Monmouth County, New Jersey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Monmouth County
County
Sandy Hook Light in Sandy Hook, New Jersey
Flag Seal
Location within the U.S. state of New Jersey
New Jersey's location within the U.S.
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
Founded	1683
Named for	Monmouthshire, Wales
Seat	Freehold Borough
Largest city	Middletown Township (population) Howell Township (area)
Area
• Total	661.40 sq mi (1,713.0 km2)
• Land	468.18 sq mi (1,212.6 km2)
• Water	193.22 sq mi (500.4 km2)  29.2%
Population  (2020)
• Total	643,615
• Estimate  (2023)	642,799
• Density	1,372.9/sq mi (530.1/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts	3rd, 4th, 6th

Monmouth County is a county in the central part of New Jersey. It borders Mercer and Middlesex Counties to the west. To the south is Ocean County. The Atlantic Ocean is to its east, and Raritan Bay is to its north. Across the bay are parts of New York City like Staten Island and Brooklyn. About 30% of Monmouth County's area is water. It is part of the famous Jersey Shore.

In 2020, Monmouth County was the fifth most populated county in New Jersey. It had 643,615 people living there. This was the highest number of people ever counted in the county. The county seat, or main government town, is Freehold Borough. However, many county offices are also in nearby Freehold Township. Middletown Township has the most people. Howell Township is the largest in terms of land area.

The county's name might come from settlers from Rhode Island. Or it could be named after Monmouthshire in Wales. Monmouth County played a big role in the American Revolutionary War. The famous Battle of Monmouth happened here in June 1778. Today, you can visit Monmouth Battlefield State Park to learn more.

Monmouth County has a strong and varied economy. It is close to New York City. Many people visit the coastal cities like Red Bank, Long Branch, and Asbury Park. These cities are especially popular in summer. Many towns in the county are also places where people live and travel to work in New York City. Major roads like the Garden State Parkway and U.S. 9 help people get around. NJ Transit trains also connect residents to bigger cities. Some inland areas are still farms with orchards, wineries, and horse farms. The Bell Labs Complex in Holmdel Township is a famous science research center. Monmouth University is also located here.

History of Monmouth County

Craig House at Monmouth Battlefield State Park

The Battle of Monmouth was fought on June 28, 1778

How Monmouth County Got Its Name

There are a few ideas about how Monmouth County got its name. One idea is that many early settlers came from Rhode Island. They were part of a group called the Rhode Island Monmouth Society. Another idea is that it was named after Monmouthshire in Wales, Great Britain. This suggestion might have come from a leader named Colonel Lewis Morris.

Early Native American Life

Around the year 1000, the Lenape Native Americans lived in the area. They came from the Mississippi River region. They lived near the Jersey Shore and Raritan Bay. The Lenape were hunter-gatherers. This means they hunted small animals and birds and gathered plants. They also fished a lot. They moved their camps with the seasons. They were known for collecting many clams from the bays. They also grew some crops. An important meeting point for two major Lenape trails was in the area of Freehold Township.

Colonial Times and Early Settlements

In 1609, the explorer Henry Hudson saw land in what is now Monmouth County. This was likely near Sandy Hook. Some of the first European settlers were Richard and Penelope Stout. Penelope survived a Native American attack and lived to be very old.

A group of Quaker families from Long Island also settled here. They received a land grant called the Monmouth Tract in 1665. Later, Scottish and Dutch settlers arrived. The Lenape people generally had a friendly relationship with these new arrivals. By 1726, some Enslaved Africans lived in the area.

Monmouth County was officially created on March 7, 1683. It was part of East Jersey at that time. In 1693, it was divided into three townships: Freehold, Middletown, and Shrewsbury. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was built in 1764.

Monmouth County in the Revolutionary War

The Battle of Monmouth was fought on June 28, 1778. It took place near Freehold Township. General George Washington's soldiers fought the British in this long land battle. This battle showed how well the American soldiers had been trained. Other important war sites in Monmouth County include the Burrowes Mansion in Matawan.

After the war, the number of enslaved people in Monmouth County decreased. The number of free African Americans grew. By the 1840s, there was a small African-American middle class. In 1790, most people in Monmouth County were of English descent. Over time, more immigrants came. This made the county more diverse and less rural.

The 1800s in Monmouth County

In 1822, James P. Allaire started the Howell Works Iron Foundry. This was in what is now Wall Township. It was a company town where workers lived and had stores. The ironworks closed by 1848. Today, it is Allaire Village, a living history museum.

The Navesink Twin Lights were first used in 1828. These two lighthouses were very important for ships. In 1862, a new, more powerful structure was built. It was the strongest lighthouse in the United States. In 1883, it was the first to use a special mineral-oil lamp. Today, it is a historic landmark you can visit.

In 1848, one of the first Life Saving Stations was built in Sandy Hook. This was for the United States Coast Guard. Construction on Fort Hancock began in 1857. It was a fort to defend New York City. The Sandy Hook Proving Ground was set up in 1874 for testing weapons.

Keyport was a major shipbuilding center in the 19th century. In 1850, Ocean County was formed from part of Monmouth County.

Monmouth Park Racetrack opened in 1870 in Eatontown. It is a famous place for horse racing. In 1881, U.S. President James A. Garfield died in Long Branch. Many presidents used to vacation in Long Branch during the Gilded Age.

The Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club opened in Rumson in 1886. It was the first lawn tennis club in the United States. Palace Amusements opened in Asbury Park in 1888. It had many fun rides and games. It closed in 1988, but parts of it, like the famous Tillie mural, were saved. In 1899, Guglielmo Marconi showed his wireless telegraph at the Navesink Twin Lights.

The 1900s in Monmouth County

In 1910, the Wright Brothers held an aviation show in Interlaken. Many flight records were broken there. Fort Hancock was a defense fort for New York City during World War I and II. It was closed in 1974.

In 1916, two of the Jersey Shore shark attacks happened in Monmouth County. One was in Spring Lake and another in Matawan.

Construction of Fort Monmouth began in 1917. It was a training ground. Many scientific breakthroughs happened here. These included the first radio-equipped weather balloon. Also, the world's first communications satellite and weather satellite were developed here.

The Count Basie Theater opened in Red Bank in 1926. It was first called the Carlton Theater. It was renamed in 1984 after Count Basie, a famous musician from Red Bank. Many well-known artists have performed there.

The Asbury Park Convention Hall was built in 1928. The Paramount Theater opened in 1930. These buildings are connected by a grand arcade.

In 1934, the ship SS Morro Castle caught fire. It drifted ashore in Asbury Park. This was one of the deadliest ship disasters in U.S. history.

Naval Weapons Station Earle was built in 1943. It stores and moves military equipment. The Bell Labs in Holmdel was a major science center. Here, radio astronomy was invented in 1933. The silicon solar cell was patented in 1946. Also, cosmic microwave background radiation was discovered here in 1978.

The Garden State Arts Center opened in Holmdel in 1968. It is an amphitheater that hosts many concerts. In 1995, the New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial opened nearby.

In 1970, Asbury Park had a major race riot. This was due to high unemployment and poor living conditions. The The Stone Pony music venue opened in Asbury Park in 1974. Famous musicians like Bruce Springsteen started their careers there.

Monmouth County in the 2000s

Fort Monmouth closed in 2011. There are plans to build a film studio and housing there. The Bell Labs building was sold in 2006. It has been redeveloped into a mixed-use facility.

In 2016, Monmouth Mall in Eatontown announced plans for redevelopment. It will become a pedestrian-friendly area with housing and plazas. In 2018, Monmouth Park Racetrack became the first place in New Jersey to offer sports betting.

Geography and Climate of Monmouth County

Sunrise on the Jersey Shore at Spring Lake, New Jersey, facing the Atlantic Ocean

The historic Navesink Twin Lights in Highlands

Monmouth County covers about 661 square miles. About 468 square miles are land, and 193 square miles are water. Most of the county is flat and low. However, there are some low hills in Holmdel Township. Crawford Hill is the highest point, about 380 to 391 feet above sea level. The northeastern part of the county, near Highlands, is also hilly. The lowest point is sea level.

Monmouth County is a great place for boating and fishing. Many rivers and inlets flow into the Raritan Bay and then into the Atlantic Ocean. The Manasquan Inlet connects the ocean to the Manasquan River. This river is the start of the Intracoastal Waterway. Many boats use this waterway, especially on weekends.

Weather in Monmouth County

Monmouth County has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot, humid summers and mild winters. In Freehold Borough, average temperatures range from 22°F in January to 86°F in July. The record low was -13°F, and the record high was 106°F. Rainfall is spread throughout the year.

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused a lot of damage to the coastal areas. The storm surge reached over 13 feet above normal. This caused huge waves and flooding.

Neighboring Counties

• Middlesex County - to the northwest
• Ocean County - to the south
• Mercer County - to the west
• Burlington County - to the southwest
• Richmond County, New York (Staten Island) - to the north
• Long Island (Kings County (Brooklyn) and Queens County, New York) - to the northeast

Protected Natural Areas

• Gateway National Recreation Area (part of it is in Monmouth County)

People and Population

In 2020, Monmouth County had 643,615 people. There were about 240,377 households. The county's population density was about 1,373 people per square mile.

Most people in the county are White (71.6%). About 6.08% are African American, and 5.6% are Asian. About 12.5% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.

About 21.4% of the people in the county are under 18 years old. The median age is 43.5 years. This means half the people are older than 43.5 and half are younger. The median household income was $102,870. This shows that many families in Monmouth County have good incomes.

Economy and Jobs

Monmouth County has a strong and varied economy. In 2021, the county's total economic output was $34.2 billion. This made it the ninth largest economy in New Jersey.

Cost of Living

In 2015, the average income per person was $69,410. This was the fifth highest in New Jersey. Monmouth County is known as one of the wealthiest counties in the United States.

Changes in Communities

[[multiple image | align = center | direction = horizontal | image1 = Downtown Red Bank, New Jersey (3883358191).jpg | width1 = 170 | caption1 = | alt1 = | image3 = Pierv.jpg | width3 = 150 | caption3 = Tri-City region of urban centers in Monmouth County; Red Bank, Long Branch, and Asbury Park respectively | alt3 = | image4 = Steinbach-Cookman Building (2).JPG | width4 = 150 | caption4 = | alt4 = ]] After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, many coastal areas were rebuilt. Some neighborhoods were rebuilt to a higher economic level. This has caused property values to increase. Many houses have become vacation homes for people from New York City.

Technology and Innovation

The Bell Labs Holmdel Complex has been a place for many new ideas in technology. Today, it is a center for new high-tech companies. Companies like Verizon Wireless, AT&T Communications, and Bell Labs are in the region.

Shopping and Tourism

[[multiple image | align = center | direction = horizontal | image1 = MarlboroNJMcMansions.jpg | width1 = 171 | caption1 = Wealthy home in Marlboro Township | alt1 = | image2 = AT&T Homdel and water tower.jpg | width2 = 171 | caption2 = Bell Labs water tower in Holmdel Township | alt2 = | image3 = Freehold_Raceway_Mall_Main_Entrance_jpg.jpg | width3 = 171 | caption3 = Freehold Raceway Mall | alt3 = | image4 = PierVillage.jpg | width4 = 152 | caption4 = Pier Village in Long Branch | alt4 = ]] Monmouth County is a popular place for shopping and tourism. Its location on the Jersey Shore attracts visitors from all over. People come for the beaches in summer. In autumn, they enjoy hayrides, wine tasting, and apple picking. The county has five major shopping malls:

• Freehold Raceway Mall
• Monmouth Mall
• Pier Village
• The Grove at Shrewsbury
• Jersey Shore Premium Outlets

Education in Monmouth County

Colleges and Universities

The Guggenheim Library at Monmouth University.

Monmouth University is a private university in West Long Branch. It was founded in 1933.

Brookdale Community College is the two-year college for Monmouth County. It is in Lincroft. It was founded in 1967. Rutgers University also offers programs at Brookdale's Freehold campus.

The Donald D. Warner Student Life Center at Brookdale Community College

Schools for Kids (K-12)

Monmouth County has many school districts for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Schools for all K-12 grades

High School Districts (grades 9-12)

Elementary School Districts (K-8, some K-6 or K-5)

There are also private schools in Monmouth County. These include Catholic schools like St. Rose High School and Christian Brothers Academy. A non-religious private school, Ranney School, is also in the county.

The county has a special program for vocational high schools. These are called Monmouth County Vocational School District. They include five special magnet schools:

• Academy of Allied Health & Science (in Neptune Township)
• Biotechnology High School (in Freehold Township)
• Communications High School (in Wall Township)
• High Technology High School (in Lincroft)
• Marine Academy of Science and Technology (in Sandy Hook)

Arts and Culture in Monmouth County

The Two River Theater

The Monmouth County Historical Association

Monmouth County Courthouse with a monument to the Battle of Monmouth

Church of the Presidents

The Molly Pitcher Inn

Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association District

• Count Basie Theatre - This is a famous performing arts center in Red Bank. It opened in 1926 and was renamed in 1984 to honor Count Basie.
• Two River Theater - This is a professional theater company that puts on plays and educational programs.
• Monmouth County Historical Association – This group was started in 1898. Its goal is to find and save things related to Monmouth County's history. Its main building is in Freehold Borough.
• Monmouth County Jewish Heritage Museum - This museum focuses on Jewish life in the county, which started as early as 1720.
• Monmouth Battlefield State Park — This park in Freehold Township and Manalapan Township protects the land where the Battle of Monmouth happened. You can hike, ride horses, and see old farmhouses.
• Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook - This park is on the Sandy Hook peninsula. It includes Fort Hancock, which has many historic buildings.
• Monmouth County Courthouse – In front of the courthouse in Freehold Borough, there is a tall monument to the Battle of Monmouth.
• St. Peter's Episcopal Church — This historic church was built in 1771.
• Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association District - This community was founded in 1869 as a summer Christian meeting place. It is still active today.
• Church of the Presidents - This former chapel was visited by seven U.S. presidents during the Victorian era.
• Seabrook–Wilson House – Also called the "Spy House," this house was built in 1663. It is the oldest building in Monmouth County.
• Allaire State Park - This park is known for Allaire Village, a restored 19th-century ironworks town. You can see how people lived and worked there. The park also has the Pine Creek Railroad.
• Holmdel Park - This large park in Holmdel Township has many things to do. You can fish, picnic, play tennis, and hike.
  • Holmdel Arboretum - This part of the park has nearly 3,000 trees and shrubs.
  • Longstreet Farm - This is a living history farm. Workers dress in old costumes and show what farm life was like in the 1890s.

Sports and Fun

Monmouth Park Racetrack

Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport and Freehold Raceway in Freehold are places to watch thoroughbred horse racing. Freehold Raceway will close on December 28, 2024.

In 1943, the New York Yankees held their spring training in Asbury Park. This was during World War II to save train travel.

Parks and Recreation

Manasquan Reservoir in Howell Township

The Monmouth County Park System manages over 40 parks and recreation areas. Some popular parks include Turkey Swamp Park, Manasquan Reservoir, and Holmdel Park. There are also three major bike trails in the county: the Union Transportation Trail, the Edgar Felix Bikeway, and the Henry Hudson Trail.

The county also has two state parks: Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Allaire State Park. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area is at Sandy Hook.

Wineries and Breweries

Monmouth County has several places that make wine and beer:

• Basil T's Brewery
• Carton Brewing
• Cream Ridge Winery
• Four JG's Orchards & Vineyards
• Kane Brewing
• Laird & Company
• Peppadew Fresh Vineyards

Other Fun Places to Visit

• Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids
• PNC Bank Arts Center
• Pier Village
• Asbury Park Boardwalk
• Freehold Raceway Mall
• Monmouth Mall
• iPlay America
• Many beaches along the Jersey Shore

Towns and Communities

Index map of Monmouth County municipalities (click to see index key)

Monmouth County has 53 towns, called municipalities. Some larger towns have smaller, unnamed communities inside them. These are often called census-designated places (CDPs).

Services for Residents

Animal Welfare

The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) helps animals in need. It is in Eatontown. They care for homeless, neglected, and abused animals. They also investigate animal cruelty and offer animals for adoption. The SPCA provides dog training, a spay/neutering clinic, and pet grief counseling.

Getting Around Monmouth County

Roads and Highways

Route 33 Business approaching a major intersection with Route 9 in Freehold Township

Monmouth County has over 3,350 miles of roads. Many major roads pass through the county. These include:

• US 9 (This highway goes through most of the county.)
• Route 18
• Route 33
• Route 34
• Route 35
• Route 36
• Interstate 195 (This is the only interstate highway in the county.)
• The Garden State Parkway (This major highway runs north to south through the county.)

There are also many other important county roads.

Public Transportation

Red Bank Train Station

Little Silver Train Station

NJ Transit buses travel throughout the county. They take people to northern New Jersey and New York City. Many people also use NJ Transit Rail Operations' North Jersey Coast Line train. This train connects Monmouth County to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean shore towns.

Images for kids

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  The Allentown Mill in Allentown

See also

In Spanish: Condado de Monmouth para niños