129-662: The Raritan River is a river of the U.S. state of New Jersey . Its watershed drains much of the central region of the state, emptying into the Raritan Bay near Staten Island on the Atlantic Ocean . Geologists assert that the lower Raritan provided the course of the mouth of the Hudson River approximately 6,000 years ago. Following the end of the last ice age , the Narrows had not yet been formed and
258-761: A New Jersey Transit railroad bridge which carries the North Jersey Coast Line ; the Victory Bridge which carries Route 35 (connecting Perth Amboy and Sayreville, New Jersey ); the Edison Bridge , which carries U.S. Route 9 (connecting Woodbridge Township and Sayreville ); and the Driscoll Bridge , which carries the Garden State Parkway (connecting Woodbridge Township and Sayreville). The Raritan River
387-895: A student–teacher ratio of 10.9:1. One of the largest suburban districts statewide, the district is the largest in Somerset County. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Adamsville Primary School (532 students; in grades PreK–4), Bradley Gardens Primary School (263; PreK–4), Crim Primary School (342; K–4), Hamilton Primary School (477; K–4), John F. Kennedy Primary School (427; K–4), Milltown Primary School (402; PreK–4), Van Holten Primary School (334; K–4), Eisenhower Intermediate School (704; 5–6), Hillside Intermediate School (574; 5–6), Bridgewater–Raritan Middle School (1,384; 7–8) and Bridgewater–Raritan High School (2,747; 9–12). All schools in
516-883: A 2010 Census population of 14,206 ), Bridgewater Center , Finderne (5,600 ), Green Knoll (6,200 ), and Martinsville (11,980 ) are census-designated places and unincorporated communities located within Bridgewater Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Chimney Rock, Hobbstown, Middle Brook Heights, Milltown, and Sunset Lake. Bridgewater borders 13 other municipalities. Its longest borders are with Branchburg Township , Bedminster Township , Bernards Township , Warren Township , Bound Brook , Somerville , and Raritan . It also borders Green Brook (though connected only by Route 22 ), Middlesex (though connected only by one local street), South Bound Brook (a very short border in
645-414: 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
774-646: A countywide basis are: Clerk Steve Peter ( D , Somerville , 2027), Sheriff Darrin Russo (D, Franklin Township, 2025) and Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh (D, Franklin Township, 2025) As of March 2011, there were a total of 28,049 registered voters in Bridgewater Township, of which 6,468 (23.1% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats , 7,618 (27.2% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 13,947 (49.7% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 16 voters registered to other parties. Among
903-517: A higher proportion of immigrants. New Jersey is home to roughly half a million unauthorized 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
1032-536: A historical address. Until the 1960s, Bridgewater was largely known as a farming community. In the 1970s its population began to grow when residents of larger cities such as Plainfield and Newark started to migrate into Bridgewater as a result of the 1967 Plainfield Riots and 1967 Newark riots . Subsequently, Bridgewater started to receive an influx of residents who worked in the strong pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and financial industries in Bridgewater and
1161-597: A local Lenape Native American tribe. Bridgewater was chartered by George II of Great Britain in 1749, and incorporated on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey's 104 original townships . It is named after the town of Bridgwater in the English county of Somerset . Tradition holds that it was at the Middlebrook encampment the first official flag of the United States was unfurled, after law to adopt
1290-417: 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
1419-799: 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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#17327653484771548-518: 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
1677-772: 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,
1806-539: A national flag had been passed by Congress on June 14, 1777. By special order of Congress , a Thirteen Star Flag is flown 24 hours a day at the Washington Camp Ground, part of the former Middlebrook encampment, in Bridgewater. Since 1889, the first hoisting of the flag is commemorated annually each July 4 with a changing of the flag, a reading of the Declaration of Independence , and the delivery of
1935-567: 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
2064-596: 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. As of 2024 , Somerset County's County Commissioners are: Director Shanel Robinson ( D , Franklin Township , 2024), Melonie Marano (D, Green Brook Township , 2025), Paul Drake (D, Hillsborough Township , 2026), Douglas Singleterry (D, North Plainfield , 2026) and Deputy Director Sara Sooy (D, Bernards Township , 2024). Constitutional officers, elected on
2193-474: A staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election together with the mayor and three seats up for vote two years later. At a reorganization meeting held in January after each election, the committee selects a council president and vice president from among its members. As of 2024 , the mayor of Bridgewater Township is Republican Matthew C. Moench, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of
2322-488: A turnout of 80.8% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County). In the 2004 presidential election , Republican George W. Bush received 11,641 votes (55.5% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 9,104 votes (43.4% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 170 votes (0.8% vs. 0.9%), among the 20,985 ballots cast by the township's 25,218 registered voters, for a turnout of 83.2% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county). In
2451-660: 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
2580-629: 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 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
2709-537: Is a preserved portion of the land on which the army of George Washington encamped during the winter of 1778–1779, though the general himself stayed in a house in Somerville. The area also offers many parks and other recreational facilities, including Washington Valley Park . TD Bank Ballpark is home to the Somerset Patriots . The 6,100-seat stadium was constructed in 1999. As an independent team,
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#17327653484772838-524: Is also home to many Fortune 500 companies across various industries from software to financial services. Bridgewater Commons is a large regional shopping mall anchored by Bloomingdale's and Macy's , with a gross leasable area of 994,000 square feet (92,300 m ). There are also several smaller but substantial shopping areas such as Bridgewater Promenade, Chimney Rock shopping center, and Somerset shopping center. Washington Camp Ground (also known as Middlebrook encampment ), north of Bound Brook,
2967-617: Is an important source of drinking water for the central portion of New Jersey. A water filtration plant operated by New Jersey American Water is located in Somerset and draws its water at the confluence of the Raritan River and its largest tributary (the Millstone River ), providing an average of 132,000,000 US gallons (500,000 m) of water per day. The New Jersey Water Supply Authority operates two reservoirs off of
3096-516: Is being transitioned to Somerset County at an unknown time frame, joining nine other county municipalities that have emergency calls handled centrally and dispatched to each individual police department. The move is expected to save the township $ 4.5 million over 10 years, saving $ 4.50 on the average tax bill. Bridgewater has 75 officers who are a part of the Bridgewater Township Police Department, which includes
3225-625: Is formed by the confluence of: Its main tributaries are: Others are: Lakes that are located within the Raritan Basin include: New Jersey New Jersey 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
3354-638: Is in Raritan Valley (a line of cities in Central New Jersey). Bridgewater lies in the western division of the Raritan Valley along with Branchburg and Raritan. Bridgewater contains a number of communities and sections, many of which do not have officially defined boundaries. They include: According to National Geographic magazine, Bridgewater has an unusually high number of twins and triplets. The 2010 United States census counted 44,464 people, 16,111 households, and 12,035 families in
3483-803: 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,
3612-483: Is now Somerset County's second-most populous municipality, after Franklin Township. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 32.36 square miles (83.81 km ), including 31.89 square miles (82.59 km ) of land and 0.47 square miles (1.23 km ) of water (1.46%). While much of Bridgewater has a relatively flat terrain, the northeastern portion of
3741-581: Is part of New Jersey's 23rd state Legislative District. Prior to the 2010 Census, Bridgewater Township had been part of the 7th Congressional District and the 11th Congressional District , a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on the results of the November 2012 general elections. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 7th congressional district
3870-600: 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
3999-534: 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 ). 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 ,
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4128-545: The 2000 United States census , there were 42,940 people, 15,561 households, and 11,888 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,323.4 inhabitants per square mile (511.0/km ). There were 15,879 housing units at an average density of 489.4/sq mi (189.0/km ). The racial makeup of the township was 83.07% White , 2.17% African American , 0.08% Native American , 11.54% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.89% from other races , and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.79% of
4257-454: 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,
4386-406: 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
4515-636: The 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 72.7% of the vote (9,213 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.7% (3,261 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (193 votes), among the 12,834 ballots cast by the township's 29,774 registered voters (167 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 43.1%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 9,542 votes (61.7% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 4,491 votes (29.0% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 1,238 votes (8.0% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 89 votes (0.6% vs. 0.7%), among
4644-418: The 2020 United States census , the township's population was 45,977, an increase of 1,513 (+3.4%) from the 2010 census count of 44,464, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,524 (+3.5%) from the 42,940 counted in the 2000 census . Bridgewater is a relatively large, suburban township located in the center of Somerset County. The area of the present Township of Bridgewater was originally purchased from
4773-615: The 23rd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Doug Steinhardt ( R , Lopatcong Township ) and in the General Assembly by John DiMaio (R, Hackettstown ) and Erik Peterson (R, Franklin Township ). 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
4902-699: 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,
5031-709: 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
5160-880: 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 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
5289-468: 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 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
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5418-678: 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
5547-456: 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
5676-719: 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
5805-571: The Erie Canal (completed in 1825) sparked a "canal fever" in the United States, catalyzing the construction of the Delaware and Raritan Canal (D&R) between New Brunswick on the Raritan and Bordentown on the Delaware River . The D&R was completed in 1834 and provided a critical link between Philadelphia (and the rest of the greater Mid-Atlantic region , at large) and New York (and
5934-651: The Green Brook Flood Control Project , which is designed to protect Bound Brook from a 150-year flood. In August 2011, record flooding occurred once again after Hurricane Irene swept through the area. This problem was exacerbated by well-above average rainfall that fell in the weeks before the storm hit, and spurred completion of the Army Corps of Engineers flood control project. As of 2015, the current status of this project is: (In alphabetical order with 2020 population) The Raritan river
6063-585: 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
6192-805: 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
6321-409: 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
6450-430: 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
6579-404: The North Branch of the Raritan River forms the township's western border with Branchburg. The North Branch and South Branch of the Raritan River meet at the extreme southwestern corner of Bridgewater at the border with both Branchburg Township and Hillsborough Township , and this point is known as the Raritan River Confluence was once intended to be a major reservoir. Bradley Gardens (with
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#17327653484776708-437: The Northern precinct . It was incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships by the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, under the Township Act of 1798 . During the nineteenth century, portions of the township were taken to form Warren Township (March 5, 1806), Branchburg Township (April 5, 1845), Somerville (March 25, 1863), Raritan (April 3, 1868) and Bound Brook (March 24, 1869). As of
6837-418: 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
6966-403: The Raritan Bay and move further inland along the river valley. As English colonists took over the region, they took advantage of the river's location between New York and Philadelphia as well as a road network developed by the Lenape to turn the region into a transportation and commercial hub. As a result, the Raritan River became an important waterway for colonial travel and trade, allowing for
7095-540: 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
7224-474: 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
7353-468: The 15,462 ballots cast by the township's 27,822 registered voters, yielding a 55.6% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county). Bridgewater is part of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District , which serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade from Bridgewater and Raritan Borough . As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of 11 schools, had an enrollment of 8,254 students and 754.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for
7482-453: 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
7611-410: 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
7740-412: 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 ,
7869-452: 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,
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#17327653484777998-404: The Bridgewater Township Council are Council President Timothy Ring (R, 2027), Council Vice President Howard V. Norgalis (R, 2025), Michael Kirsh (R, 2027), Allen F. Kurdyla (R, 2025) and Filipe Pedroso (R, 2025). Since January 2020, the Township Administrator is Michael Pappas , a former member of Congress. Bridgewater Township is split between the 7th and 12th Congressional Districts and
8127-409: 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
8256-422: 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 ;
8385-453: 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
8514-426: The Delaware to the Raritan river and serves over 1 million customers along the way The Raritan River has persistent flooding problems when excessive rain from storms affects the river basin. The flooding problems mainly affect the town of Bound Brook , which is partially built on a natural floodplain at the junction of several tributaries, and Manville , which has a large neighborhood known as Lost Valley that lies on
8643-401: 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
8772-438: The Hudson flowed along the Watchung Mountains to present-day Bound Brook , then followed the course of the Raritan eastward into Lower New York Bay . The name Raritan possibly derives from a branch of the Lenape people called the Nariticongs, the first people known to settle the Raritan Valley. Following conflict with the arriving Dutch colonists , the native people of the region were forced to sell their territory near
8901-491: 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
9030-695: 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
9159-431: 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
9288-937: The Patriots were a founding member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in 1998. The Patriots became the Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the New York Yankees in 2021. 1 ( Eastern League ) Bridgewater Township is governed within the Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law), under the Mayor-Council system of municipal government plan 2, as implemented on January 1, 1984, based on actions of
9417-513: The Raritan Valley. More recently, there has also been growth as Bridgewater has become more popular with New York City commuters who use the Bridgewater Station on New Jersey Transit's Raritan Valley Line or Interstate 78 East to commute to New York City. Bridgewater is now a fairly developed suburban community, with only a few traces of its rural past still evident in the town (particularly in its northwestern section). Bridgewater
9546-421: The Raritan as well. The tidal portions of the river host migratory salt water species such as striped bass , fluke , winter flounder , weakfish and bluefish . Recently, efforts to restore anadromous fish populations have been made, done by removing many of the obsolete dams and the constructing dam bypass infrastructure. Hopefully this will result in restoring shad , striped bass, and sturgeon populations in
9675-705: The Raritan river, the Spruce Run Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir , and controls releases of water to ensure the “minimum passing flow rates” enforced by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection . Additionally, the Delaware and Raritan Canal, managed by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, serves as a water supply that pumps over 100,000,000 US gallons (380,000 m) of water per day from
9804-584: The Township Committee. The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the five-member Township Council. All members of the governing body are chosen at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election in odd-numbered years. The mayoral seat comes up for vote every four years and council members are elected to serve four-terms of office on
9933-494: 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
10062-455: The canal was developed as a state park for recreational use and remains in use as a water supply for central New Jersey. Various mill towns were formed along the canal and the aforementioned river (and tributaries), most notably (from south to north / west to east) being Trenton , Kingston , Blackwells Mills , Griggstown , Hillsborough , Manville , Chester , Bernards , Clinton , Raritan , Milltown , and Woodbridge . The river forms at
10191-468: The confluence of the North and South Branches just west of Somerville at the border of Bridgewater , Branchburg , and Hillsborough Townships . It flows for approximately 16 mi (26 km) before slowing in tidewater at New Brunswick , and its estuary extends 14 mi (23 km) more entering the western end of Raritan Bay at South Amboy . Comprehensive measures have been taken to reduce
10320-457: The development of trade centers like Raritan Landing and New Brunswick , where agricultural and raw material goods could be sold. During the American Revolutionary War , the river was the site of guerilla warfare by American militiamen against British patrols, culminating in the Battle of Bound Brook where a large British force attacked an American outpost south of the river. The success of
10449-410: The district are in Bridgewater except for Kennedy, which is in Raritan. The overwhelming majority of students in the district are from Bridgewater, with approximately 1,000 students from Raritan. Seats on the district's nine-member board of education are allocated based on population, with eight seats allocated to Bridgewater Township. During the 1999–2000 school year, Bridgewater-Raritan High School
10578-536: 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 ;
10707-662: 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 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
10836-674: 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
10965-474: The floodplain between the Raritan River and its largest tributary river, which is known as the Millstone River . Other towns in the Raritan River basin also experience flooding to a lesser degree. Record flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd in September 1999 (42.13 ft (12.84 m)) flood crest, 14 ft (4.3 m) above flood stage) caused renewed interest in a flood control project called
11094-458: 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
11223-442: 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
11352-418: 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
11481-436: 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
11610-603: The middle of the Raritan River ), Franklin Township (the only street connection is Interstate 287 ), Manville (the only street connection is Finderne Avenue, a county highway), and Hillsborough Township (no direct street connection). Bridgewater Township's ZIP Code is 08807, with 08836 used in the community of Martinsville , and 08805 used in the Thomae Park section (mailing address of Bound Brook). Bridgewater's area codes are 908 and 732/848 . Bridgewater
11739-419: 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
11868-417: 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
11997-578: 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
12126-406: The pollution and increase the water quality. These actions have benefited the fish population which include (but are not limited to) largemouth bass , smallmouth bass , sunfish , catfish , trout , chain pickerel , american eels , carp and yellow perch . Pike can be found in relative abundance in some portions of the river like Clinton and Califon. An occasional Musky has been taken out of
12255-432: The population were under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 30.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.8 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
12384-419: The population. Of the 16,111 households, 38.3% had children under the age of 18; 64.1% were married couples living together; 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 25.3% were non-families. Of all households, 21.8% were made up of individuals and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.21. 25.5% of
12513-420: The population. 21.3% were of Italian , 17.1% Irish , 16.7% German and 11.8% Polish ancestry. There were 15,561 households, of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who
12642-523: The regional commercial hub for Somerset County (home to Bridgewater Commons and different corporate headquarters) and as a suburban bedroom community of New York City within the New York Metropolitan Area . The township is located roughly 32 miles (51 km) away from Manhattan and about 20 miles (32 km) away from Staten Island . Bridgewater Township was created by Royal charter on April 4, 1749, from portions of
12771-559: The rest of the greater New England region , at large), as these cities were situated along the crucial rivers of the Delaware and the Hudson , respectively. The vast majority of traffic along the canal was Pennsylvania anthracite coal with the rest consisting mostly of agricultural and textile goods. At its peak in 1866 the D&;R transported more cargo than the Erie Canal. In 1932 the D&R canal shut down for commercial use. In 1974
12900-513: The river. Many songbirds , wading birds , and waterfowl make their homes in and along the length of the river, such as mallards , canadian geese , great blue herons , double-crested cormorants , and common mergansers . Common songbirds include the american robin , song sparrow , northern mockingbird , common grackle , and the Red-winged blackbird . Crustaceans such as blue claw crab , fiddler crabs and green crabs are also found in
13029-533: 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
13158-645: 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
13287-494: 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
13416-414: 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
13545-545: 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
13674-429: 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 ,
13803-600: The state's largest county, have a sizeable minority population of Hispanics and Asians. Bridgewater Township, New Jersey Bridgewater Township is a township in Somerset County in the U.S. state of New Jersey , located within the heart of the Raritan Valley region . Situated within Central New Jersey and crisscrossed by several major highways, the township is known for being both
13932-437: 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
14061-434: 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
14190-1009: The supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen . The headquarters of the Somerset County Library System is located in Bridgewater. In 2013, Stephen Kovacs joined the staff of Medeo Fencing Club in Bridgewater as a coach. He was accused in 2021 by detectives from the Bridgewater Township Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit of sexually assaulting two teenage fencing students in Bridgewater multiple times in 2020 and 2021; he died in Somerset County Jail in January 2022. The township's Communications Center handles all emergency calls with 11 full-time dispatchers and five part-time dispatchers as of 2013. The Bridgewater emergency dispatch
14319-663: The tidal sections of the river. Crayfish can be found farther upstream. The river is also used for recreational boating, including use by the rowing team of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. The river is featured in the title of Rutgers' alma mater , On the Banks of the Old Raritan , and its flooding is mentioned in the song. Near its mouth, the river is spanned by the Raritan Bay Drawbridge ,
14448-829: The township is very hilly, with the First Ridge of the Watchung Mountains (sometimes known as the First Watchung Mountain) passing through the township. Additionally, the Second Ridge (Second Mountain) passes north of the township border. The Raritan River and its branches and tributaries form much of Bridgewater's borders with other municipalities and a number of smaller rivers and streams run through Bridgewater. The Raritan itself runs along Bridgewater's southern border (except where Somerville and Raritan were carved out as separate boroughs) and
14577-410: The township's 2010 Census population, 63.1% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 84.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide). In the 2012 presidential election , Republican Mitt Romney received 52.1% of the vote (10,664 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 46.7% (9,561 votes), and other candidates with 1.1% (227 votes), among the 20,592 ballots cast by
14706-407: The township's 29,510 registered voters (140 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 69.8%. In the 2008 presidential election , Republican John McCain received 11,346 votes (51.3% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 10,357 votes (46.8% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 267 votes (1.2% vs. 1.1%), among the 22,110 ballots cast by the township's 27,378 registered voters, for
14835-472: The township. The population density was 1,387.9 per square mile (535.9/km ). There were 16,657 housing units at an average density of 519.9 per square mile (200.7/km ). The racial makeup was 76.46% (33,996) White , 2.38% (1,059) Black or African American , 0.10% (46) Native American , 17.83% (7,927) Asian , 0.00% (2) Pacific Islander , 1.46% (647) from other races , and 1.77% (787) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.76% (3,004) of
14964-470: 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
15093-526: 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
15222-865: 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
15351-436: 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
15480-423: Was $ 108,680 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 5,095) and the median family income was $ 130,594 (+/− $ 6,507). Males had a median income of $ 90,875 (+/− $ 4,851) versus $ 65,501 (+/− $ 4,264) for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 46,994 (+/− $ 1,811). About 1.6% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 3.1% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over. At
15609-540: Was $ 88,308 and the median family income was $ 99,832. Males had a median income of $ 67,089 versus $ 49,096 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 39,555. About 1.6% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over. The township has long been a hub for pharmaceutical companies including Valeant , Allergan , Amneal Pharmaceuticals , many small, and mid-size ones. Sanofi 's US headquarters are in Bridgewater. Bridgewater
15738-434: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.14. 25.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males. The median household income
15867-556: 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
15996-557: 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
16125-514: 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
16254-620: 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
16383-535: 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
16512-708: Was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education , the highest award an American school can receive from the federal government. Bridgewater is the home of the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School , a four-year magnet school that provides occupational and academic training to students from Somerset County. Little Friends of Jesus Nursery School (preschool, non-parochial) operates under
16641-494: 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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