Flagtown, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Flagtown, New Jersey
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Welcome sign
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 Flagtown, New Jersey
Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
Flagtown, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Flagtown, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Somerset |
| Township | Hillsborough |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.72 sq mi (4.45 km2) |
| • Land | 1.71 sq mi (4.42 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,070 |
| • Density | 626.46/sq mi (241.93/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| FIPS code | 34-23610 |
Flagtown is a small community in Hillsborough Township. It is located in Somerset County, in the state of New Jersey. It is known as an unincorporated community and a census-designated place. This means it's a recognized area, but it doesn't have its own separate local government.
Contents
What's the History of Flagtown?
How Flagtown Got Its Name
The area was first called Flaggtown around 1850. It was named after Jacob Flagg, who bought land here in the 1700s. Later, a person named J. Flagg, who owned a local tavern, used it as a meeting place. This tavern was important during the American Revolutionary War. It was also a place where people voted.
Changes to the Name and Train Stations
Over time, the name changed. In 1873, railroads came through the area. The part north of the tracks was called Flaggtown Station. The area to the south stayed as Flaggtown. By 1891, the name Flaggtown Station was no longer used. The entire area became known as Flagtown. The U.S. Post Office helped make this change to avoid confusion.
The Old Red School House
The first school in Flagtown was built around 1725. It was on a small hill near where a train station would later be. A teacher named William Parrish taught there. In 1795, the school building was replaced. The new building was painted red and white. People called it "The Old Red School House."
How Many People Live in Flagtown?
Flagtown's Population in 2020
According to the 2020 United States census, Flagtown had a population of 1,070 people.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 1,070 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 |
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What About Flagtown's Post Office?
A Unique Post Office
Flagtown has its own post office with the ZIP code 08821. However, most residents don't get mail delivered to their homes. Instead, they use a P.O. box at the post office. Some homes on main streets can get home delivery if they use "Hillsborough" as their postal address.
Special Flag Day Mail
The Flagtown post office gets very busy on the 4th of July and Flag Day. This is because Flagtown is the only place with that name in the United States. People from all over send their postcards and letters here. They want their mail to get a special "Flagtown" postmark on these flag-related holidays. It makes for a unique souvenir!
Meet the Flagtown Fire Department
The "Mean and Green" Fire Trucks
Even though Flagtown is a small community, it has its own volunteer fire department. It's called the Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1. For many years, their fire trucks have been green instead of the usual red. People often call them "Mean and Green." The newer trucks are a bright lime green, almost yellow. This makes them very easy to spot!
History of the Fire Company
The Flagtown Fire Department was the first fire company in Hillsborough Township. Hillsborough is the largest township in Somerset County, New Jersey. In 1937, some community members decided a fire company was needed. On May 27, 1938, the Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 officially started. They bought their first used fire truck that same year.
Building the Firehouse
For eight years, the fire trucks were kept in a garage. But in 1946, the firefighters built their own firehouse. The wood for the building was given by Doris Duke, a famous tobacco heiress who lived nearby. Over the years, the firehouse has been expanded. This allows it to hold more trucks and meet the department's needs.
Santa's Special Visit
It's a long-standing tradition for Santa Claus to visit Flagtown around Christmas time. He rides on top of one of the fire trucks! Santa says "Ho ho ho" over the loudspeaker. He even makes special stops to give toys and candy to kids in the neighborhood.
Who Are Some Notable People from Flagtown?
People who have lived in or are connected to Flagtown include:
- Sylvia Dubois (1788/89–1888), a woman who gained her freedom.
