Ocean County, New Jersey: History
Paleo-Indians migrated to what is now Ocean County around 11,500 BC. They were a skilled tribe that utilized the natural elements of the area, and they set the “foundation for the area’s rich cultural heritage”.
The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in the area in the early 17th century, but the British took it over and started exploiting the natural resources of the area.
Toms River, one of the county's oldest communities, was established in 1768.
In 1782, under the command of British Captain Joshua Huddy, Toms River was burned.
Prior to its creation, Ocean County was almost entirely within Shrewsbury Township in Monmouth County, with the exception of Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor Township. Ocean County was established on February 15, 1850, from portions of Monmouth county; Little Egg Harbor Township was annexed from Burlington County on March 30, 1891. It derives its name from the Atlantic Ocean that it borders.
In the mid 19th century, railroads were built, boosting the economy and tourism to the area.
In 1937, at the Lakehurst military base, the Hindenburg crashed.
Growth in Ocean County accelerated following the opening of the Garden State Parkway in 1954, with many new residents being among those who worked in Northern New Jersey and wanted to live further away from the congestion of the big cities, while still being in commuting distance to their jobs. The Parkway brought increased tourism to the county.
In 1964, Ocean County College opened.
On July 1, 1974, Great Adventure, located in Jackson, opened its doors for the first time.
The most populous municipality in the county is the rapidly growing Lakewood Township with 135,158 residents in 2020, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 42,315 (+45.6%) from its 2010 census count of 92,843. Jackson Township, which covers 100.62 square miles (260.6 km2), is the largest municipality in Ocean County by area.