Salem County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Its western boundary is formed by the Delaware River and it has the eastern terminus of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, connecting to New Castle, Delaware. Its county seat is Salem. The county is part of the Delaware Valley area. As of the 2017 Census estimate, the county's population was 62,792, making it the state's least populous county, representing a 5.0% decrease from the 66,083 enumerated at the 2010 Census, in turn increasing by 1,798 (+2.8%) from the 64,285 counted in the 2000 Census, retaining its position as the state's least populous county. The most populous place was Pennsville Township, with 13,409 residents at the time of the 2010 Census. Lower Alloways Creek Township covers 72.46 square miles (187.7 km2), the largest total area of any municipality.
Video Salem County, New Jersey
History
European settlement began with English colonists in the seventeenth century, who were settling both sides of the Delaware River. They established a colonial court in the area in 1681, but Salem County was first formally organized within West Jersey on May 17, 1694, from the Salem Tenth. Pittsgrove Township was transferred to Cumberland County in April 1867, but was restored to Salem County in February 1868. The area was initially settled by Quakers.
The Old Salem County Courthouse, situated on the same block as the Salem County Courthouse, serves as the court for Salem City in the 21st century. It is the oldest active courthouse in New Jersey and is the second oldest courthouse in continuous use in the United States, the oldest being King William County Courthouse in Virginia. The courthouse was built in 1735 during the reign of King George II using locally manufactured bricks. The building was enlarged in 1817 and additionally enlarged and remodeled in 1908. Its distinctive bell tower is essentially unchanged and the original bell sits in the courtroom.
Judge William Hancock of the King's Court presided at the courthouse. He was later killed by the British in the American Revolutionary War during the massacre at Hancock House committed by the British against local militia during the Salem Raid in 1778. Afterward the courthouse was the site of the "treason trials," wherein suspected Loyalists were put on trial for having allegedly aided the British during the Salem Raid. Four men were convicted and sentenced to death for treason; however, they were pardoned by Governor William Livingston and exiled from New Jersey. The courthouse is also the site of the legend of Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson's proving the edibility of the tomato. Before 1820, Americans often assumed tomatoes were poisonous. In 1820, Colonel Johnson, according to legend, stood upon the courthouse steps and ate tomatoes in front of a large crowd assembled to watch him do so.
Salem County is notable for its distinctive Quaker-inspired architecture and masonry styles of the 18th century. It had a rural and agricultural economy. In the early 20th century, its towns received numerous immigrants from eastern and southern Europe, who markedly added to the population. In the period following World War II, the county's population increased due to suburban development. To accommodate increasing traffic, the Delaware Memorial Bridge was built from Salem County to New Castle, Delaware.
Maps Salem County, New Jersey
Geography
According to the 2010 Census, the county had a total area of 372.33 square miles (964.3 km2), including 331.90 square miles (859.6 km2) of land (89.1%) and 40.43 square miles (104.7 km2) of water (10.9%). The county is bordered on the west by the Delaware River, and drained by Salem River, Alloway, and other creeks.
The terrain is almost uniformly flat coastal plain, with minimal relief. The highest elevation in the county has never been determined with any specificity, but is likely one of seven low rises in Upper Pittsgrove Township that reach approximately 160 feet (49 m) in elevation. Sea level is the lowest point.
Adjacent counties
The county adjoins the following areas:
- Gloucester County, New Jersey - northeast
- Cumberland County, New Jersey - southeast
- Kent County, Delaware- southwest1
- New Castle County, Delaware - west
1across Delaware Bay; no land border
National protected area
- Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Originally established in 1974, the refuge is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and located in Pennsville Township on the Delaware River estuary, covering 3,020 acres (1,220 ha) of land, most of which is a brackish tidal marsh that is a home for fresh and saltwater plants and a variety of wildlife.
Demographics
Census 2010
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 66,083 people, 25,290 households, and 17,551 families residing in the county. The population density was 199.1 per square mile (76.9/km2). There were 27,417 housing units at an average density of 82.6 per square mile (31.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 79.83% (52,757) White, 14.09% (9,309) Black or African American, 0.36% (240) Native American, 0.84% (557) Asian, 0.02% (10) Pacific Islander, 2.64% (1,745) from other races, and 2.22% (1,465) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.82% (4,507) of the population.
There were 25,290 households out of which 29% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 15% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.8 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91.6 males.
Census 2000
As of the 2000 United States Census there were 64,285 people, 24,295 households, and 17,370 families residing in the county. The population density was 190 people per square mile (73/km²). There were 26,158 housing units at an average density of 77 per square mile (30/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.19% White, 14.77% Black or African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.57% from other races, and 1.46% from two or more races. 3.89% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Among those residents listing their ancestry, 20.0% were of German, 17.1% Irish, 13.9% English, 12.2% Italian and 6.1% American ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 24,295 households out of which 32.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.80% were married couples living together, 13.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.50% were non-families. 24.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $45,573, and the median income for a family was $54,890. Males had a median income of $41,860 versus $27,209 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,874. About 7.2% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Salem County is governed by a seven-member Board of Chosen Freeholders who are elected at-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects a Director and a Deputy Director from among its members. The appointed position professional county administrator was abolished by a unanimous vote of the freeholders in January 2014. In 2016, freeholders were paid $25,410 and the freeholder director was paid an annual salary of $26,410.
In the 2016 general election, Salem County voters approved a binding referendum to cut the number of freeholders from seven to five as well as a non-binding referendum to cut freeholder salaries by 20%; both initiatives, which had been placed on the ballot as the result of grassroots campaigns opposed to a proposed outsourcing deal, passed by a 3-1 margin. In the wake of the referendum results, Freeholder Director Julie Acton resigned in December 2016 and was replaced by Scott Griscom. In April 2017, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the reduction in seats will be accomplished through attrition, with the seats expiring at the end of 2017 (held by freeholders Cross, Painter and Vanderslice) being eliminated; in the November 2017 general election there will be one new three-year seat up for vote as well as a two-year unexpired term, so that on January 1, 2018, there will be a five-member freeholder board.
As of 2018, Salem County's Freeholders (with party, residence and term-end year and committee chairmanship listed in parentheses) are:
- Freeholder Director Melissa L. DeCastro (D, Carney's Point Township; )
- Freeholder Ben H. Laury (R, Elmer, New Jersey; term as freeholder ends December 31, 2018)
- Freeholder Charles V. Hassler (D, Salem, New Jersey; term as freeholder ends 2020)
- Freeholder R. Scott Griscom (R, Mannington Township, 2020)
- Freeholder Lee R. Ware (D, Elsinboro Township, 2020)
Pursuant to Article VII Section II of the New Jersey State Constitution, each county in New Jersey is required to have three elected administrative officials known as "constitutional officers." These officers are the County Clerk and County Surrogate (both elected for five-year terms of office) and the County Sheriff (elected for a three-year term). Salem County's constitutional officers, elected on a countywide basis are:
- County Clerk Gilda T. Gill (R, Penns Grove, 2019)
- Sheriff Charles M. "Chuck" Miller (R, Pennsville Township, 2018)
- Surrogate Nicki A. Burke (D, Pilesgrove Township, 2020).
The Salem County Prosecutor is John T. Lenahan of Pilesgrove Township, who was nominated by Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie in June 2014.
Salem County is a part of Vicinage 15 of the New Jersey Superior Court (along with Cumberland County and Gloucester County), seated in Woodbury in Gloucester County; the Assignment Judge for the vicinage is Benjamin C. Telsey. The Cumberland County Courthouse is in Salem.
Politics
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 42,672 registered voters in Salem, of which 13,052 (30.6%) were registered as Democrats, 8,945 (21.0%) were registered as Republicans and 20,652 (48.4%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 23 voters registered to other parties. Among the county's 2010 Census population, 64.6% were registered to vote, including 84.4% of those ages 18 and over.
Salem County generally and historically leaned towards the Republican Party, but not as much so as the Northwest or Shore regions of the state. In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama carried the county by a 4% margin over Republican John McCain, with Obama receiving 57.27% statewide. Obama received 16,044 votes here (50.4%), ahead of McCain with 14,816 votes (46.6%) and other candidates with 503 votes (1.6%), among the 31,812 ballots cast by the county's 44,324 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.8%. In the 2004 presidential election,
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 42,672 registered voters in Salem, of which 13,052 (30.6% vs. 30.6% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 8,945 (21.0% vs. 21.0%) were registered as Republicans and 20,652 (48.4% vs. 48.4%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 23 voters registered to other parties. In the 2012 U.S. Presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney tied, with both candidates receiving 14,719 votes each; the state voted for Obama. Among the county's 2010 Census population, 64.6% (vs. 64.6% in Salem County) were registered to vote, including 84.4% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 84.4% countywide). In 2004 Bush received 15,721 votes here (52.5%), ahead of Kerry with 13,749 votes (45.9%) and other candidates with 311 votes (1.0%), among the 29,950 ballots cast by the county's 42,210 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.0%.
In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 9,599 votes here (46.1%), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 8,323 votes (39.9%), Independent Chris Daggett with 2,011 votes (9.7%) and other candidates with 411 votes (2.0%), among the 20,838 ballots cast by the county's 44,037 registered voters, yielding a 47.3% turnout.
Salem County falls entirely within the 2nd congressional district and the 3rd state legislative district. New Jersey's Second Congressional District is represented by Frank LoBiondo (R, Ventnor City). For the 2018-2019 session (Senate, General Assembly), the 3rd Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Stephen M. Sweeney (D, West Deptford Township) and in the General Assembly by John J. Burzichelli (D, Paulsboro) and Adam Taliaferro (D, Woolwich Township).
Transportation
As of 2010, the county had a total of 879.53 miles (1,415.47 km) of roadways, of which 429.36 miles (690.99 km) were maintained by the local municipality, 355.17 miles (571.59 km) by Salem County and 85.94 miles (138.31 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 9.06 miles (14.58 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Salem is served by many different roads. Major county routes include CR 540, CR 551, CR 553 (only in Pittsgrove) and CR 581. State highways include Route 45, Route 47, Route 48 (only in Carneys Point), Route 56 (only in Pittsgrove), Route 77 and Route 140 (only in Carneys Point). The U.S. routes are U.S. Route 40 and the southern end of U.S. Route 130.
Limited access roads include Interstate 295 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Both highways pass through the northern part of the county. Only one turnpike interchange is located in Salem: Exit 1 in Carneys Point (which is also where the turnpike ends). There are a pair of service areas on the Turnpike, both located between exits 1 and 2 in Oldmans Township: The John Fenwick Service Area on the northbound side and the Clara Barton Service Area in the southbound direction.
The Delaware Memorial Bridge (which is signed as I-295/US 40) is a set of twin suspension bridges crossing the Delaware River.Connecting New Castle, Delaware and Pennsville Township, the original span was opened in 1951 and the second span in 1968.
Municipalities
Municipalities in Salem County (with 2010 Census data for population, housing units and area in square miles) are: Other, unincorporated communities in the county are listed next to their parent municipality. Some of these areas are census-designated places (CDPs) that have been created by the United States Census Bureau for enumeration purposes within a Township. Other communities and enclaves that exist within a municipality are also listed next to the name.
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Salem have ranged from a low of 25 °F (-4 °C) in January to a high of 86 °F (30 °C) in July, although a record low of -14 °F (-26 °C) was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of 107 °F (42 °C) was recorded in August 1918. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.78 inches (71 mm) in February to 4.57 inches (116 mm) in July.
Wineries
- Auburn Road Vineyards
- Chestnut Run Farm
- Monroeville Vineyard & Winery
- Salem Oak Vineyards
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Salem County, New Jersey
- Wistarburgh Glass Works - an eighteenth-century glass company operating in the county.
References
External links
- Media related to Salem County, New Jersey at Wikimedia Commons
- Salem County official website
- The Official Salem County Tourism and Travel Website
- Discover Salem County NJ
- The News of Salem County
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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