About
Bedminster is a township in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township’s population was 8,165, reflecting a decline of 137 (-1.7%) from the 8,302 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 1,216 (+17.2%) from the 7,086 counted in the 1990 Census.
Bedminster was settled in 1710 by Dutch, Germans, and Scots-Irish immigrants. It was named after Bedminster, then in Somerset, England and now a suburb of Bristol. Bedminster Township was created by Royal charter on April 4, 1749, from portions of the Northern precinct. It was incorporated formally by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Portions of the township were taken on March 28, 1912, to form Peapack-Gladstone.
Bedminster Township is noted for having one of the most historic revolutionary war sites in the United States at what is known as the Pluckemin Continental Artillery Cantonment Site, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. General Henry Knox, chief of the Continental Army artillery, was the leader responsible for building what was the country’s first military artillery training academy, the forerunner to United States Military Academy at West Point.
Residents
The New Jersey towns that make up the Somerset Hills include Bernards Twp (Basking Ridge), Bernardsville, Bedminster, Far Hills, Peapack/Gladstone). Starting back in the late 1800’s many of the richest and most famous people lived in the Somerset Hills.
Parks & Recreation
Bedminster Township’s park system consists of 34 acres of active recreation areas which include playing fields & courts, dog parks, playgrounds and picnic facilities connected via the township’s hike & bike trail. Our parks are open to the public from sunrise to sunset and close for the winter months from December 1st through March 31st, unless otherwise posted. The Recreation Department authorizes and schedules the use of playing fields and permits are required for organized play or the use of picnic pavilions.
History
The Township of Bedminster, with 8,165 residents and 27 square miles, is characterized by many desirable qualities. With a diversity of landscapes, parklands, residences and services, Bedminster offers an agreeable quality of life most communities cannot claim.
From Pottersville to Pluckemin, from Union Grove to Burnt Mills and from Lamington to Bedminster Village, our town presents a pleasant mix of history, natural beauty, access to amenities and excellent schools. We’re also fortunate to have a well-managed municipal government and low taxes.
The Township of Bedminster in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey was chartered in 1749 by King George II of England. Settled by Dutch, German, Irish and Scottish immigrants, the Township was a rural farming community until 1890, when rail services linked Far Hills and Peapack-Gladstone with the cities.
The sprawling green Township with its farmlands, trout streams and villages with ascending church spires, lured city people to the country. Construction of state and interstate highways has drawn the Township into the metropolitan ring, and residential and corporate growth continues in the eastern section of the community.
The Township is bordered on the east by the North Branch of The Raritan River and its tributaries, Lamington River and Chambers Brook.
There are three villages in the Township, each with its own Post Office: Bedminster, 07921; Pluckemin, 07978; and Pottersville, 07979.
Township residents enthusiastically enjoy the outdoor life in our community, so please drive with care on both the paved and unpaved roads. Be alert for deer, horses, cyclists, runners, hounds, hunters, fisherman, farm vehicles and the occasional hot air balloon!
Shopping
The Village at Bedminster shopping center, anchored by King’s Supermarket, offers a variety of businesses, including Starbucks, Village Cleaners, Subway, Rocco’s Pizza, Cynthia’s Hallmark, CVS, Blooms and PNC Bank.
