Old Bridge Township

In 1869, a new township was born from South Amboy Township. It was christened Madison Township, a tribute to President James Madison. Old Bridge Township, as it’s now known, stands as a testament to its rich and layered past. Right here, where we stand, echoes the spirit of a community that evolved from quiet beginnings to a bustling suburban hub. Old Bridge Township officially adopted its current name in 1975 after a public referendum. This change helped distinguish it from another Madison in New Jersey and unified the area under a single postal designation. But many still remember and cherish its roots as Madison Township. The very first township council meeting took place at the Cheesequake Inn, near the current Pine Tavern. Imagine the scene: Robert L. Skillman, the innkeeper, receiving a modest sum for hosting the new leaders of Madison Township. This humble gathering marked the start of Old Bridge Township’s self-governance. Old Bridge Township’s history stretches back further than 1869. The area was once part of South Amboy Township, itself a vast territory established in 1685. Before that, it was part of Perth Amboy Township’s South Ward. The land has seen English, Scotch, French Huguenot, Irish, and Dutch settlers, shaping its character over centuries. Old Bridge Township’s landscape bears witness to its industrial past. Mills harnessed the power of the many streams. The discovery of high-quality stoneware clay along Cheesequake Creek sparked a thriving clay industry, vital to both Middlesex County and the state. During the Revolutionary War, the Raritan Bay beachfront, stretching from Cheesequake Creek to Whale Creek, was a strategic location. The 2nd Regiment of Middlesex County patrolled this area, guarding against British incursions. The Thomas Warne Museum, home to the Madison-Old Bridge Township Historical Society, preserves these stories and more. It’s a treasure trove of local history and genealogy, waiting to be explored. Old Bridge Township: a name that speaks to its past, while its vibrant present continues to unfold.