Williamstown, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Williamstown, New Jersey
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Ireland Hofer House in Williamstown, New Jersey
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Map of Williamstown highlighted within Gloucester County. Right: Location of Gloucester County in New Jersey.
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 Williamstown, New Jersey
Location in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Williamstown, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Williamstown, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Gloucester |
| Township | Monroe |
| Established | 1737 as Squankum 1842 as Williamstown |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.42 sq mi (19.23 km2) |
| • Land | 7.42 sq mi (19.22 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) 0.05% |
| Elevation | 141 ft (43 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 15,082 |
| • Density | 2,032.34/sq mi (784.67/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| ZIP Code |
08094
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| Area code(s) | 856 |
| FIPS code | 34-81380 |
| GNIS feature ID | 02390518 |
Williamstown is a community in Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is also known as a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is a specific area that the government counts for population statistics. In 2010, Williamstown had a population of 15,567 people.
Contents
History of Williamstown
Before 1737, the Lenape Native American tribe lived in the area that is now Williamstown. They called the place "Squankum." This name meant 'place where evil spirits dwell.' People think this referred to the many mosquitoes in the swampy areas.
In 1737, the area was settled. Later, the name "Squankum" was changed to Williamstown. This happened because of postal rules. Two towns could not have the same name, and there was another "Squankum" nearby. The town was renamed after John Williams. He was the grandson of Richard Penn, who sold the land to him. John Williams then sold parts of the land to settlers.
In March 1859, the town officially became part of Monroe Township. Williamstown was the main meeting place for the township.
Early Schools and Industries
The first school in Williamstown was built in 1750. It was located where the Washington Hotel stands today. For many years, schools were often run by churches. Families usually paid for their children to attend. The town built its first high school in 1958.
The population of Williamstown grew a lot in the 1830s. This was when the glass industry started. A nearby town, Glassboro, still has a name that reminds us of this time. The first glass company was called Free Will Glass Manufacturing. The glass industry was very important until the early 1900s.
After the glass industry slowed down, farming businesses became important. One famous company, The John Sharp Canning Co., still operates today as Blue Ribbon. In 1974, the Monroe Township Historical Society was created. It is a group of volunteers who work to save items that show the history of Monroe Township.
Geography and Land
Williamstown is a CDP with a total area of about 7.42 square miles (19.23 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Only a very small part is water.
Population Information
The population of Williamstown has grown over the years. Here is how the population has changed:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 2,722 | — | |
| 1970 | 4,075 | 49.7% | |
| 1980 | 5,768 | 41.5% | |
| 1990 | 10,891 | 88.8% | |
| 2000 | 11,812 | 8.5% | |
| 2010 | 15,567 | 31.8% | |
| 2020 | 15,082 | −3.1% | |
| Population sources: 1960-1980 1990-2010 2000 2010 2020 |
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Getting Around Williamstown
Transportation Hubs
Cross Keys Airport is a public airport near Williamstown. It is used for general aviation, which means it handles private planes and small aircraft. It is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) northwest of the town center.
Major Roads
Two important roads pass through Williamstown. These are U.S. Route 322 and New Jersey Route 42. They help people travel to and from the town.
Education in Williamstown
Public Schools
The Monroe Township Public Schools district serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This district provides education for all children living in the area.
Private Schools
St. Mary School is a private elementary school. It teaches students from kindergarten to eighth grade. This school is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden.
Fun Things to Do
Williamstown offers several places for recreation and fun activities.
- Scotland Run Golf Club: This is a public golf course where people can play golf. It is located near U.S. Route 322.
- Tall Pines Day Camp: This is a summer camp for children and teenagers. It started in 1996 and is a safe and fun place for kids to spend their summer.
- Hospitality Creek: This campground has been open since 1961. It is close to Williamstown and offers an RV park, a large swimming pool, and a 30-acre lake. It has many outdoor activities.
- Skydive Cross Keys: Located at Cross Keys Airport, this place offers skydiving. You can try tandem skydiving, where you jump with an instructor, or get training to skydive on your own.
Famous People from Williamstown
Many interesting people have connections to Williamstown:
- Dave Calloway (born 1968) is a college basketball coach. He used to be the head coach for men's basketball at Monmouth University.
- Donovan Ezeiruaku is an American football player. He plays as a defensive end for the Boston College Eagles.
- Brittany Ratcliffe (born 1994) is a professional soccer player. She plays as a forward for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL.
See also
In Spanish: Williamstown (Nueva Jersey) para niños
