Smithburg, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Smithburg, New Jersey
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The Smithburg Tavern, located on the corner of Monmouth Road (CR 537) and Smithburg Road (CR 527)
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 Smithburg, New Jersey
Location in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Smithburg, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Smithburg, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Monmouth |
| Township | Freehold, Manalapan and Millstone |
| Elevation | 171 ft (52 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 732/848 |
| GNIS feature ID | 880663 |
Smithburg is a small, historic community located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It's a unique spot because it sits right where three different towns meet: Freehold, Manalapan, and Millstone. Two important roads, County Route 527 and Monmouth Road (County Routes 537/524), run through the heart of this charming village.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Smithburg
Early Beginnings: The Burlington Path
Back in 1684, a special route called "The Burlington Path" was created. It was a stagecoach route, like an old-fashioned bus line, connecting two important cities: Burlington (the capital of West Jersey) and Perth Amboy (the capital of East Jersey).
Much of today's Monmouth Road (County Route 537) follows the same general path as this historic route. By the mid-1700s, the Smithburg Tavern was a well-known stop on this stagecoach route. This shows that Smithburg was already an established community a long time ago.
Important Places in Smithburg's Past
The Smithburg Tavern was more than just a stop for travelers. It was the birthplace of Joel Parker, a very important New Jersey politician. He served as the 20th Governor of New Jersey for two terms: from 1863 to 1866 and again from 1872 to 1875.
Parker passed away in 1888 and was buried nearby in Maplewood Cemetery in Freehold Township, New Jersey. His burial spot is also located right along the historic "Burlington Path."
Across from the Smithburg Tavern, on the corner of County Route 537 and Smithburg Road, was the Smithburg General Store. It was the only store in the area for a long time. There was also a sawmill on County Route 537, which provided wood for building in Smithburg and Freehold.
Nearby Historic Sites
Smithburg is close to several other interesting historical places. The Monmouth Battlefield is a short distance away. This was the site of a major battle during the American Revolutionary War.
The historic villages of Clarksburg and West Freehold are also nearby. Some local farmers have even found evidence that German soldiers, called Hessians, who fought for the British during the Revolutionary War, were in the area.
Exploring Smithburg's Geography
Waterways and Natural Features
The Manalapan Brook flows right through the middle of Smithburg. This brook eventually connects to the South River. The starting points, or "headwaters," for the Manasquan River are also found close to the community.
Notable People from Smithburg
Here is a person closely connected to Smithburg:
- Joel Parker (1816–1888): He was born in Smithburg and later became the Governor of New Jersey. He played an important role during the American Civil War, helping the Union cause.
