66-554: Freehold Township is a township in western Monmouth County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Crisscrossed by several major highways, the township is a commercial hub for Central New Jersey (home to the Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall ) and is a suburban bedroom community of New York City , located within the Raritan Valley region of the much larger New York metropolitan area . The township
132-590: A courthouse, ownership would revert to the Reid family. Direct descendants of John Reid still reside in Freehold Township. Freehold was officially designated as the seat of the Monmouth County government, and a court house was commissioned to be built on the land purchased from John Reid. The Monmouth Courthouse opened in 1715. A small village quickly began to develop around the courthouse. At first,
198-619: A political entity, a township in New Jersey is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town , city , borough , or village . They collect property taxes and provide services such as maintaining roads, garbage collection, water, sewer, schools, police and fire protection. The Township form of local government is used by 27% of New Jersey municipalities; however, slightly over 50% of the state's population resides within them. Townships in New Jersey differ from townships elsewhere in
264-469: A prominent loyalist guerrilla force, which conducted several raids in and around Freehold. In one famous incident Joshua Huddy was captured and hung by British Loyalists under the direction of Richard Lippincott and Colonel Tye. Colonel Tye later died from injuries sustained during that raid. Patriots later cut down Huddy's body hanging from the gallows and buried it in Freehold, at Old Tennent Church. At
330-509: A railroad station, with trains making regular stops, was built running nearly parallel with Throckmorton Street in Freehold. Freehold soon had public sewers in the village and in some of the outlying farmland. By 1883, there was an electrical grid and a telephone switchboard, at a time when these inventions were still brand new. These public advancements caused rapid economic growth in Freehold. The village of Freehold became an important commercial and industrial hub in central New Jersey. The farms in
396-546: A relatively forgotten but important place in the history of the bicycle. Cycling champion Arthur Augustus Zimmerman resided in the town during his racing career in the 1880s and 1890s, and from 1896 to 1899 operated the Zimmerman Bicycle Co.; the company's bicycles were known as the "Zimmy." Today, Freehold Borough is home to the Metz Bicycle Museum, where the only extant "Zimmy" can be seen. At
462-525: A severe polio epidemic swept through Freehold. After contentious public debate, a referendum was held to on the future of Freehold, and voters overwhelmingly decided to split the town into two separate municipalities. On April 15, 1919, Freehold Borough formally separated from Freehold Township. Freeholders generally refer to the different municipalities simply as the Borough and the Township. The Borough,
528-433: Is located roughly 38 miles (61 km) away from Manhattan and about 20 miles (32 km) away from Staten Island . As of the 2020 United States census , the township's population was 35,369, a decrease of 815 (−2.3%) from the 36,184 recorded at the 2010 census , which in turn reflected an increase of 4,647 (+14.7%) from the 31,537 counted in the 2000 census . Freehold Township was first formed on October 31, 1693, and
594-403: Is often abbreviated TWP or Twp . Some official documents abbreviate it as "Twsp." Historically, a variety of legislation has been passed by the state legislature that has defined and refined the township form of municipal government: The Township Act of 1798 was the first state legislation to incorporate municipalities. The government defined was a form of direct democracy , similar to
660-678: Is one of the oldest buildings in Freehold. In 1853, the Freehold Raceway opened. Though the original grandstand burned down in a fire, the racetrack is still open today, and is one of the oldest harness racetracks in America. The Great Fire of Freehold happened on October 30, 1873. The fire reportedly began in a commercial building on Main Street. It soon spread to engulf a large section of the village, and many wooden buildings, including Monmouth Courthouse, were burned down. Freehold also has
726-540: The 2000 United States census there were 31,537 people, 10,814 households, and 8,283 families residing in the township. The population density was 820.2 inhabitants per square mile (316.7/km). There were 11,032 housing units at an average density of 286.9 per square mile (110.8/km). The racial makeup of the township was 87.09% White , 5.12% African American , 0.14% Native American , 5.15% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 1.19% from other races , and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.19% of
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#1732771840403792-639: The Pine Barrens reach into a small section of the southern portion of the township, as it is one of only two municipalities in Monmouth County that are part of the Toms River watershed , most of which is located in Ocean County in the aforementioned Pine Barrens. Notable bodies of water within the township include: According to the Köppen climate classification system, Freehold Township sits on
858-583: The September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and are listed on the county's 9/11 memorial. The COVID-19 pandemic affected Freehold Township like many communities. Early on, it (and county at large) made news for the number of reported cases. In particular, one Freehold family named the Fuscos had made news for having lost five of their relatives during the first few months of
924-608: The British forces and they held their ground on the battlefield. British forces met their primary goal, the evacuation of Philadelphia. Both sides claimed victory in the battle. Several famous figures from the Revolutionary War fought at the Battle of Monmouth. British forces were commanded by Sir Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis . The Continental Army was commanded by George Washington and Charles Lee . Charles Lee
990-589: The Continental Army intercepted the column in Freehold. The Battle of Monmouth was one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War, involving over 25,000 soldiers combined in Continental, British, and Hessian forces. The initial engagement was in doubt until Washington arrived because Charles Lee was retreating from the battlefield. Washington rallied the Continentals and strongly engaged
1056-631: The Freehold Raceway Mall, the township itself has many other shopping malls and plazas. Diane & Co. is a dress shop that has been featured on the Oxygen Network's show Jersey Couture . iPlay America is an indoor family entertainment and event center that opened in November 2011, offering rides, arcade and carnival games, along with Topgolf , music venues, laser tag, shops, bars, and restaurants. Freehold Borough (which
1122-546: The New England town meeting , in which the vote was available to all white males, at least 21 years old, who were citizens of New Jersey, and residents of the township for at least six months; and who paid taxes in the township, or who owned land, or rented a home in the township for a rent of at least five dollars a year. A group of five freeholders was elected to one-year terms on the Township Committee, which
1188-620: The Township. In the early 20th century, the farms in Freehold Township continued to be prosperous and successful, and the area steadily grew in population. After World War II , the township experienced rapid growth. By this time, transportation systems had increased to a point to allow workers to commute daily to jobs in larger cities, such as Newark, Philadelphia, and New York City. Highways, including U.S. Route 9 and Route 33 helped to make it possible for commuters to live in Freehold and work in nearby cities. The township quickly developed large neighborhoods of suburban single family homes. Soon,
1254-585: The United States. In many states, townships can be an intermediate form of government, between county government and municipalities that are subordinate parts of the township, with different government responsibilities allocated at each level. In New Jersey, there are no subordinate municipalities located within a township, as townships are equivalent to all other forms of local municipalities. Municipalities in New Jersey may be classified into one of five types , of which townships are one. Townships may retain
1320-512: The area that became Freehold. The Lenape were a hunter-gatherer society. They were largely sedentary, changing campsites seasonally. They were prolific hunters of small game and birds. They were also skilled fisherman, and were known to harvest vast amounts of clams from the bays and inlets on the Jersey Shore . They also practiced some agriculture to augment their food supply. During this time, an important crossroad of two major Lenape trails
1386-410: The average family size was 3.21. In the township the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males. The median income for a household in the township
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#17327718404031452-494: The beginning of the 20th century, Freehold was an increasingly divided community regarding the issue of local tax dollars used as funding for public works and infrastructure projects. The Freeholders living in the downtown area, around the courthouse had very different ideas about how to spend public money compared to the Freeholders living in the surrounding farmland. Tension within the community increased greatly in 1916 when
1518-552: The bypass was fully completed in January 2003, reducing congestion on Route 33 and Route 33 Business , albeit not a completely four-lane highway between Halls Mills Road and the Howell Road intersection. The township has thousands of jobs located within the municipality, along with a growing numbers of commuters who work in neighboring cities such as New York City , Newark , Trenton , and Philadelphia . Five residents died in
1584-408: The committee selects one of its elected members to serve as mayor and preside at meetings. The other members of the township committee serve as commissioners of various township departments, overseeing the work of those areas along with overall legislative issues. Some mayors in this form of government also oversee specific departments. The mayor in this form of government is primarily ceremonial and has
1650-656: The courthouse. The success of the Continental Army at the Battle of Trenton helped to weaken loyalist control of Freehold. In June 1778, the British Army began a major strategic evacuation of the city of Philadelphia. They attempted to protect a long, slow moving column of Loyalist families, equipment, and other supplies seized in Philadelphia, as they moved toward ships in New York Harbor . On June 28, 1778,
1716-421: The downtown area around the courthouse, retained all the existing government buildings around Court Street and Main Street. The Borough also kept the designation as county seat. Freehold Township, the farming communities that surrounded the courthouse, set up a new town hall complex on Schanck Road. The Township completely encircles the Borough. On September 7, 1926, Freehold Borough annexed additional territory from
1782-467: The end of the war, the community was deeply divided and nearly 120 loyalist families left Freehold, fearing retribution from their neighbors. Most of these families re-settled in Canada. During the early 1800s, Freehold steadily grew in size. The village around the courthouse was now called Freehold, along with the surrounding farmland. In 1852, when long distance railroad systems were first being developed,
1848-487: The first Surveyor General of East Jersey , wanted the county seat located in Freehold. Reid's offer to sell the property to the Board of Chosen Freeholders at a heavily discounted price may have been the deciding factor in choosing Freehold—rather than Middletown or Shrewsbury—as the site of the county seat. As part of the deal, Reid placed a restrictive covenant in the deed that, should the property ever cease being used as
1914-443: The first to settle within the area. In 1693, along with Middletown and Shrewsbury , Freehold was established by act of legislature as one of the three original townships in Monmouth County. The name of the township comes from the word freehold , an English legal term describing fee simple property ownership. In 1714, when the colonial government was deciding where to locate the county seat and courthouse, Freeholder John Reid ,
1980-649: The historic Oakley Farm, Reid Sod Farm, and Wemrock Orchards. Tomasello Winery (originally based in Hammonton ) has a wine tasting room located in Wemrock Orchards. Established in 1853, making it the nation's oldest half-mile harness racing track, Freehold Raceway offers horse lovers and bettors an opportunity to see harness racing . Completed in August 1990, the Freehold Raceway Mall
2046-425: The much-amended Act of 1899. It retains a three or five member township committee serving staggered terms, whose members are generally elected at-large. The committee elects a mayor from among its members to serve a one-year term. Partisan elections are allowed under this law. Voters may initiate a referendum to change the membership to consist of either 3 or 5 members. While many township committees directly supervise
Freehold Township, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue
2112-642: The name of early colonial families, including Barkalow, Applegate, Rhea, Throckmorton, and Schanck. Freehold was deeply impacted by the American Revolution . In 1765 with the passage of the Stamp Act , dissidents in Middletown and Upper Freehold established Sons of Liberty groups. In late 1775, Capt. Elias Longstreet recruited the first company of colonists from the county to join the Continental Army for an ill-fated invasion of Canada. Freehold
2178-490: The national average of 65.6% of adults receiving at least one dose. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 38.88 square miles (100.71 km), including 38.65 square miles (100.11 km) of land and 0.23 square miles (0.59 km) of water (0.59%). The township completely surrounds the borough of Freehold , making it part of 21 pairs of "doughnut towns" in
2244-447: The new freeway was downsized to merely a bypass of Freehold. Construction from near Sweetmans Lane ( CR 527 ) to U.S. Route 9 was finished in 1972. Eventually construction began again and the bypass was extended to Halls Mill Road in 1989. For decades traffic was detoured, and congestion continued to worsen. The delay was lengthened when an endangered species was found in the path of the proposed roadway. Finally, after 32 years of waiting,
2310-745: The northern border between the humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) zone and the humid continental climate (Dfa) zone, with the township being one of the most northern localities in North America that has a humid subtropical climate. Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average temperature above 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), at least four months with an average temperature at or above 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), at least one month with an average temperature at or above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. The 2010 United States census counted 36,184 people, 12,577 households, and 9,382 families in
2376-473: The operation of their municipality, the revised act allows the committee to delegate all or a portion of its responsibilities to an appointed municipal administrator. A number of municipalities changed to the Township type, or the Township form of government, between 1979 and 1982. A federal law, The State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 provided funding to the states to be divided between state and municipal governments. In 1981, states were removed from
2442-489: The pandemic, with 19 other family members coming into contact with the virus. In May 2020, the township adopted an ordinance to help in simplifying the process for restaurant owners to obtain permits for seasonal outdoor dining. As of June 25, 2021, the township and county has been ahead of the Biden Administration 's Coronavirus vaccine goal, with at least 73.5% of adults receiving at least one dose, compared to
2508-431: The population were under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 96.9 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
2574-418: The population. Of the 12,577 households, 36.7% had children under the age of 18; 61.4% were married couples living together; 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 25.4% were non-families. Of all households, 21.7% were made up of individuals and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.24. 24.3% of
2640-406: The population. There were 10,814 households, out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 20.0% of all households 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 2.76 and
2706-508: The production of potatoes, beans, and rye, which were sold in the markets of nearby cities. Freehold also became known for its excellent horse farms. The differences within Freehold between the growing settlement around the courthouse and the surrounding farmland were the seeds for the eventual division of Freehold into two separate municipalities in the early 20th century. As of 1745, the majority of families in Freehold were still Scottish immigrants. In modern Freehold, many important streets bear
Freehold Township, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue
2772-425: The program and the law was amended to provide direct grants to the most popular form of local government in the United States - townships. In Essex County alone, 11 municipal governments changed their form or name to take advantage of the program. There are a total of 240 townships in the state, including: Surveyor General A surveyor general is an official responsible for government surveying in
2838-529: The rest of Freehold benefited greatly by being able to sell their products more easily in New York and Philadelphia. The village and the farms prospered together while the public policies sought by each continued to drift apart. The municipal government became increasingly divided between villagers and farmers. In 1824, the American Hotel opened on Main Street in Freehold. It is still standing today and
2904-435: The same power as other township committee members. The mayor does hold the powers vested in all mayors under state law One township committee member is elected deputy mayor each year. Some towns with this form of government rotate the mayor's office each year, while others elect the same mayor for 2–3 consecutive years. Out of the 240 townships in the state, the township form of government is used by 140. On road signs, township
2970-485: The state, the township had solidified in being a premier commercial center for Central New Jersey . As the township grew, Route 33 , which ran through the heart of Freehold, became increasingly congested, in which studies suggested the construction of a new freeway. This was due to the fact that there was no room to widen the highway to 4 lanes between Route 9 and a railroad bridge at the eastern end would need to have been widened to accommodate 4 lanes. After several years,
3036-662: The state, where one municipality entirely surrounds another. The township borders Colts Neck Township , Howell Township , Manalapan Township , Marlboro Township and Millstone Township in Monmouth County; and Jackson Township in Ocean County . The municipality of Upper Freehold Township is not connected, geographically or politically, to Freehold Township. East Freehold (2010 Census population of 4,894) and West Freehold (13,613 as of 2010) are unincorporated communities and census-designated places located within Freehold Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within
3102-467: The township form of government, or adopt one of the modern forms of government, which are not restricted to a particular type of municipality. In New Jersey, a municipality's name (such as X Township) is not necessarily an indication of its form of government. In New Jersey, the township form of government consists of a three to five-member township committee usually elected at-large in partisan elections. At its organization meeting, held after an election,
3168-589: The township began to grow commercial and industrial businesses that rivaled the borough. Brockway Glass Company built their initial facility off Center Street in 1955, which was expanded in subsequent decades before it ceased operations in 1991. The site is now operated by Iron Mountain . 3M opened a magnetic tape production facility in 1957. CentraState Medical Center , a regional hospital serving western Monmouth County , southern Middlesex County , and portions of Mercer and Ocean counties, opened in 1971 as Freehold Area Hospital. Some industrial developments in
3234-585: The township fall within the more flat terrain and sandier soil found in the Outer coastal plain . Most of the township is located within the much larger Raritan Valley region (as many of its brooks and streams flow into the aforementioned river), while also being located relatively close to the Raritan Bay . The township is also closely tied to the Jersey Shore region , being located about 16 miles (26 km) west of Asbury Park . The northernmost stretches of
3300-471: The township has been a longtime economic center in the Central Jersey region. Despite suburbanization in recent decades, the township's agricultural roots have still been preserved. There are numerous crop farms , thoroughbred farms , sod farms , nurseries , and orchards in the township. Notable farms in the township include Brock Farms, Battleview Orchards, Clayton Family Farm, Crawford Farms,
3366-412: The township include Blue Ball (now Adelphia ), Burlington Heights , Georgia , Monmouth Heights , Orchard Estates, Siloam , Smithburg , Southburg, Stonehurst East and Stonehurst West . According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Freehold Township would have an Appalachian oak ( 104 ) vegetation type with an Eastern hardwood forest ( 25 ) vegetation form. Due to
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#17327718404033432-487: The township surrounds) is home to Downtown Freehold, located on East and West Main Street (County Route 537) . This downtown section has various eateries, bars, boutiques, historical sites, and other excursions. Within this section of the borough, there have been plans to revitalize the downtown area. Township (New Jersey) A township , in the context of New Jersey local government , refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government . As
3498-587: The township were negative. In 1983, the United States Environmental Protection Agency designated the Lone Pine Chemical Site as a superfund site. The site has been called "one of the worst environmental disasters in the country". Based on the latest EPA five-year review in 2019, remediation work has contained the spill. In 1990, with the opening of Freehold Raceway Mall , the second-largest mall in
3564-450: The township's location in New Jersey, it is the home of numerous headwaters for various important rivers, brooks, and streams that flow throughout the state. The township is located on a ridge within the geographic heartland of New Jersey , as most sections of the township fall within the hillier terrain and fertile soil found in the Inner coastal plain , while the southeastern sections of
3630-467: The township. The population density was 939.8 per square mile (362.9/km). There were 13,140 housing units at an average density of 341.3 per square mile (131.8/km). The racial makeup was 84.32% (30,509) White , 5.34% (1,931) Black or African American , 0.13% (47) Native American , 7.03% (2,544) Asian , 0.02% (7) Pacific Islander , 1.47% (531) from other races , and 1.70% (615) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.76% (2,808) of
3696-455: The village was called Monmouth Courthouse. Over time, other government buildings opened near the courthouse, including a sheriff's office, a prison, and a post office. A number of homes and commercial businesses also sprang up in the village, including a blacksmith, a general store, a bank, a hotel, and saloon. In the area surrounding Monmouth Courthouse, many successful farms began to appear. The farms in Freehold were particularly well known for
3762-513: Was $ 77,185, and the median income for a family was $ 89,845. Males had a median income of $ 62,545 versus $ 36,668 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 31,505. About 2.8% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over. Due to suburbanization within the township, its location near the Jersey Shore , along with its proximity to major cities such as New York , Newark , Trenton , and Philadelphia ,
3828-420: Was $ 94,735 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 5,749) and the median family income was $ 112,094 (+/− $ 4,124). Males had a median income of $ 85,099 (+/− $ 6,540) versus $ 48,926 (+/− $ 4,407) for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 40,504 (+/− $ 2,006). About 2.8% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over. As of
3894-632: Was a known center of patriot activity. The Declaration of Independence was publicly proclaimed, read aloud, from the steps of the Monmouth Courthouse just a few days after being signed in Philadelphia . After British success at the Battle of Long Island , Freehold and all of Monmouth County fell under the control of Loyalists . The British government continued to operate the Monmouth Courthouse, and several people involved in revolutionary activities were arrested and tried for treason at
3960-401: Was constructed at a cost of $ 125 million on a site covering more than 175 acres (71 ha) across from the Freehold Raceway over U.S. Route 9 . A super-regional high-end shopping mall, it has a gross leasable area of 1,600,000 square feet (150,000 m), making it the third-largest mall in the state , behind Westfield Garden State Plaza and American Dream Meadowlands . Outside of
4026-480: Was formed within the township on March 25, 1869, and formally separated when it was reconstituted as a borough on April 15, 1919, including additional portions of the township. The Battle of Monmouth was fought in June 1778 in what has been preserved as Monmouth Battlefield State Park , which is in Freehold Township and Manalapan Township . The Lenni Lenape Native Americans were the earliest known people to live in
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#17327718404034092-689: Was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Portions of Freehold Township were taken to form Upper Freehold Township ( c. 1731 ), so some wills and official records following the split referred to "Lower Freehold Township" although the official name has always been Freehold Township. Additional portions formed Millstone Township (February 28, 1844), Jackson Township (March 6, 1844), Atlantic Township (February 18, 1847; now Colts Neck Township), Marlboro Township (February 17, 1848) and Manalapan Township (March 9, 1848). Freehold town
4158-463: Was later court martialed by the Continental Army for his actions at the Battle of Monmouth. Nathanael Greene , Alexander Hamilton , "Mad" Anthony Wayne , the Marquis de Lafayette and Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben also fought at the Battle of Monmouth for the Continental Army. Another famous figure at the Battle of Monmouth was Molly Pitcher , who manned a cannon during the battle after her husband
4224-564: Was located in the area of Freehold. In 1498, John Cabot became the first European to sight this land. By the late 17th century, the English had begun to take over the area. In 1664, the Duke of York (later James II & VII ) granted a patent to Sir George Carteret to develop the area. In 1685, Scottish Presbyterians from Scotland , along with English Baptists and Quakers from New England fleeing religious persecution at home, became
4290-569: Was responsible to oversee the expenditure of revenue in between town meetings. The Township Act of 1899 abolished the town meeting and strengthened the role of the Township Committee, which was initially set at three and amended to allow for expansion to five members. Members were elected for staggered three-year terms. The Home Rule Act of 1917 legally defined the term "municipality" and recognized five types of government: borough , township, city , town , and village and granted each equal legal standing. The Township Act of 1989 simplified
4356-399: Was wounded. In the aftermath of the Battle of Monmouth, Loyalist control of Freehold faltered. The township ceased to have a functioning municipal government and the courthouse was closed until the end of the war. Minor clashes between loyalists and continentals flared up in town, with the violence peaking around 1780. Colonel Tye , was an escaped slave formerly named Titus, and the leader of
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