were established to provide food and forage; and apothecary generals were established to procure and distribute medicines. The first director general
5850-680: The Commissary General of Purchase, and the Commissary General of Issue were put under the direction of the Board. The Office of the Secretary at War was created in February 1781, although the Office did not start its work until Benjamin Lincoln assumed the office in October 1781. On June 15, 1775, Congress elected by unanimous vote George Washington as Commander-in-Chief, who accepted and served throughout
5967-475: The Continental Army has unfortunately no uniforms in 1775, and consequently many inconveniences must arise from not being able to distinguish the commissioned officers from the privates, it is desired that some badge of distinction be immediately provided; for instance that the field officers may have red or pink colored cockades in their hats, the captains yellow or buff, and the subalterns green." In 1776, captains were to have buff or white cockades. Later on in
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#17328516249986084-545: The Continental Army, with the oldest Johnathan becoming a general. Of his four daughters, two married prominent local men, with Margaret marrying John Burrowes Jr. (where she was attacked by the loyalists during the skirmish at the Burrowes Mansion) and Eleanor marrying Philip Freneau , who was known as the "Poet of the Revolution". On May 23, 1779, there was another skirmish between the American militia and British troops near
6201-582: The Forman house, and the militia successfully forced the British to retreat down a hill and swim across the Matawan Creek into the Raritan Bay. The house became nicknamed the "Old Hospital" because many wounded soldiers were cared for in the house. In 1795, Philip Freneau established Monmouth County's first newspaper, the Jersey Chronicle. In the 1830s, with the invention of the steamboat , Matawan grew and prospered, as it allowed for goods to be more accessible to
6318-527: The Matawan Borough Council are Council President Deana Gunn (D, 2026), Arlan Feiles (D, 2026), Brian Livesey (D, 2025), Charles Ross ( R , 2024), Steven Russell (D, 2025) and Melanie Wang (R, 2024). In July 2019, Brian Livesey was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2021 that become vacant following the death of David Vergaretti the previous month; Livesey will serve on an interim basis until
6435-604: The New York regional market. Between 1820 and 1870, property owners began subdividing their land, which led to a building boom with various new streets and homes opening up surrounding Main Street. Midway Alley, now Jackson Street, was opened in 1821 from Ravine Drive to Church Street. In 1833, Wycoff and Spring Streets were opened. In the 1840s Washington, Monroe, Franklin, Part of Jackson, Little, North, South, and Mill Streets were opened along with Rabbit Lane and Steamboat Alley. Broad Street, which used to be known as Second Street,
6552-518: The Northern Continental Army. In addition to the Continental Army regulars, state militia units were assigned for short-term service and fought in campaigns throughout the war. Sometimes the militia units operated independently of the Continental Army, but often local militias were called out to support and augment the Continental Army regulars during campaigns. The militia troops developed a reputation for being prone to premature retreats,
6669-401: The November 2019 general election, when voters will select a candidate to serve the balance of the term of office. In the November 2019 general election, Livesey ran and won a full three-year term while John Lazar was elected to serve the balance of Vergaretti's term of office. Matawan is located in the 6th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 12th state legislative district. For
6786-527: The November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects one of its members to serve as director and another as deputy director. As of 2024, Monmouth County's Commissioners are Director Thomas A. Arnone ( R , Neptune City , 2025), Susan M. Kiley (R, Hazlet Township , 2024), Erik Anderson (R, Shrewsbury , 2026), Nick DiRocco (R, Wall Township , 2025), and Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra (R, Marlboro Township , 2026). Constitutional officers elected on
6903-478: The Quartermaster General. Thomas Mifflin served as Quartermaster General (1775–1776 and 1776–1778), Stephen Moylan (1776), Nathanael Green (1778–1780), and Timothy Pickering (from 1780). Congress also created the position of Commissary General of Stores and Provisions directly responsible to Congress, with Joseph Trumbull as the first incumbent. In 1777, Congress divided the department into two,
7020-479: The administrative leadership of the Continental Army. A new Board of War was therefore formed in October 1777, of three commissioners not member of Congress. Two more commissioners, not members of Congress, were shortly thereafter added, but in October 1778, the membership was set to three commissioners not members of Congress and two commissioners members of Congress. In early 1780, the Quartermaster General ,
7137-429: The army to provide services. They included blacksmiths , coopers , carpenters , harnessmakers , and wheelwrights . In June 1775, Congress created the position of Quartermaster General , after the British example. He was charged with opening and maintaining the lines of advance and retreat, laying out camps and assigning quarters. His responsibilities included furnishing the army with materiel and supplies, although
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#17328516249987254-408: The average family size was 3.07. In the borough the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males. The median income for a household in the borough
7371-534: The blending of persons from every colony into "one patriotic band of Brothers" had been a major accomplishment, and he urged the veterans to continue this devotion in civilian life. Washington said farewell to his remaining officers on December 4 at Fraunces Tavern in New York City. On December 23 he appeared in Congress, then sitting at Annapolis, and returned his commission as commander-in-chief : "Having now finished
7488-457: The borough include Freneau and Oak Shades. The borough borders Aberdeen Township and Marlboro Township in Monmouth County, as well as Old Bridge Township in Middlesex County . Matawan divides Aberdeen Township into two non-contiguous sections, with a small wedge-shaped exclave on the township's southwest corner separated from the rest of the township by a portion of Matawan located on
7605-519: The combined forces south to Virginia without the British commanders in New York realizing it. This resulted in the capture of the main British invasion force in the south at the Siege of Yorktown , which resulted in the American and their allied victory in the land war in North America and assured independence. A small residual force remained at West Point and some frontier outposts until Congress created
7722-507: The command of Artemas Ward . The British force in Boston was increasing by fresh arrivals. It numbered then about 10,000 men. The British controlled Boston and defended it with their fleet, but they were outnumbered and did not attempt to challenge the American control of New England. Washington selected young Henry Knox , a self-educated strategist, to take charge of the artillery from an abandoned British fort in upstate New York, and dragged across
7839-447: The context of local government in the U.S. state of New Jersey , refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government (in addition to those established under a special charter ). The borough is the most common form of local government in New Jersey . In 2023 there were 253 boroughs in New Jersey. However, boroughs were not always so common. In 1875 only 17 boroughs had been created, all by special acts of
7956-411: The cost of being a separate municipality to paying for the other schools. The Borough Act of 1897 amended the original Act, eliminating the self-executing incorporation feature of the earlier legislation. Henceforth, newly incorporated boroughs (or those seeking to dissolve or increase or decrease in size) required approval of the legislature. The elected mayor and six-member council were retained, with
8073-441: The count of how many soldiers George Washington had was delayed a little over a week. Instead of obeying their commanders and officers without question, each unit was a community that had democratically chosen its leaders. The regiments, coming from different states, were uneven in numbers. Logically, they should be evened, which would mean moving soldiers around. In the spirit of American republicanism , if George Washington separated
8190-641: The department, as well as state troops and militia – if released by the governor of the state. All troops under the department commander were designated as an army ; hence troops in the Northern Department were called the Northern Army , in the Southern Department the Southern Army , etc. The department commander could be field commander or he could appoint another officer to command the troops in
8307-452: The district's nine-member board of education are allocated based on the population of the constituent municipalities, with three assigned to Matawan. As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 31.45 miles (50.61 km) of roadways, of which 24.37 miles (39.22 km) were maintained by the municipality, 4.50 miles (7.24 km) by Monmouth County and 2.50 miles (4.02 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation . Matawan
8424-406: The event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council. As of 2024, the mayor of Matawan is Democrat Joseph Altomonte, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of
8541-411: The field. Depending on the size of the army, it could be divided into wings or divisions (of typically three brigades ) that were temporary organizations, and brigades (of two to five regiments ) that in effect were permanent organizations and the basic tactical unit of the Continental Army. An infantry regiment in the Continental Army typically consisted of 8 to 10 companies, each commanded by
8658-511: The help of France and for the remainder of the war, clothing was coming from over-sea procurement. The disbursing of money to pay soldiers and suppliers were the function of the Paymaster-General . James Warren was the first incumbent of this office. His successor was William Palfrey in 1776, who was followed by John Pierce Jr. in 1781. The Continental Army lacked the discipline typically expected of an army. When they first assembled,
8775-602: The houses and buildings, most of which are privately owned today. Matawan is the northern terminus of the middle segment of the Henry Hudson Trail , and the western terminus of the eastern section. Views of Lake Matawan are visible on the northern end along Main Street and Broad Street by Memorial Park, as well as on the southern end on the Little Street bridge, while the rest of it is bordered by houses or trees. Matawan has ten parks within its borders, including: Matawan
8892-405: The legislature. These original boroughs were subdivisions of townships, established by state charter; Elizabeth was the first, established by royal charter in 1740, within the now defunct Elizabeth Township. About half of them had been dissolved, or changed into other forms of government—often cities. In 1875, a constitutional amendment prohibited such local or special legislation. Bergen County
9009-477: The mayor now serving a two-year term. The Borough Act of 1987 was created to streamline borough law and clear away amendments, changes, and contradictory rules that had accumulated over the century of the Borough's existence as a form of government. The 1987 Act allowed for the delegation of executive responsibility to an appointed administrator. Traditionally, voters elect a mayor and six council members at-large in
9126-479: The military , as did the Continental Congress , though there were minor disagreements about how this was to be carried out. Throughout its existence, the Army was troubled by poor logistics, inadequate training, short-term enlistments, interstate rivalries, and Congress's inability to compel the states to provide food, money, or supplies. In the beginning, soldiers enlisted for a year, largely motivated by patriotism; but as
9243-623: The name "Matawan". The name may derive from a Lenape language word meaning "where two rivers come together" or it may originate from the Southern Unami Matawonge , "bad riverbank" or "bad hill", a possible reference to bluffs along Raritan Bay which were subject to erosion and collapse prior to the construction of a seawall in the 1970s. Another possible source is Matawan , Northern Unami for "bad fog", which may have referred to fog generated on Raritan Bay. Other possible meanings are "magician", "charmed skin" or "it arrives in
9360-426: The new station building was built on the Aberdeen side) was established in 1875, which helped sustain the town's prominence as a transportation center as Matawan Creek began silting, which led to a decline in ship commerce. In 1857, the town of Middletown Point was renamed to Matavan Township after it was officially incorporated, being carved from Raritan Township , and was named after Matawan Creek. In 1882, Matavan
9477-417: The notable battles of Trenton , Princeton , Brandywine , Germantown , and Morristown, among many others. The army increased its effectiveness and success rate through a series of trials and errors, often at a great human cost. General Washington and other distinguished officers were instrumental leaders in preserving unity, learning and adapting, and ensuring discipline throughout the eight years of war. In
9594-441: The officers and men for their assistance and reminded them that "the singular interpositions of Providence in our feeble condition were such, as could scarcely escape the attention of the most unobserving; while the unparalleled perseverance of the Armies of the United States, through almost every possible suffering and discouragement for the space of eight long years, was little short of a standing Miracle." Washington believed that
9711-564: The officers and soldiers of the continental line as established by the resolutions of Congress, fixing the arrangement of the Continental Army May 27, 1778, which rate of pay continued to the end of the war. During the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Army initially wore ribbons , cockades , and epaulettes of various colors as an ad hoc form of rank insignia, as General George Washington wrote in 1775: "As
9828-594: The opposite side of Route 79 . The 2010 United States census counted 8,810 people, 3,358 households, and 2,280 families in the borough. The population density was 3,896.6 per square mile (1,504.5/km). There were 3,606 housing units at an average density of 1,594.9 per square mile (615.8/km). The racial makeup was 80.98% (7,134) White , 7.04% (620) Black or African American , 0.11% (10) Native American , 6.41% (565) Asian , 0.01% (1) Pacific Islander , 2.77% (244) from other races , and 2.68% (236) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.77% (949) of
9945-515: The organization of the Clothing Department. After this, on many accounts, the soldiers of the Continental Army were often poorly clothed, had few blankets, and often did not even have shoes. The problems with clothing and shoes for soldiers were often not the result of not having enough but of organization and lack of transportation. To reorganize the Board of War was appointed to sort out the clothing supply chain. During this time they sought out
10062-702: The perceived potential conflict. Training of militiamen increased after the passage of the Intolerable Acts in 1774. Colonists such as Richard Henry Lee proposed forming a national militia force, but the First Continental Congress rejected the idea. On April 23, 1775, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress authorized the raising of a colonial army consisting of 26 company regiments. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut soon raised similar but smaller forces. On June 14, 1775,
10179-429: The population were under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.8 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–10 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
10296-416: The population. Of the 3,358 households, 32.3% had children under the age of 18; 53.0% were married couples living together; 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 32.1% were non-families. Of all households, 24.7% were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.15. 22.6% of
10413-407: The population. There were 3,531 households, out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and
10530-464: The previous two centuries, area surrounding Main Street and its immediate vicinity mostly consisted of farmland and woodland, but around the mid 20th century suburban development brought suburban divisions and highways into the town. In 1988, a Ceronics Inc manufacturing plant on Main Street was destroyed by a fire. In July 1988, the 82 year old Dell's Meat Market closed. In August 1988, Rose Hill Cemetery, which held many famous locals dating back to 1802,
10647-507: The promise of land ownership after the war.By 1780, more than 30,000 men served in the Continental army, but the lack of resources and proper training resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 soldiers. By 1781–1782, threats of mutiny and actual mutinies were becoming serious. Up to a fourth of Washington's army were of Scots-Irish (English and Scottish descent) Ulster origin , many being recent arrivals and in need of work. The Continental Army
10764-533: The snow to and placed them in the hills surrounding Boston in March 1776. The British situation was untenable. They negotiated an uneventful abandonment of the city and relocated their forces to Halifax in Canada. Washington relocated his army to New York. For the next five years, the main bodies of the Continental and British armies campaigned against one another in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These campaigns included
10881-406: The soldiers from the officers they had chosen they did not believe they should have to serve. George Washington had to give in to the soldiers and negotiate with them. He needed them to have an army. Soldiers in the Continental Army were volunteers; they agreed to serve in the army and standard enlistment periods lasted from one to three years. Early in the war, the enlistment periods were short, as
10998-551: The soldiers which they could exchange for money. In 1781 and 1782, Patriot officials and officers in the Southern Colonies repeatedly implemented policies that offered slaves as rewards for recruiters who managed to enlist a certain number of volunteers in the Continental Army; in January 1781, Virginia's General Assembly passed a measure which announced that voluntary enlistees in the Virginia Line 's regiments would be given
11115-496: The subject of considerable debate. Some Americans had a general aversion to maintaining a standing army; but on the other hand, the requirements of the war against the British required the discipline and organization of a modern military. As a result, the army went through several distinct phases, characterized by official dissolution and reorganization of units. The Continental Army's forces included several successive armies or establishments: Military affairs were at first managed by
11232-406: The supply of arms, clothing, and provisions fell under other departments. The transportation of all supplies, even those provided by other departments, came under his ambit. The Quartermaster General served with the main army under General Washington, but was directly responsible to Congress. Deputy quartermasters were appointed by Congress to serve with separate armies, and functioned independently of
11349-440: The vote (2,090 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 47.3% (1,983 votes) and other candidates with 1.4% (57 votes), among the 4,188 ballots cast by the borough's 5,604 registered voters, for a turnout of 74.7%. In the 2004 presidential election , Republican George W. Bush received 52.3% of the vote (2,081 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 47.3% (1,880 votes) and other candidates with 0.5% (29 votes), among
11466-540: The war continued. This led to the army offering low pay, often rotten food, hard work, cold, heat, poor clothing and shelter, harsh discipline, and a high chance of becoming a casualty. At the time of the siege of Boston , the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts , in June 1775, is estimated to have numbered from 14,000 to 16,000 men from New England (though the actual number may have been as low as 11,000 because of desertions). Until Washington's arrival, it remained under
11583-535: The war dragged on, bounties and other incentives became more commonplace. Major and minor mutinies—56 in all—diminished the reliability of two of the main units late in the war. The French played a decisive role in 1781 as Washington's Army was augmented by a French expeditionary force under Lieutenant General Rochambeau and a squadron of the French navy under the Comte de Barras . By disguising his movements, Washington moved
11700-509: The war without any compensation except for reimbursement of expenses. Washington, as commander-in-chief, was supported by a chief administrative officer, the Adjutant General . Horatio Gates held the position (1775–1776), Joseph Reed (1776–1777), George Weedon and Isaac Budd Dunn (1777), Morgan Connor 1777, Timothy Pickering (1777–1778), Alexander Scammell (1778–1781), and Edward Hand (1781–1783). An Inspector General assisted
11817-591: The war. The Continental Army's 1st and 2nd Regiments went on to form what was to become the Legion of the United States in 1792, which ultimately served as the foundation for the creation of the United States Army . The Continental Army consisted of soldiers from all the Thirteen Colonies and, after 1776, from all 13 states. The American Revolutionary War began at the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, at
11934-464: The war. The Department of New York (later the Northern Department) was created when Congress made Philip Schuyler its commander on June 15, 1775. The Southern and Middle Departments were added in February 1776. Several others were added the same year. A major general appointed by Congress commanded each department. Under his command came all Continental Army units within the territorial limits of
12051-572: The warehouses and mills owned by Burrowes and to capture Burrowes Jr. 200 Greens made their way from Sandy Hook, and greatly outnumbered the Matawan Patriots. Burrowes Jr. was able to avoid capture by swimming across Matawan Creek and hide, however Burrowes Sr. and several other Patriots were captured. Nearby, a house on Ravine Drive was owned by Samuel Forman, a wealthy merchant and Continental Army colonel and business partner with John Burrowes Sr. Forman had three sons, all of which became officers in
12168-591: The winter of 1777–1778, with the addition of Baron von Steuben , a Prussian expert, the training and discipline of the Continental Army was dramatically upgraded to modern European standards through the Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States . This was during the infamous winter at Valley Forge . Washington always viewed the Army as a temporary measure and strove to maintain civilian control of
12285-515: The work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life." Congress ended the War of American Independence on January 14, 1784, by ratifying the definitive peace treaty that had been signed in Paris on September 3. Monthly pay of
12402-543: Was Benjamin Church (1775), he was followed by John Morgan (1775–1777), William Shippen (1777–1781), and John Cochran (1781). Keeping the continentals clothed was a difficult task and to do this Washington appointed James Mease , a merchant from Philadelphia, as Clothier General. Mease worked closely with state-appointed agents to purchase clothing and things such as cow hides to make clothing and shoes for soldiers. Mease eventually resigned in 1777 and had compromised much of
12519-563: Was $ 63,594, and the median income for a family was $ 72,183. Males had a median income of $ 51,924 versus $ 37,113 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 30,320. About 3.8% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over. Matawan was ranked by BusinessWeek magazine at #12 in the nation on their list of "The 50 Best Places to Raise Your Kids" in November 2007. In 2023, an analysis using FBI statistics on small town safety determined that Matawan
12636-424: Was $ 68,375 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 7,318) and the median family income was $ 85,677 (+/− $ 6,353). Males had a median income of $ 57,376 (+/− $ 10,034) versus $ 42,255 (+/− $ 14,121) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 39,773 (+/− $ 5,834). About 3.5% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over. As of
12753-509: Was built on the corner of Broad Street and South Street. In 1901, the most disastrous fire in Matawan history destroyed six buildings in the most major part of the business district. In 1923, Lake Matawan was created by damming Gravelly Brook . In 1924, the Matawan High School was built in the same location due to overcrowding concerns at the old school. In 1928, Matawan Creek was dammed to create Lake Lefferts . Also in 1928, Memorial Park
12870-571: Was established to honor World War I veterans. In 1929, The Phyllis Wheatley Club, an organization for black women, is formed with 23 members. In 1930, Henry S. Terhune gifted Terhune Park between Main and Broad Streets. In 1938, the current Post Office is built on Main Street. In 1954, the Matawan First Aid and Rescue Squad is established. In 1962, the current Matawan Regional High School was built on Atlantic Avenue in Matawan Township. For
12987-474: Was opened between Church and South Streets as well as a short piece off Little Street. By 1852 it was extended from Little to South Street and had been renamed Broad Street. The 1850s also saw the opening of Orchard, Center, Stillwell (then Division) and High Streets and Park Ave (then New St.) In the 1860s Clinton and Atlantic Streets were opened, as well as Hoyt Street and Johnson Avenue. Between 1830 and 1860, lumber mills, shipping warehouses, brickyards, and
13104-412: Was racially integrated, a condition the United States Army would not see again until the late 1940s . During the Revolution, African American slaves were promised freedom in exchange for military service by both the Continental and British armies. Approximately 6,600 people of color (including African American, indigenous, and multiracial men) served with the colonial forces, and made up one-fifth of
13221-545: Was renamed Matawan. In 1883, a referendum to establish Matawan as a borough failed 93–79. In 1885, a referendum was held again, passing 144–133, although this was followed by years of opposition to the change. Matawan Borough was formed on June 28, 1895, from portions of Matawan Township (now Aberdeen Township ), based on the results of a referendum held that day. Matawan expanded with portions of Matawan Township in 1931 and 1933, and from Madison Township (now Old Bridge Township ) in 1939. Despite being 11 miles (18 km) from
13338-518: Was restored. In September 1988, Matawan celebrated its 300th anniversary. Matawan played an important role in aviation navigation history. In 1944, the first operational Visual Aural Range (VAR) was installed at Matawan. Designed in 1937 at the Bureau of Air Commerce 's research center, this system operated in the VHF band around 63 mHz and was an incremental improvement over prior aviation navigation systems such as
13455-582: Was the 194th safest small town in the United States. According to the Monmouth County Master Plan , Matawan has been designated as an upcoming Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment (ACE) Hub, which is defined as municipalities that have a high concentration of arts and cultural activities to serve as a destination for both visitors and locals, usually including an active nightlife scene in proximity to said cultural activities. Only eight towns in Monmouth County share this designation. Additionally, Matawan
13572-675: Was the army of the United Colonies representing the Thirteen Colonies and later the United States during the American Revolutionary War . It was formed on June 14, 1775, by a resolution passed by the Second Continental Congress , meeting in Philadelphia after the war's outbreak. The Continental Army was created to coordinate military efforts of the colonies in the war against the British , who sought to maintain control over
13689-586: Was the first appointee. He was followed by John Laurance in 1777 and Thomas Edwards in 1781 The Mustermaster General kept track by name of every officer and man serving in the army. The first mustermaster was Stephen Moylan . He was followed by Gunning Bedford Jr. 1776–1777 and Joseph Ward. Units of the Continental Army were assigned to any one of the territorial departments to decentralize command and administration. In general there were seven territorial departments, although their boundaries were subject to change and they were not all in existence throughout
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