Kingston, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kingston, New Jersey
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Kingston Mill on the Millstone River
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Map of Kingston showing section in Middlesex County. Inset: Location of Middlesex County in New Jersey.
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 Kingston, New Jersey
Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Kingston, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Kingston, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| Counties | Middlesex and Somerset |
| Townships | South Brunswick and Franklin |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.94 sq mi (5.03 km2) |
| • Land | 1.87 sq mi (4.85 km2) |
| • Water | 0.07 sq mi (0.18 km2) 3.80% |
| Elevation | 121 ft (37 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,581 |
| • Density | 843.65/sq mi (325.81/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| ZIP Code |
08528
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| Area code(s) | 609 |
| FIPS code | 34-36930 |
| GNIS feature ID | 02584006 |
Kingston is a small community in New Jersey, USA. It's known as a census designated place (CDP). This means it's a special area defined by the government for counting people. Kingston sits on the border of two counties: Middlesex and Somerset. It's also quite close to Princeton.
Kingston is located in the Raritan Valley region. The Millstone River flows through it. In 2020, about 1,581 people lived in Kingston.
The New Jersey State Planning Commission created a special group in 2001. This group, called the Kingston Village Advisory Committee, helps with local issues. Both South Brunswick and Franklin townships have members on this committee. Kingston is the only village in New Jersey that has been officially recognized this way.
Kingston is important for its history. It's part of five historic districts. It's also on the Millstone River Valley Scenic Byway, a special road known for its beautiful views. The Delaware and Raritan Canal and Rockingham State Historic Site are nearby.
Contents
History of Kingston
In the early 1700s, Jediah Higgins bought a large piece of land from the Native Americans. This is how the town of Kingston began. Kingston's location was very important. It was on the Lenape Assunpink Trail, which crossed the Millstone River. This trail later became part of the famous King's Highway.
Because it was on both a busy road and a river, Kingston became a very active village. It had mills and taverns, which were important for trade and travel back then.
Kingston's Geography
Kingston covers an area of about 1.94 square miles (5.03 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. About 3.80% of Kingston is water, mainly from the Millstone River.
Kingston's Population
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1990 | 1,047 | — | |
| 2000 | 1,292 | 23.4% | |
| 2010 | 1,493 | 15.6% | |
| 2020 | 1,581 | 5.9% | |
| Population sources: 1990-2010 2000 2010 2020 |
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The population of Kingston has grown over the years. In 1990, there were 1,047 people. By 2020, the population had increased to 1,581.
People in Middlesex County Portion
In 2010, 1,222 people lived in the Middlesex County part of Kingston. Most residents were White (71.28%). There were also people who identified as Asian (14.73%), Black or African American (6.30%), and other races. About 10.64% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Many households were families, with 47.8% being married couples. The average household had about 2.29 people. The median age was 40.9 years old.
People in Somerset County Portion
In 2010, 271 people lived in the Somerset County part of Kingston. The majority of residents were White (94.10%). There were also smaller numbers of Black or African American (2.58%) and Asian (2.21%) residents. About 5.54% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
In this part of Kingston, 52.4% of households were married couples. The average household size was 2.19 people. The median age was 45.5 years old.
Churches in Kingston
Kingston has a rich religious history with two main churches.
Kingston Presbyterian Church
The Kingston Presbyterian Church started in 1723. Its first building was a log cabin near the Millstone River. Old gravestones still mark where this first church stood in the Kingston Cemetery. The original church building burned down in 1791. A new one was built in 1792 on the same spot.
In 1852, the church moved to a larger building on Main Street. This building has been expanded twice, once in the late 1940s and again in the late 1980s.
The church faced challenges during the 1700s. As Princeton grew, some members moved to a new church there. The American Revolutionary War also affected the area. British officers stayed in local homes. General George Washington was known in Kingston. He led his troops past the church and even had his headquarters nearby.
Since 1800, the Kingston Presbyterian Church has grown steadily. In the early 1800s, it even sent its first missionaries to China.
Kingston United Methodist Church
The Kingston United Methodist Church began in February 1878. People from a nearby Methodist church held special meetings in Kingston. About twenty people from Kingston decided to start their own Methodist church.
They bought land for $250 on what is now Church Street. Building started in September 1878 and was finished in January 1879. A nursery was added later for children.
Historic Places in Kingston
Several important places in Kingston are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are officially recognized for their historical value.
- Rockingham Historic Site: This was George Washington's last wartime headquarters in 1783. It was added to the list in 1970.
- Delaware and Raritan Canal Historic District: This historic canal area was added in 1973.
- Kingston Mill Historic District: This district, featuring the historic mill, was added in 1986.
- Kingston Village Historic District: This area, covering the historic village, was added in 1990.
- King's Highway Historic District: This historic road section was added in 2000.
- Princeton Nurseries Historic District: This area, related to plant nurseries, was added in August 2018.
Notable People from Kingston
Kingston has been home to some interesting people:
- Cynthia Gooding (1924–1988): A famous folk singer.
- Andrew Zwicker (born 1964): A physicist and a member of the New Jersey government.
See also
In Spanish: Kingston (Nueva Jersey) para niños
