Chesterfield Township, New Jersey

Chesterfield Township, New Jersey is a Burlington County municipality that borders Mercer County to the north and Hamilton Township to the east. The township is situated near the Delaware River and is part of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Chesterfield Township is also close to the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 295, making it an attractive location for residents who commute to nearby cities like Trenton and Philadelphia. The township is home to several historic sites, including the Old York Road, which was originally a Lenape trail and later used by George Washington and his troops during the American Revolutionary War.

● Geography

Chesterfield Township is located in the southwestern part of Burlington County and is bordered by Hamilton Township to the east, Bordentown Township to the southeast, and Mansfield Township to the south. The township's geography is characterized by its location in the Coastal Plain region of New Jersey, with the Delaware River forming its western boundary. The township's landscape is also influenced by the Crosswicks Creek, which flows through the area and empties into the Delaware River. Nearby cities include Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, and Princeton, home to Princeton University. The township is also close to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a major United States military installation.

● History

The area that is now Chesterfield Township was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, who used the Old York Road as a trail. In the early 18th century, the area was settled by European Americans, primarily from England and Scotland. The township was formally established in 1688 and was named after Chesterfield, a town in England. During the American Revolutionary War, the area was an important location for George Washington and his troops, who used the Old York Road to travel between Trenton and Princeton. The township is also home to several historic sites, including the Chesterfield Township Historic District, which features several buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Old Schoolhouse and the Chesterfield Township Hall. Nearby historic sites include the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, the Trenton Battle Monument, and the Princeton Battlefield State Park.

● Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Chesterfield Township was approximately 7,699 people, with a population density of 433.1 people per square mile. The township has a diverse population, with a mix of young families, retirees, and commuters who work in nearby cities like Trenton and Philadelphia. The median household income in the township is around $83,000, and the median home value is around $270,000. The township is also home to several community organizations, including the Chesterfield Township Volunteer Fire Company and the Chesterfield Township Recreation Committee. Nearby institutions include Rider University, The College of New Jersey, and Rowan University.

● Government

Chesterfield Township is governed by a mayor-council form of government, with a mayor and a five-member township council. The township is also part of the Burlington County government, with several county offices and facilities located in the area. The township has its own police department and fire department, as well as a public works department that maintains the township's roads and infrastructure. Nearby government institutions include the New Jersey State House, the Burlington County Courthouse, and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

● Education

Chesterfield Township is served by the Chesterfield Township School District, which operates several schools in the area, including the Chesterfield Elementary School and the Chesterfield Township Middle School. The township is also home to several private schools, including the Chesterfield Academy and the St. Mary's School. Nearby institutions include Rider University, The College of New Jersey, and Rowan University, as well as several other colleges and universities in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. The township is also close to several libraries, including the Burlington County Library and the Trenton Free Public Library.

● Transportation

Chesterfield Township is located near several major transportation routes, including the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 295. The township is also served by several county roads, including County Route 528 and County Route 545. The nearest airport is the Trenton-Mercer Airport, which is located in nearby Ewing Township. The township is also close to several train stations, including the Trenton Transit Center and the Princeton Junction station, which offer service to New York City and Philadelphia on the Northeast Corridor Line and the West Trenton Line. Nearby transportation hubs include the Philadelphia International Airport, the Newark Liberty International Airport, and the Port of Newark.