All About Somerset County

Somerset County, New Jersey is located in the central part of the state. It’s one of the original counties created in 1683 by the English. The county was named after the English county of Somerset. Its county seat is Somerville. Let’s take a look at some key facts, history, attractions, and legal info about Somerset County.

History

The Lenape were the first inhabitants of the land that became Somerset County. European settlement began in the late 17th century when the English gained control of the area from the Dutch. The county was officially established in May 1688. Early settlers were mostly English, Scots, and Irish immigrants looking for religious freedom and economic opportunities.

Somerset County played a role in the American Revolution with battles taking place at places like Pluckemin and the Middlebrook encampment. General George Washington and his troops spent winters here during the war. The county’s central location along transportation routes made it strategically important.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Somerset County became an important industrial and agricultural area. The construction of canals, railroads, and highways connected it to major cities like New York and Philadelphia. Manufacturing, mining, and farming drove economic growth. Recently, high-tech firms and pharmaceutical companies have become major employers here.

Geography

Somerset County covers 305 square miles located in north-central New Jersey. It’s bordered by Morris, Union, Middlesex, Mercer and Hunterdon Counties. The northwestern section of Somerset contains the Sourland Mountain ridge, which is part of the Reading Prong.

The main waterways in the county are the Raritan River, Millstone River, Green Brook and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. Manville, Bound Brook, Somerville, Raritan and Hillsborough are a few of the principal municipalities. Somerset has a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Somerset County’s population was 351,017. It’s the 7th most populous county in NJ. It has a population density of 1,071 people per square mile. Around 70% of residents are non-Hispanic white. Significant minority groups include Asian Americans (18%) and Hispanic/Latino Americans (12%).

The median household income is $114,913, making it one of the wealthiest counties in the U.S. About 48% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Prominent institutions of higher learning located in the county include Raritan Valley Community College and Somerset Christian College.

Attractions & Recreation

Somerset County has plenty of sites and activities to enjoy for residents and visitors. Here’s a sampling of popular attractions:

• Colonial Park – A large county park featuring a golf course, gardens, hiking trails and more.
• Duke Farms – This former estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke is now an ecological preserve with gardens, trails, and educational programs.
• Raritan River – The river offers boating, fishing, kayaking and other recreational opportunities.
• Somerset Patriots Baseball – Minor league baseball team playing at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.
• Somerset County Park Commission – Operates several parks, golf courses, and recreational facilities throughout the county.
• Trump National Golf Club – An exclusive private golf club owned by former President Trump’s family.

Government & Politics

Somerset County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners. Each member is elected at-large to serve a three-year term. The commissioners appoint a county administrator to oversee day-to-day operations.

In national politics, Somerset County leans Democratic. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden received 56% of the vote to Donald Trump’s 42%. However, at the state and local level, many parts of Somerset still favor Republican candidates. The county’s wealthier residents tend to be more conservative.

There are 21 municipalities including townships and boroughs within Somerset County. Some of the larger ones are Franklin Township, with about 68,000 residents – Bridgewater Township, around 45,000 residents – and Hillsborough Township with about 43,000 residents. Each municipality has its own local government.

Legal Issues & Controversies

Let’s look at some notable legal cases and issues that have impacted Somerset County:

• Affordable Housing – For decades, Somerset fought against the NJ Supreme Court’s Mount Laurel doctrine requiring towns to provide low-income housing. But in 2020, it finally reached a settlement agreeing to allow over 5,000 new affordable units.
• Far Hills Race Meeting – This annual steeplechase event has faced lawsuits alleging discrimination against non-members and safety issues. Critics say the elite, mostly white spectators receive preferential treatment from local officials.
• Bernards Township – Sued by the US Dept of Justice in 2020 for allegedly violating the Fair Housing Act through exclusionary zoning preventing multifamily housing. The township settled in 2021, agreeing to rezone for higher density.
• Bedminster Land Use – Trump’s golf club has been involved in legal disputes with the town over alleged zoning violations. Residents have accused local officials of giving Trump preferential treatment. The cases highlight issues around land use authority.

Somerset County has grappled with controversies around integration, housing affordability, and claims of institutional favoritism. It highlights the complex legal and ethical issues that can arise in wealthy suburban areas. Ongoing advocacy and litigation will likely shape Somerset’s approach to these concerns in the years ahead.

So in summary, Somerset County has a long history and many attractions to offer visitors and residents. But it also deals with modern challenges around equitable housing, land use policies, and claims of institutional bias. The county’s legal and political landscape continues to evolve in response to these issues.