119-722: The New Jersey Scenic Byways system consists of roads in the U.S. state of New Jersey that have been recognized for their historical or natural qualities. There are currently eight scenic byways in the state of New Jersey: The Bayshore Heritage Byway runs along the Delaware Bay and Delaware River in Cape May , Cumberland , and Salem counties, providing access to natural and historical sites. The byway begins in Cape May Point , Cape May County, following CR 629, CR 606, CR 626, Route 162 , CR 626, and Route 47 . In Cumberland County,
238-489: A Summer White House during his presidency. Somerset County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners , whose members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held on the first Friday of January, the board selects a Director and Deputy Director from among its members. In 2016, commissioners (then known as freeholders) were paid $ 21,902 and
357-414: A bill interpreting the constitution to mean universal white male suffrage , excluding paupers; the constitution was itself an act of the legislature and not enshrined as the modern constitution. On February 15, 1804, New Jersey became the last northern state to abolish new slavery and enacted legislation that slowly phased out existing slavery. This led to a gradual decrease of the slave population. By
476-442: A female householder with no husband present and 28.1% were non-families. Of all households, 23.3% were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.22. 25% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
595-768: A glimpse into the past where skirmishes between the local militia and British troops played a key role in the American Revolutionary War . This byway has been designated by the National Scenic Byways Program of the Federal Highway Administration as of 2009. The route travels along CR 605 (River Road) in Princeton , Montgomery Township , and Rocky Hill , Montgomery Road in Rocky Hill and Montgomery Township, and CR 533 along
714-607: A high of 85 °F (29 °C) in July, although a record low of −16 °F (−27 °C) was recorded in January 1984 and a record high of 105 °F (41 °C) was recorded in August 1955. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.84 inches (72 mm) in February to 4.83 inches (123 mm) in July. The county has a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ) except in lower areas along
833-511: A higher proportion of immigrants. New Jersey is home to roughly half a million undocumented immigrants , comprising an estimated 6.2% of the population, which in 2018 was the fifth-highest percentage of any U.S. state. The municipalities of Camden, Jersey City, and Newark are considered sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants. For further information on various ethnoracial groups and neighborhoods prominently featured within New Jersey, see
952-680: A large and diverse population. New Jersey was among the Thirteen Colonies that supported the American Revolution , hosting several pivotal battles and military commands in the American Revolutionary War . New Jersey remained in the Union during the American Civil War and provided troops, resources, and military leaders in support of the Union Army . After the war, the state emerged as
1071-538: A major manufacturing center and a leading destination for immigrants, helping drive the Industrial Revolution in the U.S. New Jersey was the site of many industrial, technological, and commercial innovations . Many prominent Americans associated with New Jersey have proven influential nationally and globally, including in academia, advocacy, business, entertainment, government, military, non-profit leadership, and other fields. New Jersey's central location in
1190-417: A major destination for immigrants and is home to one of the world's most multicultural populations . Echoing historical trends, the state has increasingly re-urbanized, with growth in cities outpacing suburbs since 2008. New Jersey is one of the most educated, affluent, healthy, diverse and highly developed states in the U.S., ranking it high in several quality of life metrics. As of 2022, New Jersey had
1309-757: A major industry, especially the Sterling Hill Mine . New Jersey prospered through the Roaring Twenties . The first Miss America Pageant was held in 1921 in Atlantic City ; the Holland Tunnel connecting Jersey City to Manhattan opened in 1927; and the first drive-in movie was shown in 1933 in Camden . During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the state offered begging licenses to unemployed residents,
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#17330859257901428-506: A million residents commute daily into the city for work, many via public transportation. The Jersey Shore , along the Atlantic Coast in Central and South Jersey, has its own unique natural, residential, and cultural characteristics owing to its location by the ocean. South Jersey represents the southernmost geographical region of the northeastern United States . The Delaware Valley includes
1547-733: A motor torpedo boat commanded by Lt. (j.g.) John F. Kennedy in World War II, was built at the Elco Boatworks in Bayonne . The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) was briefly docked at the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne in the 1950s before she was sent to Kearney to be scrapped. In 1962, the world's first nuclear-powered cargo ship, the NS Savannah , was launched at Camden. In 1951,
1666-493: A native Philadelphian, had New Jersey ties and formally resided in New Jersey at the time; he later became Governor of New Jersey (1878–81). (In New Jersey, the factions of the Democratic party managed an effective coalition in 1860.) During the American Civil War , the state was led first by Republican governor Charles Smith Olden , then by Democrat Joel Parker . During the course of the war, between 65,000 and 80,000 soldiers from
1785-560: A popular area for country homes built by wealthy industrialists. The area continues to be the home of wealthy people who own businesses. In 1917, Somerset County, in cooperation with Rutgers University , hired its first agricultural agent to connect local farmers with expert advice. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County, located in Bridgewater, serves residents in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, and family and community health sciences. In
1904-490: A total of 262,410 registered voters in Somerset County, of whom 92,921 (35.4%) were registered as Democrats , 66,455 (25.3%) were registered as Republicans and 100,367 (38.2%) were registered as unaffiliated . There were 2,667 voters (1.0%) registered to other parties. Among the county's 2010 Census population, 67.1% were registered to vote, including 75.% of those ages 18 and over. In the 2008 , Barack Obama became
2023-699: Is Kitty Ann Mountain in Morris County , rising 892 feet (272 m). The Palisades are a line of steep cliffs on the west side of the Hudson River in Bergen and Hudson Counties . Major New Jersey rivers include the Hudson , Delaware , Raritan , Passaic , Hackensack , Rahway , Musconetcong , Mullica , Rancocas , Manasquan , Maurice , and Toms rivers. Due to New Jersey's peninsular geography, both sunrise and sunset are visible over water from different points on
2142-875: Is Michael H. Robertson of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township , who was nominated by the Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie in September 2016. Somerset County is a part of Vicinage 13 of the New Jersey Superior Court (along with Hunterdon County and Warren County ), which is seated at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville ; the Assignment Judge for Vicinage 15 is Thomas C. Miller. The 7th and 12th Congressional Districts cover
2261-856: Is a botanical garden of the county. In addition, the Commission manages natural parks such as the Washington Valley Park (with biking and hiking trails) and the Sourland Mountain Preserve (hiking and mountain biking trails). The southeastern portion of Somerset County in Franklin Township includes Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which provides hiking, biking and boating. The Parks Commission operates five public golf courses. Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster , an exclusive golf club owned by Donald Trump , that he used as
2380-735: Is a state in both the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It is the most densely populated state and at the center of the Northeast megalopolis . New Jersey is bordered to the northeast by New York state ; on its east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean ; on its west by the Delaware River and Pennsylvania ; and on its southwest by Delaware Bay and Delaware . At 7,354 square miles (19,050 km ), New Jersey
2499-766: Is now New York Harbor and took control of Fort Amsterdam , annexing the entire province. During the English Civil War , the Channel Island of Jersey remained loyal to the British Crown and gave sanctuary to the King . In the Royal Square in St Helier , Charles II of England was proclaimed King in 1649, following the execution of his father, Charles I . North American lands were divided by Charles II , who gave his brother,
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#17330859257902618-580: Is part of the Pennsylvania-based Lehigh Valley metro area. The 21 counties in New Jersey, listed in order by population (as of the 2020 census) are: For its overall population and nation-leading population density, New Jersey has a relative paucity of classic large cities. This paradox is most pronounced in Bergen County , the state's most populous county, whose 955,732 residents at the 2020 census inhabited 70 municipalities, of which
2737-434: Is the fifth-smallest state in land area , but with close to 9.3 million residents as of the 2020 United States census , it ranks 11th in population . The state capital is Trenton , and the state's most populous city is Newark . New Jersey is the only U.S. state in which every county is deemed urban by the U.S. Census Bureau . New Jersey was first inhabited by Paleo-Indians as early as 13,000 B.C.E. The Lenape were
2856-454: The 2010 U.S. census , which counted 8,791,894 residents. The state ranked eleventh in the country by total population and first in population density, with 1,185 residents per square mile (458 per km ). Historically, New Jersey has experienced one of the fastest growth rates in the country, with its population increasing by double digits almost every decade until 1980; growth has since slowed but remained relatively robust until recently. In 2022,
2975-406: The 2010 United States census , only four municipalities had over 100,000 residents (although Edison and Woodbridge Township came very close); this number increased to seven by the 2020 census. Residents of New Jersey are most commonly referred to as New Jerseyans or, less commonly, as New Jerseyites. According to the 2020 U.S. census , the state had a population of 9,288,994, a 5.7% increase since
3094-509: The 2010 census count of 323,444. Somerset County constitutes part of the New York metropolitan area . Its county seat is Somerville . The most populous place in the county was Franklin Township , with 68,364 residents at the time of the 2020 census, while Hillsborough Township , with 55.00 square miles (142.4 km ), covered the largest total area of any municipality. The county is part of
3213-441: The 2017 gubernatorial election , Republican Kim Guadagno received 47.9% of the vote (44,231 ballots cast) to Democrat Phil Murphy with 49.8% (45,935 votes), marking the first Democratic win in the county since 1989. In the 2021 gubernatorial election , Republican Jack Ciattarelli received 47.7% of the vote (54,264 ballots cast) to Democrat Phil Murphy's 51.5% (58,585 votes), this made Somerset, along with neighboring Hunterdon,
3332-688: The American Civil War 's end, about a dozen African Americans in New Jersey were still held in bondage. New Jersey voters eventually ratified the constitutional amendments banning slavery and granting rights to the United States' black population. Industrialization accelerated in the present-day North Jersey region of the state following completion of the Morris Canal in 1831. The canal allowed for anthracite coal to be transported from eastern Pennsylvania 's Lehigh Valley to North Jersey's growing industries in Paterson , Newark , and Jersey City . In 1844,
3451-607: The American Revolutionary War , British and American armies crossed New Jersey numerous times, and several pivotal battles took place in the state. Because of this, New Jersey today is sometimes referred to as "The Crossroads of the American Revolution". The winter quarters of the Continental Army were established in New Jersey twice by General George Washington in Morristown , which has been called "The Military Capital of
3570-653: The Cape May County peninsula at the southeastern tip of New Jersey; in doing so, the Jersey Shore became readily accessible to millions of residents in the New York metropolitan area. In 1959, Air Defense Command deployed the CIM-10 Bomarc surface-to-air missile to McGuire Air Force Base . On June 7, 1960, an explosion in a CIM-10 Bomarc missile fuel tank caused an accident and subsequent plutonium contamination. In
3689-764: The Central Jersey region of the state. In 2015, Somerset County had a per capita personal income of $ 86,468, the second highest in New Jersey and ranked 25th of 3,113 counties in the United States. Somerset County, as of the 2000 Census, was the seventh wealthiest county in the United States by median household income at $ 76,933 (third in New Jersey behind Hunterdon County at $ 79,888 and Morris County at $ 77,340), fourth in median family income at $ 90,655 (second in New Jersey behind Hunterdon County at $ 91,050) and ranked seventh by per capita income at $ 37,970 (highest in New Jersey). The Bureau of Economic Analysis ranked
List of New Jersey Scenic Byways - Misplaced Pages Continue
3808-451: The Dominion of New England from 1686 to 1689. In 1702, the two provinces were reunited under a royal governor rather than a proprietary one . Edward Hyde , titled Lord Cornbury, became the first governor of the royal colony. Britain believed that he was an ineffective and corrupt ruler, taking bribes and speculating on land. In 1708, he was recalled to England. New Jersey was then ruled by
3927-702: The Dutch in the early 17th century, and their primary relationship with the Dutch and later European settlers was through fur trade . The Dutch were the first Europeans to lay claim to lands in New Jersey. The Dutch colony of New Netherland consisted of parts of the modern Mid-Atlantic states. Although the European principle of land ownership was not recognized by the Lenape , Dutch West India Company policy required its colonists to purchase land that they settled. The first to do so
4046-752: The Garden State Parkway into Burlington County, and US 9 back to Tuckerton, Ocean County. The central connector of the Pine Barrens Byway begins at CR 542 in Mullica Township, Atlantic County and follows CR 542, CR 658, CR 623, CR 559 , CR 616, CR 559, US 40 / Route 50 , Route 50, and CR 611 to Corbin City . The southern route of the byway begins in Corbin City, Atlantic County and follows CR 611 and Route 50 into Tuckahoe , Cape May County . From here,
4165-585: The Lenape tribe . Scheyichbi is the Lenape name for the land that represents present-day New Jersey. The Lenape were several autonomous groups that practiced maize agriculture in order to supplement their hunting and gathering in the region surrounding the Delaware River , the lower Hudson River , and western Long Island Sound . The Lenape were divided into matrilineal clans that were based upon common female ancestors. Clans were organized into three distinct phratries identified by their animal sign: Turtle , Turkey , and Wolf . They first encountered
4284-598: The New Jersey State Constitution , each county in New Jersey is required to have three elected administrative officials known as "constitutional officers." These officers are the County Clerk and County Surrogate (both elected for five-year terms of office) and the County Sheriff (elected for a three-year term). Constitutional officers, elected on a countywide basis, are: The Somerset County Prosecutor
4403-776: The New Jersey Supreme Court to fund schools equitably, the New Jersey legislature passed an income tax bill in 1976. Prior to this bill, the state had no income tax. In the early part of the 2000s, two light rail systems were opened: the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail in Hudson County and the River Line between Camden and Trenton . The intent of these projects was to encourage transit-oriented development in North Jersey and South Jersey , respectively. The HBLR
4522-521: The New Jersey Turnpike opened, facilitating efficient travel by car and truck between North Jersey and metropolitan New York , and South Jersey and metropolitan Philadelphia . Subsequently, in 1957, the Garden State Parkway was completed, serving as a diagonal counterpart to the Turnpike, and opening up highway travel along New Jersey's coastal flank between Bergen County in the northeast and
4641-668: The New York border, running along the New Jersey Palisades on the Hudson River in Bergen County and offering scenic overlooks. The Pine Barrens Byway consists of three routes that run through the Pine Barrens in southern New Jersey. The northern route of the byway begins in Tuckerton in Ocean County and follows US 9 and Stage Road into Burlington County , where it continues along CR 653 and CR 542 to Green Bank . Here,
4760-430: The North Atlantic Ocean . The pressure of collision between North America and Africa gave rise to the Appalachian Mountains . Around 18,000 years ago, the Ice Age resulted in glaciers that reached New Jersey. As glaciers retreated, they left behind Lake Passaic along with rivers, meadows , swamps, and gorges . Since the 6th millennium BC , Native American people have inhabited New Jersey, beginning with
4879-418: The Philippines . New Jersey is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the United States: as of 2022, over one-fifth (21.5%) of its residents are Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% are Black, and one-tenth are Asian. One in four New Jerseyans were born abroad and more than one million (12.1%) are not fully fluent in English. Compared to the U.S. as a whole, the state is more racially and ethnically diverse and has
List of New Jersey Scenic Byways - Misplaced Pages Continue
4998-540: The Second Continental Congress declared American Independence from Great Britain . It was an act of the Provincial Congress , which made itself into the State Legislature . To reassure neutrals, it provided that it would become the legislature would disband if New Jersey reached reconciliation with Great Britain. Among the 56 Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence , five were New Jersey representatives: Richard Stockton , John Witherspoon , Francis Hopkinson , John Hart , and Abraham Clark . During
5117-474: The Skylands Region , is more wooded, rural, and mountainous. The chief tree of the northern forests is the oak . The New Jersey Pine Barrens is situated in the southern interior of New Jersey and covered extensively by mixed pine and oak forest; its population density is lower than most of the state. High Point in Montague Township , Sussex County is the state's highest elevation at 1,803 feet (550 m) above sea level. The state's highest prominence
5236-453: The 1950s, and by 2020 had rebounded to 311,549. New Jersey is located at the center of the Northeast megalopolis , the most populated American urban agglomeration . It is bordered on the north and northeast by New York (parts of which are across the Hudson River , Upper New York Bay , the Kill Van Kull , Newark Bay , and the Arthur Kill ); on the east by the Atlantic Ocean; on the southwest by Delaware across Delaware Bay ; and on
5355-410: The 1960s, race riots erupted in many of the industrial cities of North Jersey . The first race riots in New Jersey occurred in Jersey City on August 2, 1964. Several others ensued in 1967, in Newark and Plainfield . Other riots followed the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, just as in the rest of the country. A riot occurred in Camden in 1971. As a result of an order from
5474-635: The 1960s, townships which were once exclusively agricultural were quickly developed as suburban residential communities. Examples include Bridgewater Township and the Watchung Hills communities of Watchung , Green Brook and Warren Township . The growth was aided by the development of the county's very strong pharmaceutical and technology presence. Warren Township used to be considered "the greenest place in New Jersey." More recently, there has been an influx of New York City commuters who use NJ Transit 's Raritan Valley Line and Gladstone Branch or use Interstate 78 . In 1996, Nicholas L. Bissell Jr. ,
5593-412: The 48 states. In addition, Fort Dix (1917) (originally called "Camp Dix"), Camp Merritt (1917), and Camp Kilmer (1941) were all constructed to house and train American soldiers through both World Wars. New Jersey also became a principal location for defense in the Cold War . Fourteen Nike missile stations were constructed for the defense of the New York City and Philadelphia areas. PT-109 ,
5712-452: The American Revolution." On the night of December 25–26, 1776, the Continental Army under George Washington crossed the Delaware River . After the crossing, they surprised and defeated the Hessian troops in the Battle of Trenton . Slightly more than a week after victory at Trenton , Continental Army forces gained an important victory by stopping General Cornwallis's charges at the Second Battle of Trenton . By evading Cornwallis's army,
5831-418: The Bayshore Heritage Byway continues along Route 47, CR 616 (with a spur along East Point Road that serves the East Point Light ), Menhaden Road, River Road, CR 616, Route 47, CR 670, CR 744, CR 676, CR 633, CR 649, CR 553 (with spurs along CR 631 to Bivalve and along CR 656 and CR 637 to Fortescue ), CR 609, Route 49 , Fayette Street, CR 650, CR 607, and CR 623 (with a spur along CR 642 and Bayside Road to
5950-490: The Bayside Tract Preservation Site). In Salem County, the byway follows CR 623, CR 658, CR 624, CR 625, CR 661, Grieves Parkway, and South Front Street to Route 49 in Salem . At this point, a spur heads along Route 49, Freas Road, Supawna Road, Route 49, CR 632, and CR 630 to Fort Mott State Park . From Salem, the mainline continues along Route 49, Route 45 , and CR 540 to its northern terminus in Mannington Township . The Delaware River Scenic Byway follows Route 29 along
6069-409: The British column by surprise. When the British army attempted to flank the Americans, the Continental Army retreated in disorder. Their ranks were later reorganized and withstood British charges. In the summer of 1783, the Continental Congress met in Nassau Hall at Princeton University , making Princeton the nation's capital for four months. It was there that the Continental Congress learned of
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#17330859257906188-422: The Census Bureau estimated there were 6,262 fewer residents than in 2020, a decline of 0.3% from 2020, related to the COVID-19 pandemic . New Jersey is the only state where every county is deemed urban as defined by the Census Bureau . Most residents live in the counties surrounding New York City , the nation's largest city, Philadelphia , the nation's sixth-largest city, or along the eastern Jersey Shore ;
6307-453: The Continental Army was able to make a surprise attack on Princeton and successfully defeated the British forces there on January 3, 1777. Emanuel Leutze 's painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware became an icon of the Revolution. Continental Army forces under Washington's command met British forces under General Henry Clinton at the Battle of Monmouth in an indecisive engagement in June 1778. Washington's forces attempted to take
6426-450: The Delaware River between Trenton and Frenchtown . It provides scenic views of the Delaware River and passes through Washington Crossing State Park , Titusville , Lambertville , Stockton , and Raven Rock . This byway is also part of the national program. The Millstone Valley Scenic Byway is a 25-mile (40 km) historic scenic route located in the Millstone River Valley which lies in north central New Jersey . The byway offers
6545-432: The Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees in 2021. Somerset County parks are under the administration of the Somerset County Parks Commission. General parks are Natirar , Duke Island Park , Lord Stirling Park (part of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge ), Colonial Park , North Branch Park, Skillman Park , East County Park and a park in development called Raritan River Greenway . Leonard J. Buck Garden
6664-401: The Duke of York (later King James II ), the region between New England and Maryland as a proprietary colony (as opposed to a royal colony ). James then granted land between the Hudson River and the Delaware River (the land that would become New Jersey) to two friends who had remained loyal through the English Civil War : Sir George Carteret and Lord Berkeley of Stratton . The area
6783-491: The Industrial Revolution, having been granted 1,093 patents , many of which for inventions he developed while working in New Jersey. Edison's facilities, first at Menlo Park and then in West Orange , are considered perhaps the first research centers in the United States. Christie Street in Menlo Park was the first thoroughfare in the world to have electric lighting. Transportation was greatly improved as locomotion and steamboats were introduced to New Jersey. Iron mining
6902-695: The Jersey Shore. The state consists of two climate zones; most of the state has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), while the northwest has a humid continental climate (Dfa). New Jersey receives between 2,400 and 2,800 hours of sunshine annually. Summers are typically hot and humid, with statewide average high temperatures of 82–87 °F (28–31 °C) and lows of 60–69 °F (16–21 °C); however, temperatures exceed 90 °F (32 °C) on average 25 days each summer, exceeding 100 °F (38 °C) in some years. Winters are usually cold, with average high temperatures of 34–43 °F (1–6 °C) and lows of 16 to 28 °F (−9 to −2 °C) for most of
7021-408: The Library System). As of 2024 , Somerset County's County Commissioners are (with terms for director and deputy director ending every December 31): Democrats captured their first countywide office in 2018 since 1979, and in 2019 won a majority on the county commission for the first time since 1964. Republicans have not won a county-wide office since 2017. Pursuant to Article VII Section II of
7140-431: The Northeast megalopolis helped fuel its rapid growth and suburbanization in the second half of the 20th century. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the state's economy has become highly diversified, with major sectors including biotechnology , pharmaceuticals , information technology , finance , and tourism , and it has become an Atlantic seaboard epicenter for logistics and distribution . New Jersey remains
7259-489: The Pine Barrens Byway splits into a longer northern loop and a shorter northern loop. The longer northern loop follows CR 542 through Batsto into Mullica Township , Atlantic County . The shorter northern loop follows CR 563 into Mullica Township. The first leg of the northern loop begins at CR 542 in Mullica Township, following CR 643 and CR 612 to CR 563. From here, the final leg of the northern loop follows CR 563, CR 624, Mill Street, Riverside Drive, CR 575 , CR 610, US 9,
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#17330859257907378-501: The Raritan River from Bound Brook downstream where the climate is now humid subtropical ( Cfa ). The hardiness zone is 7a except in a few small higher areas in the north which are 6b. [2] As of the 2020 United States census , the county's had 345,361 people, 122,606 households, and 88,540 families. The population density was 1,144.3 inhabitants per square mile (441.8/km ). There were 131,822 housing units at an average density of 436.77 per square mile (168.6/km ). The racial makeup
7497-431: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have concluded that New Jersey has been the fastest-warming state by average air temperature over a 100-year period beginning in the early 20th century. The U.S. Census Bureau divides New Jersey's 21 counties into seven metropolitan statistical areas , with 20 counties included in either the New York City or Philadelphia Combined Statistical Area . Warren County
7616-468: The autism spectrum by utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis . In 2024, a local ShopRite store started selling salads grown by and packed by students in the school's hydroponics career training program. The 21 municipalities in Somerset County (with 2010 Census data for population, housing units, and area) are listed below. Other unincorporated communities in the county are listed alongside their parent municipality (or municipalities, as
7735-409: The bottom of the Palisades Cliffs on the western bank of the Hudson River, and also goes underneath the George Washington Bridge . While it is much smaller and isolated than nearby roads, it still provides a scenic view of New York on the other side of the river, and connects to many picnic areas and parks. The Palisades Scenic Byway follows the Palisades Interstate Parkway between Fort Lee and
7854-1062: The byway follows Route 49 , CR 632, and Route 49 to an intersection with CR 548 , where it splits into a longer southern loop and a shorter southern loop. The longer southern loop follows CR 548 into Cumberland County , where it heads south on Route 47 back into Cape May County. The byway continues along Route 47, CR 610, CR 550 , CR 557 , CR 550, and CR 605 back to CR 548. The shorter southern loop follows Route 49 into Estell Manor , Atlantic County and continues along Head of River Road and Aetna Drive to CR 611. The Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Byway runs through areas of farmland between Allentown and Walnford in Monmouth County . The byway follows CR 539 , CR 524 , Chambers Road, Rues Road, CR 526 , Red Valley Road, CR 27 , Arneystown-Hornerstown Road, Hill Road, Waln's Mill Road, Walnford Road, Polhemustown Road, Holmes Mill Road, and Walnford Road. The Warren Heritage Scenic Byway follows Route 57 through mountain and valley areas between Greenwich Township and Hackettstown in Warren County , following
7973-507: The case may be). These areas include census-designated places (CDPs), which the United States Census Bureau created for enumeration purposes within a township . Other communities, historical areas, unincorporated areas, and enclaves that exist within a municipality are also listed. Somerset County is served by a number of different routes. As of May 2010 , the county had a total of 1,714.99 miles (2,760.01 km) of roadways, of which 1,370.80 miles (2,206.09 km) were maintained by
8092-508: The commissioner director was paid an annual salary of $ 22,902. The Commissioners employ a full-time County Administrator who manages the day-to-day operations of the county government. The County Administrator is Colleen Mahr. The Clerk of the County Commissioners oversees the work of their offices. Department heads are appointed in accordance with statute and by resolution of the board. Somerset County currently has approximately 1,100 full-time and 130 part-time employees in 52 divisions (including
8211-422: The county are Route 27 (only in Franklin ) and Route 28 . U.S. Routes in the county are U.S. Route 22 , U.S. Route 202 and U.S. Route 206 . The two Interstates which pass through Somerset County are Interstate 78 and Interstate 287 . It was planned for Interstate 95 to run along the Somerset Freeway from its proposed southern end in Hopewell Township , Mercer County to Franklin Township at I-287 in
8330-459: The county as having the 11th-highest per capita income of all 3,113 counties in the United States (and the highest in New Jersey) as of 2009. In 2012, 49.8 percent of Somerset County residents were college graduates, the highest percentage in the state. Somerset County was recently ranked number 3 of 21 NJ counties as one of the healthiest counties in New Jersey, according to an annual report by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. Somerset County
8449-434: The county on several occasions and slept in many of the homes located throughout the area. Somerset County also played an important part during both World War I and World War II . Weapons depots were established here, and factories manufactured the army's woolen blankets. For much of its history, Somerset County was primarily an agricultural county. In the late 19th century, the Somerset Hills area of Somerset County became
8568-399: The county prosecutor, was charged with embezzlement , tax fraud , and abuse of power . He fled to Laughlin, Nevada southeast of Las Vegas , and killed himself when the federal authorities attempted to arrest him. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 304.95 square miles (789.8 km ), of which 301.87 square miles (781.8 km )
8687-399: The county voted more Democratic than the state as a whole for the first time since 1912. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 56% of the vote, defeating Democrat Jon Corzine , who received around 34%. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Governor Chris Christie received 67.6% (58,981 votes) to Democrat Barbara Buono's 30.8% (26,913 votes). In
8806-419: The county's southeast corner. In the 2012 presidential election , the county was carried by Barack Obama , winning 52.8% of the vote to Mitt Romney 's 47.2%, a 5.6% gap that represented a 0.5% drop off for Obama from his 2008 margin of victory in the county. In 2016, the county voted as Democratic as the state, and in 2020, Joe Biden won the largest share of the vote in the county for a Democrat since 1964, as
8925-544: The county. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. ( R , Westfield ). For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman ( D , Ewing Township ). The 21 municipalities of Somerset County are represented by five legislative districts. Roy Freiman (D) Joseph Danielsen (D) Nancy Munoz (R) Linda S. Carter (D) Erik Peterson (R) As of October 1, 2021, there were
9044-739: The dominant Indigenous group when Europeans arrived in the early 17th century, and they were subdivived into dialectal groups such as the Munsee, in the north, and the Unami and the Unalachtigo, elsewhere. Dutch and Swedish colonists founded the first European settlements in the state, with the British later seizing control of the region and establishing the Province of New Jersey , named after Jersey . The colony's fertile lands and relative religious tolerance drew
9163-598: The extreme southern and northwestern counties are relatively less dense overall. Since the 2000 census, the United States Census Bureau calculated that New Jersey's center of population was located in East Brunswick . The state is located in the middle of the Northeast megalopolis , which has more than 50 million residents. As of 2019, New Jersey was the third highest U.S. state measured by median household income , behind Maryland and Massachusetts ;
9282-400: The first Democratic presidential nominee to carry the county since Lyndon Johnson in 1964 , and only the second since 1936. Obama won Somerset by a 6.1% margin over John McCain , with Obama carrying the state by 15.5% over McCain. Somerset's growing Democratic trend at the presidential level has largely been spurred by the rapid growth of the overwhelmingly Democratic Franklin Township in
9401-654: The first ten years of English rule took place along the Hackensack River and Arthur Kill . Settlers came primarily from New York and New England. On March 18, 1673, Berkeley sold his half of the colony to Quakers in England, who settled the Delaware Valley region as a Quaker colony, with William Penn acting as trustee for the lands for a time. New Jersey was governed as two distinct provinces, East and West Jersey , for 28 years between 1674 and 1702, which were part of
9520-458: The following articles: New Jersey is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse states in the United States. Nearly one-fourth of New Jerseyans (22.7%) were foreign born , compared to the national average of 13.5%. As of 2011, 56.4% of New Jersey's children under the age of one belonged to racial or ethnic minority groups, meaning that they had at least one parent who was not non-Hispanic white. The 2019 Vintage Year Census estimated that
9639-442: The governors of New York, but this infuriated the settlers of New Jersey, who accused these governors of favoritism to New York. Judge Lewis Morris led the case for a separate governor, and was appointed governor by King George II in 1738. New Jersey was one of the Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution . The New Jersey Constitution of 1776 was passed July 2, 1776, just two days before
9758-418: The highest annual median household income , at $ 96,346, of all 50 states. Almost one-tenth of all households in the state, or over 323,000, are millionaires , the highest representation of millionaires among all states. New Jersey's public school system consistently ranks at or among the top of all U.S. states. In 2024, New Jersey was ranked as having the second-healthiest population overall. New Jersey
9877-436: The highest number of millionaires both per capita and per square mile in the U.S., and the fact that it has the most scientists and engineers per square mile in the world. According to HUD 's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report , there were an estimated 8,752 homeless people in New Jersey. The top countries of origin for New Jersey's immigrants in 2018 were India , Dominican Republic , Mexico , Ecuador , and
9996-494: The local municipality, 234.23 miles (376.96 km) by Somerset County and 109.96 miles (176.96 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation . Major county roads that pass through include County Route 512 , County Route 514 , County Route 518 , County Route 523 , County Route 525 , County Route 527 , County Route 529 , County Route 531 and County Route 533 . The two state routes which traverse through
10115-419: The most populous is Hackensack , with 46,030 residents. Many urban areas extend far beyond the limits of a single large city, as New Jersey municipalities tend to be geographically small; three of the four largest cities in New Jersey by population have under 20 square miles (52 km ) of land area, and eight of the top ten, including all the top five, have a land area under 30 square miles (78 km ). As of
10234-417: The ninth-highest average federal income tax liability per return in the country. Average tax liability was $ 16,502, representing 16.8% of adjusted gross income . The Somerset Patriots are a professional baseball team that plays at the 6,100-seat TD Bank Ballpark, located on the border of Bridgewater and Bound Brook. They played in the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball until they became
10353-417: The northeastern United States. Hurricanes and tropical storms , tornadoes , and earthquakes are rare; the state was impacted by a hurricane in 1903 , Tropical Storm Floyd in 1999 , and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 , which made landfall in the state with top winds of 90 mph (145 km/h). Climate change is affecting New Jersey faster than much of the rest of the United States. Climatologists at
10472-568: The northwest of the state, to 7B near Cape May. All-time temperature extremes recorded in New Jersey include 110 °F (43 °C) on July 10, 1936, in Runyon , Middlesex County and −34 °F (−37 °C) on January 5, 1904, in River Vale , Bergen County. Average annual precipitation ranges from 43 to 51 inches (1,100 to 1,300 mm), spread uniformly throughout the year. Average snowfall per winter season ranges from 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) in
10591-505: The only county to shift to the left in this election, despite Ciattarelli representing the county in the state assembly. School districts include: Somerset County is home to two colleges : Alma White College (which operated from 1921 to 1978) was a private college located in Zarephath. Beginning in 1931 the college operated WAWZ 1380 on the AM radio dial. The station continued to 1984 after
10710-540: The relocated Rockingham site in Kingston, a section of Franklin Township , Somerset County , and the 1860 House on Montgomery Road near Rocky Hill. The Kingston Village Historic District and the Kingston Mill Historic District are both located in the historic area of Kingston. Henry Hudson Drive is a scenic bypass of the nearby Palisades Parkway , U.S. 9W , and Hudson Terrace ( CR 505 ). It runs along
10829-658: The route of the historic Morris Canal . The Western Highlands Scenic Byway runs through mountain areas in Sussex County . The main segment of the byway begins at Route 23 in Franklin Borough and follows CR 515 north to Vernon Township , where it follows Route 94 north to the New York border. A loop of the byway branches from Route 94 in Vernon Township and runs northwest on CR 644, southwest on CR 517 , and northeast on Route 94. New Jersey New Jersey
10948-575: The school closed. The building is now occupied by Somerset Christian College. Private schools in the county include Gill St. Bernard's School (in Gladstone), Immaculata High School (Somerville), Mount St. Mary Academy , Watchung), Pingry School , Martinsville), Purnell School , Pottersville), and * Rutgers Preparatory School (Somerset). Somerset Hills Learning Institute, founded in 1998 and located in Bedminster Township, educates children on
11067-520: The second state constitution was ratified and brought into effect. Counties thereby became districts for the state senate, and some realignment of boundaries (including the creation of Mercer County ) immediately followed. This provision was retained in the 1947 Constitution, but was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States in 1962, by the decision Baker v. Carr . While the Governorship
11186-626: The signing of the Treaty of Paris , which ended the war. On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution , which was overwhelmingly popular in New Jersey since it prevented New York and Pennsylvania from charging tariffs on goods imported from Europe. On November 20, 1789, New Jersey became the first in the newly formed Union to ratify the Bill of Rights . The 1776 New Jersey State Constitution gave
11305-494: The south and near the seacoast, 15–30 inches (38–76 cm) in the northeast and central part of the state, to about 40–50 inches (1.0–1.3 m) in the northwestern highlands, but this often varies considerably from year to year. Precipitation falls on an average of 120 days a year, with 25 to 30 thunderstorms, most of which occur during the summer. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience nor'easters , which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout
11424-414: The southwestern counties of the state, which reside within the Delaware Valley surrounding Philadelphia . Despite its heavily urban character and a long history of industrialization , forests cover roughly 45 percent of New Jersey's land area, or approximately 2.1 million acres (8,500 km ), ranking 31st among the 50 U.S. states and six territories. Northwestern New Jersey, often referred to as
11543-541: The state enlisted in the Union army; unlike many states, including some Northern ones, no battle was fought there. In the Industrial Revolution , cities like Paterson grew and prospered. Previously, the economy had been largely agrarian, which was problematically subject to crop failures and poor soil. This caused a shift to a more industrialized economy, one based on manufactured commodities such as textiles and silk. Inventor Thomas Edison also became an important figure of
11662-429: The state's ethnic makeup was as follows: 71.9% White alone, 15.1% Black or African American alone, 10.0% Asian alone, 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, and 2.3% Two or more races. Hispanic or Latino accounted for 20.9%, while White alone (non-Hispanic or Latino) accounted for 54.6% of the population. Many of the municipalities in Bergen County, New Jersey ,
11781-419: The state's largest county, have a sizeable minority population of Hispanics and Asians. Somerset County, New Jersey Somerset County is a county located in the north-central part of the U.S. state of New Jersey . As of the 2020 census , the county was the state's 13th-most-populous county , with a population of 345,361, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 21,917 (+6.8%) from
11900-437: The state's median household income was over $ 85,000 compared to the national average of roughly $ 65,000. Conversely, New Jersey's poverty rate of 9.4% was slightly lower than the national average of 11.4%, and the sixth lowest of the fifty states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico . This is attributed to several factors, including the state's proximity to the major economic centers of New York City and Philadelphia , its hosting
12019-434: The state, but temperatures can, for brief periods, fall below 10 °F (−12 °C) and sometimes rise above 50 °F (10 °C). Northwestern parts of the state have significantly colder winters with sub-0 °F (−18 °C) being an almost annual occurrence. Spring and autumn may feature wide temperature variations, with lower humidity than summer. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone classification ranges from 6 in
12138-470: The vote to all inhabitants who had a certain level of wealth. This included women and Black people, but not married women because they were not legally permitted to own property separately from their husbands. Both sides, in several elections, claimed that the other side had had unqualified women vote and mocked them for use of petticoat electors, whether entitled to vote or not; on the other hand, both parties passed Voting Rights Acts. In 1807, legislature passed
12257-583: The west bank of the Millstone River. It travels along CR 603 (Kingston-Rocky Hill Road) and Canal Road on the east side of the Delaware and Raritan Canal . The route loops back on the south side at Route 27 in Princeton and Kingston and connects near the northern end via CR 514 between Millstone and East Millstone . Attractions along the route include the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park ,
12376-622: The west by Pennsylvania across the Delaware River . New Jersey is broadly divided into the North , Central , and South Jersey geographic regions, although some residents do not consider Central Jersey a region in its own right. Across the regions are five distinct areas divided by natural geography and population concentration. Northeastern New Jersey, often referred to as the Gateway Region , lies closest to Manhattan in New York City, and up to
12495-837: The zeppelin airship Hindenburg crashed in flames over Lakehurst , and the SS Morro Castle beached itself near Asbury Park after going up in flames while at sea. Through both World Wars , New Jersey was a center for war production, especially naval construction. The Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company yards in Kearny and Newark and the New York Shipbuilding Corporation yard in Camden produced aircraft carriers , battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. New Jersey manufactured 6.8 percent of total United States military armaments produced during World War II , ranking fifth among
12614-436: Was Michiel Pauw , who established a patron ship called Pavonia in 1630 along North River , that eventually became Bergen . Peter Minuit 's purchase of lands along the Delaware River established the colony of New Sweden , that lasted until the Dutch conquered it in 1655. Then the entire region became a territory of England on June 24, 1664, after an English fleet under command of Colonel Richard Nicolls sailed into what
12733-475: Was $ 111,587, and the median family income was $ 135,129. About 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over. The 2010 United States census counted 323,444 people, 117,759 households, and 84,669 families in the county. The population density was 1,071.7 per square mile (413.8/km ). There were 123,127 housing units at an average density of 408 per square mile (158/km ). The racial makeup
12852-412: Was 40.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91.8 males. The Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated that the county's gross domestic product was $ 39.8 billion in 2021, which was ranked sixth in the state and was a 5.6% increase from the prior year. Based on IRS data for the 2004 tax year, Somerset County taxpayers had
12971-499: Was 61.0% White , 10.0% African American , 0.2% Native American , 18.5% Asian , and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 15.2% of the population. Of the 122,606 households, of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present and 27.8% were non-families, and 9.3% had someone living alone who
13090-400: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.16. About 21.5% of the population was under age 18, 8.4% was from age 18 to 24, 36.3% was from age 15 to 44, and 16.2% was age 65 or older. The median age was 42.2 years. The gender makeup was 49.2% male and 50.8% female. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. The median household income
13209-441: Was 70.06% (226,608) White , 8.95% (28,943) Black or African American , 0.17% (556) Native American , 14.11% (45,650) Asian , 0.03% (94) Pacific Islander , 4.13% (13,360) from other races , and 2.55% (8,233) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.01% (42,091) of the population. Of the 117,759 households, 35.9% had children under the age of 18; 58.8% were married couples living together; 9.5% had
13328-537: Was also a leading industry during the middle to late 19th century. Bog iron pits in the New Jersey Pine Barrens were among the first sources of iron for the new nation. Mines such as Mt. Hope, Mine Hill, and the Rockaway Valley Mines created a thriving industry. Mining generated the impetus for new towns and was one of the driving forces behind the need for the Morris Canal . Zinc mines were also
13447-571: Was created on May 14, 1688, from portions of Middlesex County . Somerset County is one of America's oldest counties, and is named after the English county of Somerset . The area was first settled in 1681 in the vicinity of Bound Brook , and the county was established by charter on May 22, 1688. Most of the early residents were Dutch . During the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington and his troops marched through
13566-551: Was credited with a revitalization of Hudson County and Jersey City . Urban revitalization has continued in North Jersey in the 21st century. In 2014, Jersey City's Census-estimated population was 262,146, with the largest population increase of any municipality in New Jersey since 2010, representing an increase of 5.9% from the 2010 U.S. census , when the city's population was enumerated at 247,597. Between 2000 and 2010 Newark experienced its first population increase since
13685-580: Was land (99%) and 3.09 square miles (8.0 km ) was water (1%). The high point is on Mine Mountain in Bernardsville, at approximately 860 feet (260 m) above sea level. The lowest point is just above sea level on the Raritan River at the Middlesex County line. In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Somerville have ranged from a low of 18 °F (−8 °C) in January to
13804-514: Was named the Province of New Jersey . Since its inception, New Jersey has been characterized by ethnic and religious diversity . New England Congregationalists settled alongside Scots Presbyterians and Dutch Reformed migrants. While the majority of residents lived in towns with individual landholdings of 100 acres (40 ha), a few rich proprietors owned vast estates. English Quakers and Anglicans owned large landholdings. Unlike Plymouth Colony , Jamestown and other colonies, New Jersey
13923-613: Was populated by a secondary wave of immigrants who came from other colonies instead of those who migrated directly from Europe. New Jersey remained agrarian and rural throughout the colonial era, and commercial farming developed sporadically. Some townships, such as Burlington on the Delaware River and Perth Amboy , emerged as important ports for shipping to New York City and Philadelphia. The colony's fertile lands and tolerant religious policy drew more settlers, and New Jersey's population had increased to 120,000 by 1775. Settlement for
14042-522: Was ranked as the fourth most diverse state in 2024. New Jersey ranks near the top on both the American Human Development Index and the standard Human Development Index . According to climatology research by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , New Jersey has been the fastest-warming state by average air temperature over a 100-year period beginning in the early 20th century, which has been attributed to warming of
14161-494: Was stronger than under the 1776 constitution, the constitution of 1844 created many offices that were not responsible to him, or to the people, and it gave him a three-year term, but he could not succeed himself. New Jersey was one of the few Union states (the others being Delaware and Kentucky ) to select a candidate other than Abraham Lincoln twice in national elections, and sided with Stephen A. Douglas (1860) and George B. McClellan (1864) during their campaigns. McClellan,
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