Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey

Hamilton Township is a township in Atlantic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 27,484,<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/> an increase of 981 (+3.7%) from the 2010 census count of 26,503,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn reflected an increase of 6,004 (+29.3%) from the 20,499 counted in the 2000 census.<ref>Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref> The Township of Hamilton was incorporated by the New Jersey Legislature on February 5, 1813.<ref name=website>A Brief Overview of our Town, Hamilton Township. Accessed October 2, 2006.</ref><ref name=Story/>

The township calls itself "New Jersey's Largest Municipality" on its stationery and its website. At Template:Convert, Hamilton Township has the largest land area of any municipality in New Jersey.<ref name=CensusArea/> However, with a total area (land and water combined) of Template:Convert it is the second-largest municipality in New Jersey, behind neighboring Galloway Township, which has a total area of Template:Convert.<ref name=CensusArea/><ref>Barlas, Thomas. "Step aside, Hamilton twp.: Galloway is bigger / 'Largest' N.J. town a little smaller than neighbor, data show", The Press of Atlantic City, July 9, 2007. Accessed November 18, 2013. "Take Atlantic County's Hamilton Township, which for years has hailed itself on stationery and signs as 'New Jersey's Largest Municipality'.... But Hamilton Township residents might want to take another look at the numbers before becoming too smug with its bigness: The federal government says neighboring Galloway Township is actually larger."</ref>

Geographically, the township, and all of Atlantic County, is part of the South Jersey region of the state and of the Atlantic City-Hammonton metropolitan statistical area, which in turn is included in the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden combined statistical area and the Delaware Valley.<ref>New Jersey: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties, United States Census Bureau. Accessed February 1, 2023.</ref>

History

Hamilton Township's origins are directly tied to the Great Egg Harbor River and its tributaries which run through it. George May, after whom the village of Mays Landing was named, built a shipyard and trading post near Babcock Creek in 1756. By the mid 19th century, Mays Landing reached the height of its shipbuilding.

From 1830 to 1880, more than 200 vessels were built along the Great Egg Harbor River with lumber from native forests and iron from Weymouth foundries. Half of them were produced at Mays Landing. But by the end of the century, wood shipbuilding began to disappear due to the lack of suitable timber. Iron was then substituted for hull construction.

Hamilton was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 5, 1813, from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Weymouth Township, while the area was still part of Gloucester County. Hamilton became part of the newly created Atlantic County in 1837. Portions of the township were taken to form Hammonton on March 5, 1866, and to form Buena Vista Township on March 5, 1867.<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 69. Accessed May 28, 2024.</ref> The township was named for Alexander Hamilton.<ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed August 31, 2015.</ref>

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 112.94 square miles (292.52 km²), including 110.90 square miles (287.22 km²) of land and 2.05 square miles (5.31 km²) of water (1.81%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

Mays Landing, with a 2010 population of 2,135,<ref>DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Mays Landing CDP, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 28, 2012</ref> is a census-designated place located within Hamilton Township<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=website/><ref>GCT-PH1 - Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County -- County Subdivision and Place from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for Atlantic County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 12, 2012.</ref> that has been the county seat of Atlantic County since it was formed in 1837.<ref name=CountyMap>New Jersey County Map, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed July 10, 2017.</ref>

Other unincorporated communities, localities, and places located partially or completely within the township include Mays Landing, the county seat of Atlantic County, and Bears Head, Carmantown, Catawba, Clarktown, Cologne, Dacosta, Emmelsville, Gravelly Run, Lake Lenape, Laureldale, McKee City, Mizpah, Reega, Thompsontown, Weymouth, and Wilsons Landing.<ref>Township of Hamilton Historical Society. Township of Hamilton, Atlantic County, p. 7. Arcadia Publishing, 2001. Template:ISBN. Accessed December 11, 2011.</ref><ref>Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed November 28, 2014.</ref>

The township borders the Atlantic County municipalities of Buena Vista Township, Egg Harbor Township, Estell Manor, Folsom, Galloway Township, Hammonton, Mullica Township and Weymouth Township.<ref>Areas touching Hamilton Township, MapIt. Accessed September 25, 2019.</ref><ref>Atlantic County District Map, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed July 9, 2024.</ref><ref>New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref>

Pinelands Reserve

The township is one of 56 South Jersey municipalities that are included within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, a protected natural area of unique ecology covering Template:Convert, that has been classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and established by Congress in 1978 as the nation's first National Reserve.<ref>The Pinelands National Reserve, New Jersey Pinelands Commission. Accessed November 18, 2013.</ref> Part of the township is included in the state-designated Pinelands Area, which includes portions of Atlantic County, along with areas in Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Ocean counties.<ref>Pinelands Municipalities, New Jersey Pinelands Commission, April 2003. Accessed November 18, 2013.</ref>

The western three-quarters of the township is governed by regulation by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, which places major limitations on development in that portion of the township, which remains as pine forest with a distinctly rural character, with other portions designated as a Rural Development Area.<ref>New Jersey Pinelands Land Capability Map, New Jersey Pinelands Commission, June 2011. Accessed December 11, 2011.</ref> Significant portions of the eastern quarter of the township are designated by the Pinelands Commission as part of the Regional Growth Area (RGA), in which development is "allowed and encouraged" in the area surrounding Atlantic City, New Jersey.<ref>Comprehensive Management Plan, New Jersey Pinelands Commission. Accessed December 11, 2011.</ref> The majority of the township's residents live in the area covered by the RGA, which has been developed in suburban fashion and includes shopping areas such as the Hamilton Mall, part of the township's Template:Convert of first class commercial retail properties.<ref name=website/><ref name=ACmap>Map of Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed December 11, 2011.</ref>

Demographics

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 26,503 people, 9,490 households, and 6,690 families in the township. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 10,196 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup was 67.96% (18,011) White, 18.55% (4,916) Black or African American, 0.26% (68) Native American, 5.41% (1,435) Asian, 0.06% (16) Pacific Islander, 4.12% (1,092) from other races, and 3.64% (965) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.79% (3,390) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 9,490 households, 32.7% had children under the age of 18; 48.1% were married couples living together; 16.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 29.5% were non-families. Of all households, 22.7% were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.15.<ref name=Census2010/>

24.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 98.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 96.0 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $59,085 (with a margin of error of +/− $3,242) and the median family income was $62,354 (+/− $3,893). Males had a median income of $47,110 (+/− $4,411) versus $36,615 (+/− $3,549) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $25,292 (+/− $1,528). About 8.4% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.1% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.<ref>DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Hamilton township, Atlantic County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 28, 2012.</ref>

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census,<ref name="GR2" /> there were 20,499 people, 7,148 households, and 5,039 families residing in the township. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 7,567 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the township was 71.45% White, 19.26% African American, 0.29% Native American, 3.29% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.33% from other races, and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.91% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Hamilton township, Atlantic County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 28, 2012.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Hamilton township, Atlantic County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 19, 2012.</ref>

There were 7,148 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.21.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the township, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 35.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the township was $50,259, and the median income for a family was $54,899. Males had a median income of $37,419 versus $30,089 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,309. About 4.5% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

Economy

Hamilton is home to over Template:Convert of first-class retail establishments including Hamilton Mall, Consumer Square and Hamilton Commons.

Balic Winery, established in 1966, produces 27 different wines on a Template:Convert vineyard.<ref>About Balic Template:Webarchive, Balic Winery. Accessed May 28, 2015.</ref>

Parks and recreation

The Great Egg Harbor River and Lake Lenape are recreational resources used by local residents and visitors alike. The Lake Lenape Parks cover more than Template:Convert.<ref>Lake Lenape Park, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed September 25, 2019. "Lake Lenape Park East and Lake Lenape Park West are located in Hamilton Township and together encompass nearly 2,000 acres of land."</ref>

Government

Local government

Hamilton Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form.<ref>Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.<ref name=DataBook>2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 13.</ref><ref>"Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 7. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> At an annual reorganization meeting each January, the Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.<ref name=Committee/>

Template:As of, the members of the Hamilton Township Committee are Mayor Art Schenker (R, term on committee ends December 31, 2026; term as mayor ends 2025), Deputy Mayor Carl Pitale (R, term on committee ends 2025; term as deputy mayor ends 2025), Robert Laws (R, 2027), Richard Cheek (R, term on committee ends 2027) and Thelma Witherspoon (D, 2025).<ref name=Committee>Township Committee, Township of Hamilton. Accessed June 6, 2023. "The Township of Hamilton has a Township Committee form of government consisting of 5 Members elected at large and serving 3-year staggered terms. At each annual reorganization meeting in January the Members select 1 Member to serve as Chairman for that year. The Chairman holds the honorary title of Mayor. The Members also select 1 Member to serve as Vice Chairman for that year. The Vice-Chairman holds the honorary title of Deputy Mayor."</ref><ref>2023 Municipal Data Sheet, Township of Hamilton. Accessed June 6, 2023.</ref><ref name=Govt>Municipal Government Template:Webarchive, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 6, 2023.</ref><ref name=Atlantic2022>2022 General Election Results - Amended, Atlantic County Clerk, updated December 5, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.</ref><ref name=Atlantic2021>General Election November 2, 2021 Official Results, Atlantic County, New Jersey, updated January 4, 2022. Accessed February 1, 2022.</ref><ref name=Atlantic2020>November 3, 2020 General Election Official Results, Atlantic County, New Jersey, update January 4, 2021. Accessed February 1, 2021.</ref>

In January 2023, former mayor Art Schanker was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2024 that had been held by Susan K. Hopkins until she resigned from office earlier that month.<ref>Doyle, Christopher. "Former mayor appointed to Hamilton Township Committee", The Press of Atlantic City, January 18, 2023. Accessed June 6, 2023. "The Township Committee has appointed Art Schenker its newest member. He was voted into the position unanimously Tuesday and was sworn in by Atlantic County Commissioner Amy Gatto.... The appointment was made to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sue Hopkins, which was effective Jan. 10."</ref>

Federal, state, and county representation

Hamilton Township is located in the 2nd Congressional District<ref name=PCR2012>Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 2nd state legislative district.<ref name=Districts2011>Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref><ref name=LWV2019>2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.</ref><ref>Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref>

Politics

As of March 2011, there were a total of 15,486 registered voters in Hamilton Township, of which 4,305 (27.8% vs. 30.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 3,541 (22.9% vs. 25.2%) were registered as Republicans and 7,635 (49.3% vs. 44.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 5 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.<ref name=VoterRegistration>Voter Registration Summary - Atlantic, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> Among the township's 2010 Census population, 58.4% (vs. 58.8% in Atlantic County) were registered to vote, including 76.9% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 76.6% countywide).<ref name=VoterRegistration/><ref>GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref>

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 6,748 votes here (59.9% vs. 57.9% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 4,334 votes (38.5% vs. 41.1%) and other candidates with 130 votes (1.2% vs. 0.9%), among the 11,268 ballots cast by the township's 16,710 registered voters, for a turnout of 67.4% (vs. 65.8% in Atlantic County).<ref>Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Atlantic County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Atlantic County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 6,619 votes here (57.7% vs. 56.5% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 4,612 votes (40.2% vs. 41.6%) and other candidates with 148 votes (1.3% vs. 1.1%), among the 11,481 ballots cast by the township's 16,199 registered voters, for a turnout of 70.9% (vs. 68.1% in Atlantic County).<ref>2008 Presidential General Election Results: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 5,055 votes here (51.9% vs. 52.0% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 4,507 votes (46.2% vs. 46.2%) and other candidates with 83 votes (0.9% vs. 0.8%), among the 9,747 ballots cast by the township's 13,128 registered voters, for a turnout of 74.2% (vs. 69.8% in the whole county).<ref>2004 Presidential Election: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref>

Presidential elections results

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Parties
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2024<ref name="2024Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|48.6% 6,798	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|49.6% 6,936	1.8% 204
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2020<ref name="2020Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|44.9% 6,567	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|53.6% 7,847	1.5% 229
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2016<ref name="2016Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|44.8% 4,775	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|50.4% 5,364	4.8% 512
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2012<ref name="2012Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|38.5% 4,334	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|59.9% 6,748	1.2% 130
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2008<ref name="state.nj.us">[1], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed January 9, 2025.</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|40.2% 4,612	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|57.7% 6,619	1.3% 148
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2004<ref name="Presidential Election 2004">[2], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed January 9, 2025.</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|46.2% 4,507	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|51.9% 5,055	0.9% 83

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 4,086 votes here (59.0% vs. 60.0% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 2,526 votes (36.5% vs. 34.9%) and other candidates with 127 votes (1.8% vs. 1.3%), among the 6,924 ballots cast by the township's 17,080 registered voters, yielding a 40.5% turnout (vs. 41.5% in the county).<ref>2013 Governor: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 5, 2013 General Election Results : Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 3,346 votes here (47.9% vs. 47.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 3,102 votes (44.4% vs. 44.5%), Independent Chris Daggett with 386 votes (5.5% vs. 4.8%) and other candidates with 93 votes (1.3% vs. 1.2%), among the 6,983 ballots cast by the township's 15,764 registered voters, yielding a 44.3% turnout (vs. 44.9% in the county).<ref>2009 Governor: Atlantic County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref>

Education

For pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, public school students attend the Hamilton Township Schools.<ref>Hamilton Township Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Hamilton Township Schools. Accessed May 3, 2020. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre K through eight in the Hamilton Township School District. Composition: The Hamilton Township School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of the Township of Hamilton."</ref> As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 2,974 students and 254.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.7:1.<ref name=NCES>District information for Hamilton Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref> Schools in the district (with 2021–22 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics<ref>School Data for the Hamilton Township Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref>) are Joseph C. Shaner Memorial School<ref>Joseph C. Shaner Memorial School, Hamilton Township Schools. Accessed January 25, 2023.</ref> with 628 students in grades K-1, George Hess Educational Complex<ref>George Hess Educational Complex, Hamilton Township Schools. Accessed January 25, 2023.</ref> with 1,263 in pre-kindergarten and grades 2-5 and William Davies Middle School<ref>William Davies Middle School, Hamilton Township Schools. Accessed January 25, 2023.</ref> with 979 students in grades 6–8.<ref>Schools, Hamilton Township Schools. Accessed June 25, 2023.</ref><ref>Public School Directory 2022-2023, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed January 25, 2023.</ref><ref>School Performance Reports for the Hamilton Township School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 1, 2024.</ref><ref>New Jersey School Directory for the Hamilton Township Schools, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>

Public school students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Oakcrest High School, located in Hamilton Township, which serves students from Hamilton Township.<ref>Oakcrest High School 2013 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed June 14, 2016. "Oakcrest High School is entering its 53rd school year of academic excellence. Oakcrest is a comprehensive high school located in Mays Landing that provides a secondary school education to Hamilton Township."</ref> As of the 2021–22 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 952 students and 87.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.8:1.<ref>School data for Oakcrest High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref> The high school is part of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District, a regional public high school district serving students at the district's two other schools, Absegami High School and Cedar Creek High School, from the other constituent districts of Egg Harbor City, Galloway Township and Mullica Township, together with students from the City of Port Republic and Washington Township (in Burlington County), who attend as part of sending/receiving relationships with their respective school districts.<ref>Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District 2016 Report Card Narrative Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed December 6, 2017. "The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District serves the communities of Galloway Township, Hamilton Township, Egg Harbor City, Mullica Township and participates in receiving relationships with Port Republic and Washington Township. The geographic area of the district is the largest in the state, covering 324 square miles. The student body of each of the district's three comprehensive high schools, Absegami High School, Cedar Creek High School, and Oakcrest High School, reflects the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of this geographic area."</ref>

Atlantic County Institute of Technology, established in 1974 and located on a campus covering Template:Convert, provides vocational instruction to high school students and adults from across Atlantic County, and was one of eight schools in the state recognized in 2008 as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.<ref>Frequently Asked Questions Template:Webarchive, Atlantic County Institute of Technology. Accessed May 17, 2017. "What does it cost to attend ACIT? As a public school, there is no cost to Atlantic County residents of high school age. New Jersey Title 18A:54-20.1 entitles students the right to choose ACIT for their high school education."</ref> Township students can also attend the Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts, located in Somers Point.<ref>Profile, Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts. Accessed May 18, 2017.</ref>

Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School is a Catholic elementary school in Mays Landing, serving students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade since 1961 and operated under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Camden.<ref>About Us, St. Vincent de Paul Regional School. Accessed February 19, 2023. "In 1961, St. Vincent de Paul Regional School opened its doors, under the direction of Monsignor Charles Beausang and the Sisters of St. Joseph's Chestnut Hill."</ref><ref>Schools, South Jersey Catholic Schools. Accessed February 19, 2023.</ref>

Atlantic Cape Community College was the second community college to be established in New Jersey, and moved to its campus in Mays Landing in February 1968 where it now serves students from both Atlantic County and Cape May County.<ref>History, Atlantic Cape Community College. Accessed February 22, 2023. "The site for the college was selected on November 19, 1964, and official ground breaking ceremonies for its nine-building complex in Mays Landing were held in November 1966. Atlantic Cape opened its doors to students in September 1966, using facilities rented from Atlantic City High School. In February 1968 the college moved to its present campus at 5100 Black Horse Pike (U.S. Route 322) in Mays Landing."</ref>

Transportation

File:2021-05-31 15 46 55 View west along New Jersey State Route 446 (Atlantic City Expressway) from the overpass for Atlantic County Route 559 (Weymouth Road) in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey.jpg

Atlantic City Expressway westbound in Hamilton Township

Roads and highways

Template:As of, the township had a total of Template:Convert of roadways, of which Template:Convert were maintained by the municipality, Template:Convert by Atlantic County, Template:Convert by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Template:Convert by the South Jersey Transportation Authority.<ref>Atlantic County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed November 18, 2013.</ref>

A variety of roads pass through the township. Hamilton hosts a Template:Convert stretch of the Atlantic City Expressway with three interchanges and the Egg Harbor Tolls. U.S. Route 40, U.S. Route 322, and Route 50 pass through the township. The major county roads include County Route 552, County Route 559, County Route 563, and County Route 575.

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides bus service in the township between Cape May and Philadelphia on the 315 route and to Atlantic City on routes 502 from Atlantic Cape Community College and 553 from Upper Deerfield Township.<ref>Template:Usurped, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 26, 2010. Accessed November 18, 2013.</ref><ref>South Jersey Transit Guide Template:Webarchive, Cross County Connection, as of April 1, 2010. Accessed November 18, 2013.</ref>

Notable people

Template:Category see also People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Hamilton Township include:

• Brandon Bell (born 1995), linebacker for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team<ref>James, Michael. "Oakcrest graduate Brandon Bell named captain at Penn State", The Press of Atlantic City, August 24, 2016. Accessed October 25, 2016. "Oakcrest High School graduate and Penn State University linebacker Brandon Bell was named defensive captain Tuesday for the Nittany Lions' upcoming season. Bell is a senior from Mays Landing who graduated from Oakcrest in 2013 and was a Press first-team All-Star."</ref>
• Colin Bell (born 1981), member of the New Jersey Senate who represented the 2nd Legislative District<ref>"Bell Sworn In As New 2nd District Senator", New Jersey Senate Democrats, October 5, 2017. Accessed November 10, 2017. "Senator Colin Bell was sworn into the New Jersey State Senate today, where he will represent the people of the 2nd Legislative District... He grew up in Hamilton Township, where he attended Hamilton Township public schools and then graduated from Oakcrest High School."</ref>
• Johnny Berchtold (born 1994), actor<ref>Fertsch, Cindy. "Local actor makes it on Netflix", Shore Local News, February 2, 2023. Accessed March 6, 2024. "That young man featured in the new Netflix family film, Dog Gone, is played by Mays Landing’s own Johnny Berchtold."</ref>
• Cory Bird (born 1978), safety who played for the Indianapolis Colts<ref>LeConey, Bill. "Football / Hokies' Bird Injured In Loss", The Press of Atlantic City, January 5, 2000. Accessed September 20, 2012. "Bird, a junior from Mays Landing, finished with three tackles, one for a loss."</ref>
• Ilsley Boone (1879–1968), established and ran the national headquarters of the American Sunbathing Association (ASA) at Sunshine Park (which operated from 1931 to 1983) in Mays Landing<ref>Barlas, Thomas. "Hamilton to get $300,000 with sale of former nudist colony site", The Press of Atlantic City, July 30, 2009. Accessed September 20, 2012. "Sunshine Park and the township have been connected financially for years. The nudist colony was founded in 1931 as a health resort by Ilsey Boone, a minister-educator who was struck by the then-new 'nudism fever.'"</ref>
• Darhyl Camper (born 1990), singer-songwriter and record producer<ref>Jackson, Vincent. "Former Mays Landing resident earned first Grammy Award statue in February", The Press of Atlantic City, March 3, 2019. Accessed July 22, 2020. "Darhyl 'DJ' Camper Jr., who has had multiple Grammy nominations over the years, has met many starry-eyed teenagers who want to have a career as a recording artist.... Camper, a former Mays Landing resident, decided to work with H.E.R. six years ago."</ref>
• Suzette Charles (born 1963), singer and entertainer, who became Miss America 1984<ref>Chira, Susan. "To First Black Miss America, Victory Is A Means To An End", The New York Times, September 19, 1983. Accessed April 24, 2012. "Her home is in Mays Landing, 15 miles west of Atlantic City, the site of the contest."</ref>
• Carmen Cincotti (born 1992), competitive eater<ref>Weinberg, David. "Mays Landing competitive eater devours his competition", The Press of Atlantic City, July 10, 2017. Accessed July 18, 2017. "Mays Landing native Carmen Cincotti accomplished that gastric milestone last week at the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, New York, on Fourth of July."</ref>
• Mike Curcio (born 1957), former American football linebacker who played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers<ref>Lulgjuraj, Susan. "After 30 years, local Temple grad is back in a bowl", The Press of Atlantic City, December 29, 2009. Accessed June 2, 2024. "The Mays Landing resident also has a plaque saluting him as the Most Unheralded Player from the 1978 team.... 'Of course, I remember it,' said Curcio, a 1975 Oakcrest High School graduate."</ref>
• Darren Drozdov (born 1969), ex-NFL player and retired professional wrestler who competed in the WWF<ref>Template:Usurped, database Football. Accessed December 8, 2007.</ref>
• Mae Faggs (1932–2000), track-and-field athlete who was a gold medalist in the Women's 4 × 100 meters relay at 1952 Summer Olympics<ref>Goldstein, Richard. "Mae Faggs Starr, Champion And Track Mentor, Dies at 67", The New York Times, February 11, 2000. Accessed January 26, 2016. "Aeriwentha Mae Faggs was born in Mays Landing, N.J., but grew up in New York City."</ref>
• Ronnie Faisst (born 1977), professional freestyle motocross and snow bikecross rider<ref>Bitzer, Hannah. "Mays Landing native Ronnie Faisst hoping to upgrade medal collection at X Games tonight", The Press of Atlantic City, June 30, 2012. Accessed September 2, 2019. "Mays Landing native and freestyle motocross star Ronnie Faisst hopes to grab something today that just barely eluded him at the last two Summer X Games - a silver or gold medal."</ref>
• Harvey Kesselman (born 1951), fifth president of Stockton University<ref>Landau, Joel. "Hamilton Township Committeeman Harvey Kesselman won't run again in 2012", The Press of Atlantic City, November 9, 2011. Accessed November 7, 2015. "The 2012 election season already has begun in Hamilton Township. Township Committeeman Harvey Kesselman announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election when his term expires next year.... Kesselman said he felt he did not have enough time to serve on the body, noting his job as provost of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Galloway Township."</ref>
• Walter Lowenfels (1897–1976), poet, journalist, and member of the Communist Party USA who edited the communist newspaper the Daily Worker<ref>Finding-aid for the Walter Lowenfels Papers (MSS074) Template:Webarchive, Washington University in St. Louis. Accessed November 18, 2013. "Walter Lowenfels, poet, editor, translator, was born in New York, is married to the former Lillian Apotheker, who has collaborated with him and with Nan Braymer in this and other anthologies of poetry. He lives now in Mays Landing, New York, from where his correspondence, and much of the business material of this anthology emanated, roughly from February, 1966 - Oct., 1967, shortly after which the anthology was published by Doubleday."</ref>
• Shameka Marshall (born 1983), long jumper who won the gold medal at the 2007 NACAC Championships in Athletics<ref>"Hall of Fame Focus: Shameka Marshall", Rutgers University, October 19, 2017. Accessed November 12, 2017 ."Shameka Marshall found herself walking down the hallways of the RAC with her track and field coach James Robinson wondering about the faces that appeared on the wall.... The Mizpah, New Jersey native, however, hesitated about making the leap to college athletics from high school."</ref>
• Bo Melton (born 1999), American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers<ref>Gill, Mike. "Former Cedar Creek Football Star Bo Melton Shines at NFL Combine", WENJ, March 3, 2022. Accessed April 9, 2022. "Former Cedar Creek star Bo Melton made a name for himself on Thursday at the NFL Combine, running a 4.34 time in the 40-yard dash.... The Mays Landing resident finished with 51 receptions for 766 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior at Cedar Creek, and also added 451 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground."</ref>
• Max Melton, American football cornerback for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights<ref>Anastasia, Phil. "Cedar Creek football star Malachi Melton commits to Purdue", The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 17, 2019. Accessed May 9, 2023. "The third brother, Malachi 'Max' Melton, a senior at Cedar Creek High School, announced Tuesday that he will follow his own path, committing to head west to attend Purdue on a football scholarship.... 'Where I’m from, Mays Landing, New Jersey, everybody is chasing the same thing,' Melton said."</ref>
• William Moore (1810–1878), served in the United States House of Representatives, where he represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district from 1867 to 1871<ref>William Moore, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 24, 2007.</ref>
• Sharon Kay Penman (born 1945), historical novelist<ref>Simpson, David. "Mays Landing author feels equally at home in Europe of Middle Ages", The Press of Atlantic City, October 26, 2011. Accessed September 20, 2012. "When Sharon Kay Penman, of Mays Landing, speaks of completing a novel, she sounds like one of her characters: a medieval warrior."</ref>
• Graciela Rivera (1921–2011), first Puerto Rican to sing a lead role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York<ref>Obituary. "Graciela Rivera Zumchak", The Press of Atlantic City, July 20, 2011. Accessed September 20, 2012. "Zumchak, Graciela Rivera 90 - of Mays Landing went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 17, 2011."</ref>
• John Roman (born 1952), former professional American football offensive lineman who played seven seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets<ref>Hilt, Ed. "Holy Spirit's Roman enters Idaho State U. sports hall of fame", The Press of Atlantic City, December 8, 1994. Accessed March 10, 2025, via Newspapers.com. "John Roman, a former Holy Spirit High School standout who played nine years in the National Football League, was recently inducted into the Idaho State University Sports Hall of Fame. Roman, who resides in Hamilton, had his best years in the NFL from 1976 to 1982 when he played offensive tackle with the Jets."</ref>

External links

• Official township website