Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey
Encyclopedia
Hamilton Township is a township
in Atlantic County
, New Jersey
, United States
. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township population was 26,503. The Township of Hamilton was incorporated by the New Jersey Legislature
on February 5, 1813.
At 113 square miles (292.7 km²), Hamilton Township is the second largest municipality and township in the State of New Jersey, 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²) smaller than neighboring Galloway Township
.
Mays Landing
(2010 population of 2,135), a census-designated place
, located within Hamilton Township, has been the county seat
of Atlantic County since 1837.
From 1830 to 1880, more than two hundred vessels were built along the Great Egg Harbor River
with lumber from native forests and iron from Weymouth foundries. Half of them were produced at Mays Landing. But by the end of century, wood shipbuilding began to disappear due to the lack of suitable timber. Iron was then substituted for hull construction.
Hamilton was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature
on February 5, 1813, from portions of Egg Harbor Township
and Weymouth Township
, while the area was still part of Gloucester County
. Hamilton became part of the newly-created Atlantic County in 1837. Portions of the township were taken to form Hammonton
on March 5, 1866, and to form Buena Vista Township
on March 5, 1867.
, the township has a total area of 113 square miles (292.7 km²), of which, 111.3 square miles (288.3 km²) of it is land and 1.7 square miles (4.4 km²) of it (1.51%) is water.
The western three-quarters of the township is rural pine forest protected from dense development by New Jersey Pinelands Commission restrictions and large preserved tracts of land. By stark contrast, the eastern quarter has developed as a suburban-like area due to its status as a Pinelands Regional Growth Area (RGA). Mandated to absorb growth fueled by nearby Atlantic City
, Hamilton’s RGA now is home to the majority of its nearly 24,000 residents.
The township is currently home to the communities of Bears Head, Clarktown, Cologne, Dacosta, Gravely Run, Laureldale, McKee City
, Mizpah
, Weymouth, and the county seat of Atlantic County, Mays Landing.
of 2000, there were 20,499 people, 7,148 households, and 5,039 families residing in the township. The population density
was 184.2 people per square mile (71.1/km²). There were 7,567 housing units at an average density of 68.0 per square mile (26.3/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 71.45% White, 19.26% African American, 0.29% Native American, 3.29% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.33% from other races
, and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.91% of the population.
There were 7,148 households out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples
living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.21.
In the township the population was spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 35.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $50,259, and the median income for a family was $54,899. Males had a median income of $37,419 versus $30,089 for females. The per capita income
for the township was $21,309. About 4.5% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.
form of New Jersey municipal government by a five-member Township Committee. Members are elected in partisan elections to three-year terms in office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting each January, the Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.
, the members of the Hamilton Township Committee are Mayor Amy Gatto, Deputy Mayor Charles Cain, Harvey Kesselman, Thomas Palmentieri and Roger Silva.
Hamilton Township is in the
with three interchanges and the Egg Harbor Tolls. U.S. Route 40
, U.S. Route 322
pass through as well as Route 50. The major county roads include County Route 552
, County Route 559
, County Route 563
, and County Route 575
.
. Schools in the district (with 2008-09 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
) are Joseph C. Shaner Memorial School with 609 students in Pre-K to 1st grade, George Hess Educational Complex with 1,637 in grades 2 - 5 and
William Davies Middle School with 1,037 students in grades 6 - 8.
Public school students in grades 9 - 12 attend Oakcrest High School
, located in Hamilton Township, which serves students from Hamilton Township, Mullica Township, the City of Port Republic and Washington Township. The high school is part of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
, a regional high school
district serving students from the constituent districts of Egg Harbor City
, Galloway Township
, Hamilton Township and Mullica Township
, together with students from the City of Port Republic
and Washington Township
(in Burlington County
), who attend as part of sending/receiving relationship
s with their respective school districts.
Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School is a Catholic elementary school
in Mays Landing, operated under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Camden
.
Atlantic Cape Community College
and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology
are both located in the township.
, Consumer Square and Hamilton Commons. The Great Egg Harbor River and Lake Lenape are recreational resources used by local residents and visitors alike. Hamilton is also home to the Atlantic County Justice Facility, the County Court Complex and the main branch of the Atlantic County Library.
Township (New Jersey)
A township, in the context of New Jersey local government, refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. As a political entity, a township is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town, city, borough, or village, collecting property taxes and providing...
in Atlantic County
Atlantic County, New Jersey
-National protected areas:* Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge * Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township population was 26,503. The Township of Hamilton was incorporated by the New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Legislature
The New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey. In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, the Legislature consists of two houses: the General Assembly and the Senate...
on February 5, 1813.
At 113 square miles (292.7 km²), Hamilton Township is the second largest municipality and township in the State of New Jersey, 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²) smaller than neighboring Galloway Township
Galloway Township, New Jersey
Galloway Township is a township in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 37,349...
.
Mays Landing
Mays Landing, New Jersey
Mays Landing is a census-designated place located within Hamilton Township, in Atlantic County, New Jersey. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 2,321. It is the county seat of Atlantic County...
(2010 population of 2,135), a census-designated place
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
, located within Hamilton Township, has been the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Atlantic County since 1837.
History
Hamilton Township’s origins are directly tied to the Great Egg Harbor River and its tributaries which run through it. George May, after whom the village of Mays Landing was named, built a shipyard and trading post near Babcock Creek in 1756. By the mid 19th century that Mays Landing reached the height of its shipbuilding.From 1830 to 1880, more than two hundred vessels were built along the Great Egg Harbor River
Great Egg Harbor River
The Great Egg Harbor River is a river in southern New Jersey in the United States. It is one of the major rivers that traverse the largely pristine Pinelands, draining of wetlands into the Atlantic Ocean at Great Egg Harbor, from which it takes its name....
with lumber from native forests and iron from Weymouth foundries. Half of them were produced at Mays Landing. But by the end of century, wood shipbuilding began to disappear due to the lack of suitable timber. Iron was then substituted for hull construction.
Hamilton was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Legislature
The New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey. In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, the Legislature consists of two houses: the General Assembly and the Senate...
on February 5, 1813, from portions of Egg Harbor Township
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Egg Harbor Township is a township in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 census, the township population was 43,323, a growth of more than 40% since the previous enumeration....
and Weymouth Township
Weymouth Township, New Jersey
Weymouth Township is a township in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township population was 2,715....
, while the area was still part of Gloucester County
Gloucester County, New Jersey
Gloucester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 288,288. Its county seat is Woodbury....
. Hamilton became part of the newly-created Atlantic County in 1837. Portions of the township were taken to form Hammonton
Hammonton, New Jersey
Hammonton is a town in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town population was 14,791. It is located directly between Philadelphia and the resort town of Atlantic City, along a former route of the Pennsylvania Railroad currently used by New Jersey...
on March 5, 1866, and to form Buena Vista Township
Buena Vista Township, New Jersey
Buena Vista Township is a township located in Atlantic County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a total population of 7,570....
on March 5, 1867.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the township has a total area of 113 square miles (292.7 km²), of which, 111.3 square miles (288.3 km²) of it is land and 1.7 square miles (4.4 km²) of it (1.51%) is water.
The western three-quarters of the township is rural pine forest protected from dense development by New Jersey Pinelands Commission restrictions and large preserved tracts of land. By stark contrast, the eastern quarter has developed as a suburban-like area due to its status as a Pinelands Regional Growth Area (RGA). Mandated to absorb growth fueled by nearby Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
, Hamilton’s RGA now is home to the majority of its nearly 24,000 residents.
The township is currently home to the communities of Bears Head, Clarktown, Cologne, Dacosta, Gravely Run, Laureldale, McKee City
McKee City, New Jersey
McKee City is an unincorporated community within the Mays Landing section of Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey. The community was named after Colonel John McKee , a Civil War veteran...
, Mizpah
Mizpah, New Jersey
Mizpah is an unincorporated community within the Mays Landing section of Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey. U.S. Route 40 is a major roadway in Mizpah....
, Weymouth, and the county seat of Atlantic County, Mays Landing.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 20,499 people, 7,148 households, and 5,039 families residing in the township. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 184.2 people per square mile (71.1/km²). There were 7,567 housing units at an average density of 68.0 per square mile (26.3/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 71.45% White, 19.26% African American, 0.29% Native American, 3.29% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.33% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.91% of the population.
There were 7,148 households out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.21.
In the township the population was spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 35.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $50,259, and the median income for a family was $54,899. Males had a median income of $37,419 versus $30,089 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the township was $21,309. About 4.5% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.
Local government
The Township of Hamilton is governed under the TownshipTownship (New Jersey)
A township, in the context of New Jersey local government, refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. As a political entity, a township is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town, city, borough, or village, collecting property taxes and providing...
form of New Jersey municipal government by a five-member Township Committee. Members are elected in partisan elections to three-year terms in office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting each January, the Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.
, the members of the Hamilton Township Committee are Mayor Amy Gatto, Deputy Mayor Charles Cain, Harvey Kesselman, Thomas Palmentieri and Roger Silva.
Federal, state and county representation
Hamilton Township is in the 2nd Congressional district.Hamilton Township is in the
Transportation
A variety of roads pass through. Hamilton hosts a 14 miles (22.5 km) stretch of the Atlantic City ExpresswayAtlantic City Expressway
The Atlantic City Expressway is a , controlled-access toll road in New Jersey, managed and operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority...
with three interchanges and the Egg Harbor Tolls. U.S. Route 40
U.S. Route 40 in New Jersey
U.S. Route 40 is a U.S. highway running from Park City, Utah east to Atlantic City, New Jersey. The easternmost segment of the route runs through the southern part of New Jersey between the Delaware Memorial Bridge over the Delaware River in Pennsville Township, Salem County, where it continues...
, U.S. Route 322
U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey
U.S. Route 322 is a U.S. highway running from Cleveland, Ohio east to Atlantic City, New Jersey. The easternmost segment of the route in New Jersey runs from the Commodore Barry Bridge over the Delaware River in Logan Township, Glocuester County, where it continues into Chester, Pennsylvania,...
pass through as well as Route 50. The major county roads include County Route 552
County Route 552 (New Jersey)
County Route 552, abbreviated CR 552, is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from Laurel Street in Bridgeton to Harding Highway in Hamilton Township.-Cumberland County:...
, County Route 559
County Route 559 (New Jersey)
County Route 559, abbreviated CR 559, is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey also known as Weymouth Rd. The highway extends from the former Somers Point Circle at MacArthur Boulevard in Somers Point to Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton.-Route description:CR 559 begins at an intersection...
, County Route 563
County Route 563 (New Jersey)
County Route 563, abbreviated CR 563, is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from CR 629/Ocean Drive in Margate City, Atlantic County north to Route 72 in Woodland Township, Burlington County...
, and County Route 575
County Route 575 (New Jersey)
County Route 575, abbreviated CR 575, is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from Somers Point-Mays Landing Road in Egg Harbor Township to New York Road in Port Republic.- Route description :...
.
Education
For Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, public school students attend the Hamilton Township SchoolsHamilton Township Schools
The Hamilton Township Schools are a comprehensive community public school district, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Hamilton Township, in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States....
. Schools in the district (with 2008-09 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...
) are Joseph C. Shaner Memorial School with 609 students in Pre-K to 1st grade, George Hess Educational Complex with 1,637 in grades 2 - 5 and
William Davies Middle School with 1,037 students in grades 6 - 8.
Public school students in grades 9 - 12 attend Oakcrest High School
Oakcrest High School
Oakcrest High School is a comprehensive four-year public high school located in Hamilton Township, in Atlantic County, New Jersey, operating as part of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District. The school name was chosen based on its site on the crest of a hill amid oak trees...
, located in Hamilton Township, which serves students from Hamilton Township, Mullica Township, the City of Port Republic and Washington Township. The high school is part of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District is a regional public high school district serving students in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States...
, a regional high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
district serving students from the constituent districts of Egg Harbor City
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey
Egg Harbor City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 4,243....
, Galloway Township
Galloway Township, New Jersey
Galloway Township is a township in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 37,349...
, Hamilton Township and Mullica Township
Mullica Township, New Jersey
Mullica Township is a township in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township population was 6,147....
, together with students from the City of Port Republic
Port Republic, New Jersey
Port Republic is a city located in Atlantic County, New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the city had a total population of 1,115....
and Washington Township
Washington Township, Burlington County, New Jersey
Washington Township is a Township in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2000 United States Census, the township population was 621....
(in Burlington County
Burlington County, New Jersey
There were 154,371 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had...
), who attend as part of sending/receiving relationship
Sending/receiving relationship
A sending/receiving relationship is one in which a public school district sends some or all of its students to attend the schools of another district. This is often done to achieve costs savings in smaller districts or continues after districts have grown as part of a historical relationship...
s with their respective school districts.
Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School is a Catholic elementary school
Catholic school
Catholic schools are maintained parochial schools or education ministries of the Catholic Church. the Church operates the world's largest non-governmental school system...
in Mays Landing, operated under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Camden
Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden is a particular church or diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, located in New Jersey, United States, and presides over Roman Catholic parishes and schools in the six southern New Jersey counties of Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland,...
.
Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is an accredited, co-educational, two-year, public, community college located in both Atlantic County and Cape May County in New Jersey. ACCC enrolls more than 6,000 students...
and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Atlantic County Institute of Technology
The Atlantic County Institute of Technology is a four-year countywide vocational public high school serving approximately 1,000 students from Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, as part of the Atlantic County Vocational School District...
are both located in the township.
Points of interest
Hamilton is home to over 3000000 square feet (278,709.1 m²) of first class retail establishments including Hamilton MallHamilton Mall
The Hamilton Mall is a major shopping destination in Mays Landing, in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. Opened in 1987, the two-story enclosed mall is anchored by J.C. Penney, Macy's and Sears .The mall is adjacent to the Black Horse Pike and U.S...
, Consumer Square and Hamilton Commons. The Great Egg Harbor River and Lake Lenape are recreational resources used by local residents and visitors alike. Hamilton is also home to the Atlantic County Justice Facility, the County Court Complex and the main branch of the Atlantic County Library.
Notable residents
Notable current and former residents of Hamilton Township include::- Suzette CharlesSuzette CharlesSuzette Charles is an American singer and entertainer.-Career:Born in Mays Landing, she represented New Jersey in the 1983 Miss America pageant held in Atlantic City, New Jersey...
(born 1963), singer and entertainer, who became Miss America 1984Miss America 1984Miss America 1984, the 59th Miss America, pageant, was from on the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 17, 1983 on NBC Network.-Placements:-Preliminary Awards:-Controversy:...
. - Darren DrozdovDarren DrozdovDarren Drozdov, is an essayist, former NFL player and retired professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation in 1998 and 1999 under the ring names Puke and Droz....
(born 1969), ex-NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
player and retired professional wrestler who competed in the WWFWorld Wrestling EntertainmentWorld Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
. - William MooreWilliam Moore (congressman)William Moore , was an American Republican Party politician, who served in the United States House of Representatives, where he represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district from 1867 to 1871.Moore was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on December 25, 1810...
(1810–1878), served in the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, where he represented New Jersey's 1st congressional districtNew Jersey's 1st congressional districtNew Jersey's 1st congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of New Jersey.The current U.S. Representative from the 1st district is Democrat Rob Andrews...
from 1867 to 1871.
External links
- Township of Hamilton Official Site
- Hamilton Township Municipal Utilities Authority
- Hamilton Township Schools
- Data for the Hamilton Township Schools, National Center for Education StatisticsNational Center for Education StatisticsThe National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...
- Oakcrest High School website
- Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
- The Current of Hamilton Township
- Atlantic City Race Course website
- Hamilton Mall website