New Egypt, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
New Egypt, New Jersey
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![]() Along Main Street (CR 528)
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![]() Location of New Egypt in Ocean County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Ocean County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
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Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
County | Ocean |
Township | Plumsted |
Area | |
• Total | 4.03 sq mi (10.42 km2) |
• Land | 3.97 sq mi (10.28 km2) |
• Water | 0.06 sq mi (0.14 km2) 1.38% |
Elevation | 82 ft (25 m) |
Population
(2020)
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• Total | 2,357 |
• Density | 593.70/sq mi (229.23/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
ZIP Code |
08533
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Area code(s) | 609 |
FIPS code | 34-51360 |
GNIS feature ID | 2389541 |
New Egypt is a small community in Plumsted Township, Ocean County, New Jersey. It's known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a specific area counted by the census. In 2020, about 2,357 people lived here. New Egypt is special because it's located where three counties meet: Burlington, Monmouth, and Ocean counties.
Contents
History of New Egypt
New Egypt has an interesting story behind its name. One idea comes from George Washington in December 1776. After a big win at the Battle of Trenton, his secretary, Joseph Curtis, went to the town to get grain for the army. When Joseph came back, Washington supposedly said, "Joseph has been to Egypt and gotten the corn!" This might be why the town was first called "Egypt."
The name "New Egypt" was added later, around 1845. Some records show the town was called "Egypt" in 1793 and "New Egypt" in 1801. The name "Egypt" is thought to be a reference to a Bible story about going to Egypt for corn, because there was a lot of corn grown in this area.
Around 1890, the area was also known as Timmins Mill. This was named after the mill owner who owned much of the land there.
Geography and Location
New Egypt covers about 4 square miles (10.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Did you know New Egypt is close to the center of New Jersey? An author named Henry Charlton Beck once said that Timmins Mill, which is part of New Egypt, was roughly the geographical center of the state. A Christmas tree farmer later used their own methods and placed a marker on their farm, across from New Egypt High School, to show where they believe the exact center is.
Community Life in New Egypt
New Egypt has many important services and places for its residents. The community has a volunteer fire station, a first aid station, and a police department to keep everyone safe.
You can also find the New Egypt Historical Society here, which helps preserve the town's past. For fun, there's the New Egypt Speedway, a clay race track where you can watch exciting races. The Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library system is also in town, offering books and resources.
The town is home to several churches, including Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Bethel AME Church, Church of Christ, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, New Egypt United Methodist Church, Plumsted Presbyterian Church, the Christian Fellowship Church of New Egypt, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Oakford Lake is right in the middle of New Egypt. In the early 1900s, this lake was a popular spot for tourists and vacationers.
New Egypt also has a great recreation center. It includes four baseball fields, a football field, two softball fields, a basketball court, and three smaller fields for tee ball.
Just south of New Egypt is McGuire Air Force Base.
Population and Demographics
Historical population | |||
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Census | Pop. | %± | |
1880 | 632 | — | |
1890 | 556 | −12.0% | |
1990 | 2,327 | — | |
2000 | 2,519 | 8.3% | |
2010 | 2,512 | −0.3% | |
2020 | 2,460 | −2.1% | |
Population sources: 1880-1890 1990-2010 2000 2010 2020 |
New Egypt has seen its population change over the years. In 2010, there were 2,512 people living in the community. The population density was about 625 people per square mile.
Most people in New Egypt are White, but there are also Black or African American, Native American, Asian, and other racial groups. About 10.5% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
In 2010, about 25% of the people were under 18 years old. The median age was 37.2 years, meaning half the population was younger than 37.2 and half was older.
Transportation in New Egypt
Getting around New Egypt and to other places is possible through different ways. NJ Transit provides bus service, specifically the 317 route, which can take you to Philadelphia.
New Egypt was once an important stop on the Pennsylvania Railroad's Pemberton & Hightstown line. This train line was closed in 1979. However, in 2010, the old railroad path was turned into a walking and biking trail called the Union Transportation Trail.
Local Wineries
Notable People from New Egypt
Many interesting people have connections to New Egypt, either by being born there, living there, or having strong ties to the community. Here are a few:
- Deena Nicole Cortese (born 1987), known for being a cast member on the MTV show Jersey Shore.
- Keith Jones, a news anchor and reporter for WCAU in Philadelphia.
- Duke Lacroix (born 1993), a professional soccer player who plays as a forward.
- Rocky Marval (born 1965), a pairs figure skater who competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics.
- Stephen Panasuk (born 1989), a quarterback who played for the Cleveland Gladiators in the Arena Football League.
See also
In Spanish: New Egypt para niños