East Brunswick, New Jersey – A Town With A Rich History and Vibrant Community

Way Back When…

The Lenape Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the land that would become East Brunswick. In particular, the Raritan band of Lenapes lived along the river banks and utilized the rich natural resources of the area. European settlers began arriving in the late 17th century, establishing homesteads and farms. In 1714, the first school in East Brunswick opened in the Old Stone Schoolhouse that still stands today on Cranbury Road.

During the Revolutionary War, East Brunswick saw its share of military action. General George Washington and his troops camped locally during the brutal winter of 1777. The Battle of Monmouth was fought just to the south in Freehold in 1778. And the infamous Hessian soldiers – German mercenaries hired by the British – were housed and trained in East Brunswick, with some even settling there after the war.

In the 19th century, East Brunswick became known for its productive farmland, especially potatoes, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables. The township officially separated from North Brunswick in 1860. The industrial revolution brought increased transportation access, with the Camden & Amboy Railroad establishing a major hub in East Brunswick in the 1830s.

20th Century Growth and Development

The early 20th century saw East Brunswick transitioning away from its agricultural past and towards suburban residential communities as improvements in transportation connected it to the nearby New York metropolitan area. In the 1950s-1970s, major housing developments like Indian Village and Tamarron sprouted up on former farmland. Large corporate campuses like Johnson & Johnson and American Cyanamid Corporation established operations in East Brunswick, bringing an influx of jobs.

Today, East Brunswick is a bustling New Jersey suburb with a population of around 50,000 residents. Older neighborhoods with 1950s Cape Cod houses mix seamlessly with new luxury townhouse developments. The downtown area has quaint local shops and restaurants that hearken back to East Brunswick’s small town roots, even as modern shopping centers provide all the conveniences of contemporary life.

Community Spirit

Despite its growth over the centuries, East Brunswick still has a strong community spirit and a commitment to family values. The town has over 40 parks – including large facilities like Heavenly Farms and Reichler Park – as well as preserved open spaces and nature areas. Crystal Springs Family Water Park is a popular summertime destination. East Brunswick also has a thriving public school system and active parent-teacher organizations.

Youth sports are a big part of life in East Brunswick. Soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, and more allow kids to learn teamwork and sportsmanship. The East Brunswick Little League has been operating since the 1950s on fields named after former NY Yankees catcher Bill Dickey, an East Brunswick resident. There are also swimming, tennis, lacrosse, and other club teams.

The arts community is vibrant as well, with organizations like the State Theatre of New Brunswick and George Street Playhouse in nearby New Brunswick providing world-class performing arts. East Brunswick students can get involved with school plays and musicals, showcasing their talents.

Being so close to New York City, East Brunswick naturally has plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Brunswick Square Mall and other retail plazas offer every kind of store imaginable. Movie theaters and mini-golf are popular activities. And with its diversity of residents, East Brunswick has all kinds of cuisine – Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Thai, and more!

Historic Places

• The Stone Schoolhouse – Built in 1714, this one-room schoolhouse is the oldest school in East Brunswick and one of the oldest buildings in the state. It now serves as a local history museum.
• St. Peter’s Episcopal Church – Founded in 1766, the church cemetery has graves dating back before the Revolutionary War. The current building was built in 1872.
• Old Bridge Township Raceway Park – This motorsports park has been hosting drag races since 1965 and has roots tracing back to the 1920s. Legends like Shirley Muldowney have competed there.
• Lawrence Brook – This winding brook flows through East Brunswick and has a dam that powered mills back in the 18th and 19th centuries when industry relied on water power.
• Camp Evans Historic District – This site was home to groundbreaking research during WWII that helped develop radar technology. It was recently designated a national historic landmark.