Martinsville, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martinsville, New Jersey
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 Martinsville, New Jersey
Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
Martinsville, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Martinsville, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Somerset |
| Township | Bridgewater |
| Area | |
| • Total | 12.23 sq mi (31.67 km2) |
| • Land | 12.15 sq mi (31.47 km2) |
| • Water | 0.07 sq mi (0.19 km2) 0.62% |
| Elevation | 259 ft (79 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 12,147 |
| • Density | 999.6/sq mi (385.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| ZIP Code |
08836
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| Area code(s) | 908 |
| FIPS code | 34-44430 |
| GNIS feature ID | 02584010 |
Martinsville is a community in New Jersey, United States. It's not a separate town but part of Bridgewater Township. Martinsville is also known as a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's an area identified by the United States Census Bureau for collecting population data.
In 2020, about 12,147 people lived in Martinsville. It is mostly a residential area with homes. You can find a small shopping area along Washington Valley Road and its own post office. Martinsville is located in northeastern Bridgewater, close to Warren Township.
Contents
Discovering Martinsville's Past
Martinsville has an interesting history, especially from the American Revolutionary War.
The Middlebrook Encampment
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army set up a camp called the Middlebrook encampment. This camp was near Martinsville, along the First Watchung Mountains. This location was like a natural fort. It helped protect the army and allowed them to watch over the British forces stationed in New Brunswick.
The First American Flag
A special tradition says that the very first official flag of the United States was flown here. This happened after Congress passed a law to adopt a national flag on June 14, 1777. Today, a Thirteen Star Flag flies 24 hours a day at the Washington Camp Ground. This area is part of the old Middlebrook encampment in Bridgewater.
Since 1889, people celebrate this event every July 4th. They change the flag, read the United States Declaration of Independence, and listen to a historical speech.
Exploring Martinsville's Geography
Martinsville covers an area of about 12.4 square miles (32.1 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 12.3 square miles (31.9 square kilometers). A small part, about 0.076 square miles (0.198 square kilometers), is water.
Population and Community Life
Martinsville is home to over 12,000 people. In 2010, the population was 11,980. By 2020, it had grown slightly to 12,147 residents. Most people living here are families. Many households have children under 18. The community has a mix of different backgrounds, with people from various racial and ethnic groups.
Places to Visit in Martinsville
Martinsville offers several interesting spots for residents and visitors.
Washington Valley Park
Washington Valley Park is part of the Somerset County Park System. It's a great place for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on its many trails. One popular hike is a one-hour loop around an old reservoir. This reservoir used to supply water to Bound Brook, New Jersey.
The Devil's Tree
The Devil's Tree is a famous oak tree in Martinsville. It stands alone in a field on Mountain Road. There's a local legend that says this tree belongs to the Devil. Some stories even claim it's a gateway to Hell.
Revolutionary War Cemetery
In the Spring Run area of Martinsville, there is a Revolutionary War cemetery. This historic site is the burial place for soldiers from both the American and British armies. Some of the early settlers of the area are also buried here.
Education in Martinsville
Martinsville is home to a notable school.
The Pingry School
The upper division of The Pingry School is located in Martinsville. This school serves students from grades 6 to 12.
Little Friends of Jesus Nursery School
There is also the Little Friends of Jesus Nursery School. This preschool operates under the guidance of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen.
Famous People from Martinsville
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Martinsville.
- Catherine Caro (born 1995) is a talented field hockey player.
- Andrea Kane is a well-known author of romance novels.
- Geraldine Laybourne (born 1947) founded Oxygen Media. She was its chairman and chief executive officer.
- Mark Oldman (born 1969) is an entrepreneur, wine expert, and author.
- Upton Sinclair (1878-1968), the famous author of The Jungle, lived in Martinsville later in his life.
