Editing Freehold Township, New Jersey

{{short description|Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, US}}
{{About| Freehold Township|enclosed borough|Freehold Borough, New Jersey}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Freehold Township, New Jersey
| official_name                   = 
| settlement_type                 = [[Township (New Jersey)|Township]]
| nickname                        = 
| motto                           = ''Western Monmouth's Family Town''

<!-- Images -->
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|perrow                    = 1/2/2/2/2
|caption_align             = center
|image1                    = A Fall Panorama from Comb's Hill.jpg
|caption1                  = [[Monmouth Battlefield State Park]]
|image2                    = CentraState Medical Center (December 30, 2024).jpg
|caption2                  = [[CentraState Medical Center]]
|image3                    = 2020-08-22 12 08 26 View north along U.S. Route 9 at the exit for Schibanoff Lane in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.jpg
|caption3                  = [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|Route 9]]
|image4                    = Freehold Raceway grandstand, Sept. 2024.jpg
|caption4                  = [[Freehold Raceway]]
|image5                    = Freehold Raceway Mall Center Court.png
|caption5                  = [[Freehold Raceway Mall]]
|image6                    = Oakley_Farmstead_in_Autumn_2021.jpg
|caption6                  = [[Walker-Combs-Hartshorne Farmstead]]
|image7                    = Jewish Heritage Museum.jpg
|caption7                  = [[Monmouth County Jewish Heritage Museum|Jewish Heritage Museum]]
|image8                    = Craig_House_sunset.jpg
|caption8                  = [[Craig House (New Jersey)|Craig House]]
|image9                    = Freehold Township High School front.jpg
|caption9                  = [[Freehold Township High School]]
}} 
| image_flag                      = 
| image_seal                      = Freehold Township seal.png
| seal_size                       = 250x200px

<!-- Maps -->
| image_map                       = Freehold_twp_nj_025.png
| mapsize                         = 300px
| map_caption                     = Location of Freehold Township in [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]] highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Monmouth County in [[New Jersey]] highlighted in black (left).
| image_map1                      = Census_Bureau_map_of_Freehold_Township,_New_Jersey.png
| mapsize1                        = 300px
| map_caption1                    = Census Bureau map of Freehold Township, New Jersey

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| pushpin_map                     = USA New Jersey Monmouth County#USA New Jersey#USA
| pushpin_label                   = Freehold Township
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]]##Location in [[New Jersey]]##Location in the United States
| pushpin_relief                  = yes
| pushpin_mapsize                 = 300px

<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_name                = {{nowrap|{{flag|United States}}}}
| subdivision_type1               = State
| subdivision_name1               = {{flag|New Jersey}}
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of counties in New Jersey|County]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth]]
| government_footnotes            = <ref name=DataBook/>
| government_type                 = [[Township (New Jersey)|Township]]
| governing_body                  = Township Committee
| leader_title                    = Mayor
| leader_name                     = Maureen Fasano ([[Republican Party (New Jersey)|R]], term ends December 31, 2025)<ref name=Committee/>
| leader_title1                   = [[City manager|Administrator]]
| leader_name1                    = Peter R. Valesi<ref>[https://twp.freehold.nj.us/administration Administration], Township of Freehold. Accessed January 27, 2025.</ref>
| leader_title2                   = [[Municipal clerk]]
| leader_name2                    = Sanabel Abouzeina<ref>[https://twp.freehold.nj.us/clerks-office1 Clerk's Office], Township of Freehold. Accessed January 27, 2025.</ref>
| established_title               = Established
| established_date                = October 31, 1693
| established_title2              = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date2               = February 21, 1798
| named_for                       = English legal term of ''[[Freehold (law)|freehold]]''

<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref                       = Imperial
| area_footnotes                  = <ref name=CensusArea>[https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_cousubs_34.txt 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321021831/https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_cousubs_34.txt |date=March 21, 2021 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 1, 2020.</ref>
| area_magnitude                  = 
| area_total_km2                  = 100.71
| area_land_km2                   = 100.11
| area_water_km2                  =   0.59
| area_total_sq_mi                =  38.88
| area_land_sq_mi                 =  38.65
| area_water_sq_mi                =   0.23
| area_water_percent              =   0.59
| area_rank                       = 59th of 565 in state<br />4th of 53 in county<ref name=CensusArea/>

<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of                = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes            = <ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/>
| population_total                = 35369
| population_rank                 = 67th of 565 in state<br>5th of 53 in county<ref name=LWD2020Density>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/dmograph/est/mcd/density.xlsx Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307144148/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/dmograph/est/mcd/density.xlsx |date=March 7, 2023 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed March 1, 2023.</ref>
| population_density_km2          = auto
| population_density_sq_mi        = 915.0
| population_density_rank         = 393rd of 565 in state<br>46th of 53 in county<ref name=LWD2020Density/>
| population_est                  = 35531
| pop_est_as_of                   = 2023
| pop_est_footnotes               = <ref name=Census2020/><ref name=PopEst/>

<!-- General information -->
| timezone                        = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| utc_offset                      = −05:00
| timezone_DST                    = [[Eastern Daylight Time|Eastern (EDT)]]
| utc_offset_DST                  = −04:00
| elevation_footnotes             = <ref>{{Gnis|882116|Township of Freehold}}, [[Geographic Names Information System]]. Accessed March 5, 2013.</ref>
| elevation_m                     = 
| elevation_ft                    = 118
| coordinates_footnotes           = <ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR1">[https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824085937/https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html |date=August 24, 2019 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref>
| coordinates                     = {{coord|40.224382|-74.299051|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type                = [[ZIP Code]]
| postal_code                     = 07728<ref>[http://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupResultsAction!input.action?resultMode=0&city=freehold&state=NJ Look Up a ZIP Code for Freehold, NJ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806190440/https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupResultsAction!input.action?resultMode=0&city=freehold&state=NJ |date=August 6, 2020 }}, [[United States Postal Service]]. Accessed December 17, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/njzips.htm Zip Codes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617122541/http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/njzips.htm |date=June 17, 2019 }}, State of [[New Jersey]]. Accessed September 8, 2013.</ref>
| area_code                       = [[Area codes 732 and 848|732/848]] and [[Area code 908|908]] (mobile)<ref>[http://www.area-codes.com/search.asp?frmNPA=&frmNXX=&frmState=NJ&frmCity=Freehold Area Code Lookup – NPA NXX for Freehold, NJ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208231609/https://www.area-codes.com/search.asp?frmNPA=&frmNXX=&frmState=NJ&frmCity=Freehold |date=December 8, 2021 }}, Area-Codes.com. Accessed September 8, 2013.</ref>
| blank_name                      = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info                      = 3402525230<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR2">[https://www.census.gov U.S. Census website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709054630/https://www.census.gov/ |date=July 9, 2021 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://mcdc.missouri.edu/applications/geocodes/?state=34 Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119221733/https://census.missouri.edu/geocodes/?state=34 |date=November 19, 2018 }}, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 30, 2022.</ref>
| blank1_name                     = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info                     = 0882116<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR3">[http://geonames.usgs.gov US Board on Geographic Names] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204035720/http://geonames.usgs.gov/ |date=February 4, 2012 }}, [[United States Geological Survey]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref>
| website                         = {{URL|https://www.twp.freehold.nj.us}}
| footnotes                       = 
}}
'''Freehold Township''' is a [[Township (New Jersey)|township]] in western [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]], in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Jersey]]. Crisscrossed by several major highways, the township is a commercial hub for [[Central Jersey|Central New Jersey]] (home to the [[Freehold Raceway]] and [[Freehold Raceway Mall]]) and is a [[suburb]]an [[Commuter town|bedroom community]] of [[New York City]], located within the [[Raritan River|Raritan Valley Region]] of the much larger [[New York metropolitan area|New York Metro Area]].<ref name=NYT1970>Fowler, Glenn [https://www.nytimes.com/1970/04/19/archives/in-monmouth-homes-still-rise-defying-lag-homes-still-rise-in.html "In Monmouth, Homes Still Rise, Defying Lag: Freehold, N.J."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614170635/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/04/19/archives/in-monmouth-homes-still-rise-defying-lag-homes-still-rise-in.html |date=June 14, 2022 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', April 19, 1970. Accessed June 14, 2022.</ref><ref>Tarabour, Brooke. [https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/10/nyregion/new-jersey-bound-the-staten-island-migration.html "New Jersey-Bound: The Staten Island Migration"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610155526/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/10/nyregion/new-jersey-bound-the-staten-island-migration.html |date=June 10, 2022 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', January 10, 1993. Accessed June 10, 2022.</ref><ref>Capuzzo, Jill P. [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/realestate/freehold-nj-monmouth-county.html "Living In Freehold, N.J.: A ‘Sweet Spot’ in Monmouth County"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215193231/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/realestate/freehold-nj-monmouth-county.html |date=February 15, 2023 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', February 15, 2023. Accessed February 15, 2023.</ref> The township is located roughly {{convert|38|mi|km}} away from [[Manhattan]] and about {{convert|20|mi|km}} away from [[Staten Island]].<ref>[https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-freehold-nj-to-new-york-ny Freehold NJ to New York NY] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175559/https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-freehold-nj-to-new-york-ny |date=April 20, 2021 }}, Distance between cities. Accessed September 10, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=Freehold%2C%20New%20Jersey%2C%20United%20States&to=tottenville%2C%20NY&fromId=19943&toId=0&flat=40.2137&flon=-74.3001&tlat=0&tlon=0 Freehold NJ to Tottenville NY] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175558/https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=Freehold,%20New%20Jersey,%20United%20States&to=tottenville,%20NY&fromId=19943&toId=0&flat=40.2137&flon=-74.3001&tlat=0&tlon=0 |date=April 20, 2021 }} Distance between cities. Accessed September 10, 2020.</ref> As of the [[2020 United States census]], the township's population was 35,369,<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/> a decrease of 815 (−2.3%) from the 36,184 recorded at the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]],<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn reflected an increase of 4,647 (+14.7%) from the 31,537 counted in the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]].<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2010/2010data/table7cm.xls Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602092646/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2010/2010data/table7cm.xls |date=June 2, 2022 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]], February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref>

Freehold Township was first formed on October 31, 1693, and was incorporated as a township by an act of the [[New Jersey Legislature]] on February 21, 1798. Portions of Freehold Township were taken to form [[Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey|Upper Freehold Township]] ({{circa|1731}}), so some wills and official records following the split referred to "Lower Freehold Township" although the official name has always been Freehold Township.<ref>Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, by Elmer T. Hutchinson; page 85: Will of Hendrick Covenhoven, Oct 1799.</ref><ref>Lower Freehold Township Tax Roll July 1787.</ref> Additional portions formed [[Millstone Township, New Jersey|Millstone Township]] (February 28, 1844), [[Jackson Township, New Jersey|Jackson Township]] (March 6, 1844), [[Colts Neck Township, New Jersey|Atlantic Township]] (February 18, 1847; now Colts Neck Township), [[Marlboro Township, New Jersey|Marlboro Township]] (February 17, 1848) and [[Manalapan Township, New Jersey|Manalapan Township]] (March 9, 1848). [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold town]] was formed within the township on March 25, 1869, and formally separated when it was reconstituted as a borough on April 15, 1919, including additional portions of the township.<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. [https://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf ''The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606–1968''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605161833/https://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf |date=June 5, 2012 }}, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 179-180. Accessed March 15, 2012.</ref>

The [[Battle of Monmouth]] was fought in June 1778 in what has been preserved as [[Monmouth Battlefield State Park]], which is in Freehold Township and [[Manalapan Township, New Jersey|Manalapan]].<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat.html Monmouth Battlefield State Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051103013803/http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat.html |date=November 3, 2005 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection]] Division of Parks and Forestry.</ref>

==History==

===Early===
The [[Lenape|Lenni Lenape]] Native Americans were the earliest known people to live in the area that became Freehold.<ref name=History>[https://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/395/Freehold-History History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130154249/https://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/395/Freehold-History |date=November 30, 2022 }}, Township of Freehold. Accessed November 30, 2022.</ref> The Lenape were a [[hunter-gatherer]] society. They were largely sedentary, changing campsites seasonally. They were prolific hunters of small game and birds. They were also skilled fisherman, and were known to harvest vast amounts of clams from the bays and inlets on the [[Jersey Shore]]. They also practiced some agriculture to augment their food supply. During this time, an important crossroad of two major Lenape trails was located in the area of Freehold.<ref name="Pepe, p. 19">Pepe, p. 19.</ref>

In 1498, [[John Cabot]] became the first European to sight this land.<ref name=History/> By the late 17th century, the English had begun to take over the area. In 1664, the [[Duke of York]] (later [[James II of England|James II & VII]]) granted [[Monmouth Tract|a patent]] to [[Sir George Carteret]] to develop the area. In 1685, Scottish [[Presbyterians]] from [[Scotland]], along with English [[Baptists]] and [[Quakers]] from [[New England]] fleeing religious persecution at home, became the first to settle within the area.<ref name=History/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=XqchvDnzm0wC ''Salter's History of Monmouth and Ocean Counties New Jersey: The First Legislative Assembly in New Jersey.'']</ref> In 1693, along with [[Middletown Township, New Jersey|Middletown]] and [[Shrewsbury Township, New Jersey|Shrewsbury]], Freehold was established by act of legislature as one of the three original townships in Monmouth County.<ref>Lurie, Maxine ed.; [https://books.google.com/books?id=_r9Ni6_u0JEC&pg=PA291 "Freehold Township"], ''[[The Encyclopedia of New Jersey]]'', p. 291. [[Rutgers University Press]]; New Brunswick, NJ; 2004. Accessed August 28, 2013. {{ISBN|9780813533254}}.</ref> The name of the township comes from the word ''[[Freehold (law)|freehold]]'', an English legal term describing [[fee simple]] property ownership.<ref>[[Henry Gannett|Gannett, Henry]]. [https://books.google.com/books?id=9V1IAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA198 ''The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715184630/https://books.google.com/books?id=9V1IAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA198 |date=July 15, 2023 }}, p. 198. [[United States Government Printing Office]], 1905. Accessed August 31, 2015.</ref>

===Colonial===
In 1714, when the colonial government was deciding where to locate the county seat and courthouse, Freeholder [[John Reid (surveyor general)|John Reid]], the first [[Surveyor General]] of [[East Jersey]],<ref name="NPS1990">{{cite book |last1=National Park Service |title=National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet |date=October 4, 1990 |publisher=United States Department of the Interior |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/75975dc6-233c-4784-aba2-fa0d9c6139a3 |id=NRIS Reference Number: 90001474 |chapter=Walker-Combs-Hartshorne Farmstead, Monmouth County, New Jersey |quote=Reid was appointed Surveyor-General of the Province in 1702 and was a member of the General Assembly in 1703 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709193203/https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/75975dc6-233c-4784-aba2-fa0d9c6139a3 |url-status=live }}</ref> wanted the county seat located in Freehold. Reid's offer to sell the property to the [[Board of County Commissioners (New Jersey)|Board of Chosen Freeholders]] at a heavily discounted price may have been the deciding factor in choosing Freehold—rather than Middletown or Shrewsbury—as the site of the county seat. As part of the deal, Reid placed a [[restrictive covenant]] in the deed that, should the property ever cease being used as a courthouse, ownership would revert to the Reid family. Direct descendants of John Reid still reside in Freehold Township.<ref>[https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=42 History of the Hall of Records] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603022824/https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=42 |date=June 3, 2020 }}, [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. Accessed March 30, 2020. "On August 26, 1714, John Reid sold a plot of land on the Burlington Path, less than an acre in size, to the Board of Chosen Freeholders for 30 shillings. The bargain price may have been the deciding factor in settling a then raging dispute between Middletown, Shrewsbury and Freehold Townships over the location of the county seat."</ref>

[[File:Moore's_Tavern_in_Wintertime.jpg|thumb|250x200px|Moore's Tavern in the historic district of [[West Freehold, New Jersey|West Freehold]]. A mainstay in the township since 1787]]

Freehold was officially designated as the seat of the Monmouth County government, and a court house was commissioned to be built on the land purchased from John Reid. The Monmouth Courthouse opened in 1715.<ref>Pepe, p. 10.</ref> A small village quickly began to develop around the courthouse. At first, the village was called Monmouth Courthouse. Over time, other government buildings opened near the courthouse, including a sheriff's office, a prison, and a post office. A number of homes and commercial businesses also sprang up in the village, including a blacksmith, a general store, a bank, a hotel, and saloon.<ref>Pepe, p. 25.</ref> 
 
In the area surrounding Monmouth Courthouse, many successful farms began to appear. The farms in Freehold were particularly well known for the production of potatoes, beans, and rye, which were sold in the markets of nearby cities. Freehold also became known for its excellent horse farms.<ref name="Pepe, p. 19"/> The differences within Freehold between the growing settlement around the courthouse and the surrounding farmland were the seeds for the eventual division of Freehold into two separate municipalities in the early 20th century.

As of 1745, the majority of families in Freehold were still Scottish immigrants.<ref name="Pepe, p. 29">Pepe, p. 29.</ref> In modern Freehold, many important streets bear the name of early colonial families, including Barkalow, Applegate, Rhea, Throckmorton, and Schanck.<ref name="Pepe, p. 29"/>

===Revolutionary War===
[[File:Craig House.png|thumb|250x200px|This 18th Century home, also known as the [[Craig House (New Jersey)|Craig House]], was [[Quartering Acts|quartered]] by British troops during the Battle of Monmouth<ref>[https://www.visitnj.org/nj-historic-sites-memorials/craig-house Craig House] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027230501/https://www.visitnj.org/nj-historic-sites-memorials/craig-house |date=October 27, 2020 }}, VisitNJ. Accessed October 24, 2020.</ref>]]

{{see also|Battle of Monmouth}}
Freehold was deeply impacted by the [[American Revolution]]. In 1765 with the passage of the [[Stamp Act]], dissidents in Middletown and Upper Freehold established [[Sons of Liberty]] groups.<ref>{{cite book |last=Adelberg |first=Michael |date=2010 |title=The American Revolution in Monmouth County |publisher=The History Press |page=15 |isbn=978-1-60949-001-0}}</ref> In late 1775, Capt. Elias Longstreet recruited the first company of colonists from the county to join the Continental Army for an ill-fated invasion of Canada.<ref>Adelberg, p. 16.</ref> Freehold was a known center of patriot activity. The [[U.S. Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] was publicly proclaimed, read aloud, from the steps of the Monmouth Courthouse just a few days after being signed in [[Philadelphia]].<ref name="Pepe, p. 29"/>

After British success at the [[Battle of Long Island]], Freehold and all of Monmouth County fell under the control of [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalists]].<ref name="Adelberg, p. 17">Adelberg, p. 17.</ref> The British government continued to operate the Monmouth Courthouse, and several people involved in revolutionary activities were arrested and tried for treason at the courthouse.<ref name="Adelberg, p. 17"/> The success of the Continental Army at the [[Battle of Trenton]] helped to weaken loyalist control of Freehold.<ref>Adelberg, p. 18.</ref>

In June 1778, the British Army began a major strategic evacuation of the city of Philadelphia. They attempted to protect a long, slow moving column of Loyalist families, equipment, and other supplies seized in Philadelphia, as they moved toward ships in [[New York Harbor]]. On June 28, 1778, the Continental Army intercepted the column in Freehold.<ref name="Adelberg, p.20">Adelberg, p.20</ref> The [[Battle of Monmouth]] was one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War, involving over 25,000 soldiers combined in Continental, British, and [[Hessian (soldiers)|Hessian]] forces.  The initial engagement was in doubt until Washington arrived because Charles Lee was retreating from the battlefield. Washington rallied the Continentals and strongly engaged the British forces and they held their ground on the battlefield. British forces met their primary goal, the evacuation of Philadelphia. Both sides claimed victory in the battle.<ref name="Adelberg, p.20"/>

[[File:Molly Pitcher currier ives.jpg|thumb|Molly Pitcher fighting at the Battle of Monmouth in Freehold, New Jersey]]
Several famous figures from the Revolutionary War fought at the Battle of Monmouth. British forces were commanded by [[Henry Clinton (American War of Independence)|Sir Henry Clinton]] and [[Charles Cornwallis]]. The Continental Army was commanded by [[George Washington]] and [[Charles Lee (general)|Charles Lee]]. Charles Lee was later court martialed by the Continental Army for his actions at the Battle of Monmouth. [[Nathanael Greene]], [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[Anthony Wayne|"Mad" Anthony Wayne]], the [[Marquis de Lafayette]] and [[Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben]] also fought at the Battle of Monmouth for the Continental Army.<ref name="Adelberg, p.11">Adelberg, p.11</ref> Another famous figure at the Battle of Monmouth was [[Molly Pitcher]], who manned a cannon during the battle after her husband was wounded.<ref name="Adelberg, p.11"/>

In the aftermath of the Battle of Monmouth, Loyalist control of Freehold faltered. The township ceased to have a functioning municipal government and the courthouse was closed until the end of the war. Minor clashes between loyalists and continentals flared up in town, with the violence peaking around 1780.<ref>Adelberg, p.22</ref> [[Colonel Tye]] was an escaped slave formerly named Titus, and the leader of a prominent loyalist guerrilla force, which conducted several raids in and around Freehold. In one famous incident [[Joshua Huddy]] was captured and hung by British [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalists]] under the direction of Richard Lippincott and Colonel Tye. Colonel Tye later died from injuries sustained during that raid.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2p52.html "Africans in America"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822154649/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2p52.html |date=August 22, 2017 }}, PBS Resource Bank.</ref> Patriots later cut down Huddy's body hanging from the gallows and buried it in Freehold, at Old Tennent Church.<ref>[http://www.shore.co.monmouth.nj.us/archives/huddyexhibit.asp The Joshua Huddy era] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929205640/http://www.shore.co.monmouth.nj.us/archives/huddyexhibit.asp |date=September 29, 2006 }}, Monmouth County. Accessed December 14, 2006.</ref> At the end of the war, the community was deeply divided and nearly 120 loyalist families left Freehold, fearing retribution from their neighbors. Most of these families re-settled in Canada.<ref>Adelberg, p. 23</ref>

===19th century===
During the early 1800s, Freehold steadily grew in size. The village around the courthouse was now called Freehold, along with the surrounding farmland.<ref name="Pepe, p.23">Pepe, p. 23</ref> In 1852, when long distance railroad systems were first being developed, a railroad station, with trains making regular stops, was built running nearly parallel with Throckmorton Street in Freehold. Freehold soon had public sewers in the village and in some of the outlying farmland. By 1883, there was an electrical grid and a telephone switchboard, at a time when these inventions were still brand new.<ref name="Pepe, p.23"/> These public advancements caused rapid economic growth in Freehold. The village of Freehold became an important commercial and industrial hub in central New Jersey. The farms in the rest of Freehold benefited greatly by being able to sell their products more easily in New York and Philadelphia.<ref>Griffith, Lee Ellen. [https://books.google.com/books?id=loOym_C5_a8C ''Freehold''], [[Arcadia Publishing]]; Charleston; 1996; introduction.</ref> The village and the farms prospered together while the public policies sought by each continued to drift apart. The municipal government became increasingly divided between villagers and farmers.

In 1824, the American Hotel opened on Main Street in Freehold. It is still standing today and is one of the oldest buildings in Freehold. In 1853, the Freehold Raceway opened.<ref>Demasters, Karen. [https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/12/nyregion/in-brief-freehold-raceway-will-be-sold-another-track-to-be-leased.html "In Brief; Freehold Raceway Will Be Sold; Another Track to be Leased"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175557/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/12/nyregion/in-brief-freehold-raceway-will-be-sold-another-track-to-be-leased.html |date=April 20, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', July 12, 1998. Accessed March 20, 2020. "Freehold Raceway, built in 1853, runs harness races and Garden State Park runs Thoroughbred and harness races."</ref> Though the original grandstand burned down in a fire, the racetrack is still open today, and is one of the oldest harness racetracks in America. The Great Fire of Freehold happened on October 30, 1873. The fire reportedly began in a commercial building on Main Street. It soon spread to engulf a large section of the village, and many wooden buildings, including Monmouth Courthouse, were burned down.<ref>Griffith, p. 11</ref>

Freehold also has a relatively forgotten but important place in the history of the bicycle. Cycling champion [[Arthur Augustus Zimmerman]] resided in the town during his racing career in the 1880s and 1890s, and from 1896 to 1899 operated the Zimmerman Bicycle Co.; the company's bicycles were known as the "Zimmy." Today, Freehold Borough is home to the Metz Bicycle Museum, where the only extant "Zimmy" can be seen.<ref>Metzger, Dick. [http://ebs.gmnews.com/News/2002/0711/Front_Page/026.html "Bicycle buffs have a haven at Freehold museum: Local collector's prize possession is 'Zimmy' manufactured in town"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930201339/http://ebs.gmnews.com/News/2002/0711/Front_Page/026.html |date=September 30, 2007 }}, ''East Brunswick Sentinel'', July 11, 2002. Accessed May 15, 2007. "More than 100 years ago, in the late 1880s and 1890s, the village of Freehold was arguably the bicycle capital of the world."</ref>

===20th century===
At the beginning of the 20th century, Freehold was an increasingly divided community regarding the issue of local tax dollars used as funding for public works and [[infrastructure]] projects.<ref>Pepe, p. 134</ref> The Freeholders living in the downtown area, around the courthouse had very different ideas about how to spend public money compared to the Freeholders living in the surrounding farmland. Tension within the community increased greatly in 1916 when a severe [[polio]] epidemic swept through Freehold.<ref>pepe; p.133</ref> After contentious public debate, a referendum was held to on the future of Freehold, and voters overwhelmingly decided to split the town into two separate municipalities.

On April 15, 1919, Freehold Borough formally separated from Freehold Township.<ref name=Story/> Freeholders generally refer to the different municipalities simply as the Borough and the Township. The Borough, the downtown area around the courthouse, retained all the existing government buildings around Court Street and Main Street. The Borough also kept the designation as county seat.<ref name="Pepe; p. 135">Pepe, p. 135</ref> Freehold Township, the farming communities that surrounded the courthouse, set up a new town hall complex on Schanck Road. The Township completely encircles the Borough. On September 7, 1926, Freehold Borough annexed additional territory from the Township.<ref name="Pepe; p. 135"/>

[[File:Freehold 911 Memorial.JPG|thumb|Freehold Township 911 Memorial located near Town Hall on Schanck Road]]
In the early 20th century, the farms in Freehold Township continued to be prosperous and successful, and the area steadily grew in population. After [[World War II]], the township experienced rapid growth. By this time, transportation systems had increased to a point to allow workers to commute daily to jobs in larger cities, such as Newark, Philadelphia, and New York City. Highways, including [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 9]] and [[New Jersey Route 33|Route 33]] helped to make it possible for commuters to live in Freehold and work in nearby cities. The township quickly developed large neighborhoods of suburban single family homes.<ref name=NYT1970/>

Soon, the township began to grow commercial and industrial businesses that rivaled the borough. [[Brockway Glass Company]] built their initial facility off Center Street in 1955, which was expanded in subsequent decades before it ceased operations in 1991.<ref name="casemine.com">[https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914c0d9add7b049347b62d3 ''Brockway Glass Co. v. Freehold Tp.'' Tax Court of New Jersey (Feb. 28, 1999)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730203735/https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914c0d9add7b049347b62d3 |date=July 30, 2021 }}, Casemine. Accessed March 14, 2022.</ref><ref name=SHA>Lockhart, Bill, et al. [https://sha.org/bottle/pdffiles/Brockway.pdf ''Brockway Machine Bottle Co. and Brockway Glass Co.''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730203736/https://sha.org/bottle/pdffiles/Brockway.pdf |date=July 30, 2021 }}, [[Society for Historical Archaeology]]. Accessed March 14, 2022.</ref> The site is now operated by [[Iron Mountain (company)|Iron Mountain]].<ref name="ironmountain.com">[http://twp.freehold.nj.us/assets/files/forms_pdfs/engineering/circulation_plan_amendment.pdf ''Master Plan Circulation Plan Element Amendment'' (adopted June 16, 2011)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426132001/http://twp.freehold.nj.us/assets/files/forms_pdfs/engineering/circulation_plan_amendment.pdf |date=April 26, 2022 }}, Freehold Township. Accessed March 14, 2022. "Iron Mountain to Kozloski Road – This roadway would provide for an alternate access from Iron Mountain (formerly Brockway Glass Company) and future development areas southwest of Kozloski Road and north of N.J. Route 33 to intersect Kozloski Road."</ref> [[3M]] opened a [[magnetic tape]] production facility in 1957.<ref>Pepe; p. 142</ref> [[CentraState Medical Center]], a regional hospital serving western [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]], southern [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex County]], and portions of [[Mercer County, New Jersey|Mercer]] and [[Ocean County, New Jersey|Ocean]] counties, opened in 1971 as Freehold Area Hospital.<ref name="Pepe; p. 140">Pepe, p. 140</ref>

Some industrial developments in the township were negative. In 1983, the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] designated the Lone Pine Chemical Site as a [[superfund]] site.<ref>[https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0200558#bkground Lone Pine Landfill, Freehold Township, NJ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730170411/https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0200558#bkground |date=July 30, 2021 }}, [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]]. Accessed March 14, 2022. "The 45 acre Lone Pine Landfill is located in Freehold Township, New Jersey. The landfill operated from 1959 until 1979 and accepted over 17,000 drums containing chemical wastes along with municipal refuse, large volumes of septage and millions of gallons of bulk liquid chemical wastes. The landfill was ordered closed by a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Administrative Order in 1979."</ref> The site has been called "one of the worst environmental disasters in the country".<ref>Pepe; p. 143</ref> Based on the latest EPA five-year review in 2019, remediation work has contained the spill.<ref>[https://semspub.epa.gov/work/02/568940.pdf ''Fifth Five-Year Review Report For Lone Pine Landfill Superfund Site Monmouth County, New Jersey''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730171552/https://semspub.epa.gov/work/02/568940.pdf |date=July 30, 2021 }}, [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]], June 25, 2019. Accessed March 14, 2022.</ref> In 1990, with the opening of [[Freehold Raceway Mall]], the second-largest mall in the state, the township had solidified in being a premier commercial center for [[Central New Jersey]].<ref name="Pepe; p. 148">Pepe; p. 148</ref>

As the township grew, [[New Jersey Route 33|Route 33]], which ran through the heart of Freehold, became increasingly congested, in which studies suggested the construction of a new freeway. This was due to the fact that there was no room to widen the highway to 4 lanes between Route 9 and a railroad bridge at the eastern end would need to have been widened to accommodate 4 lanes. After several years, the new freeway was downsized to merely a bypass of Freehold. Construction from near Sweetmans Lane ([[County Route 527 (New Jersey)|CR 527]]) to [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|US 9]] was finished in 1972. Eventually construction began again and the bypass was extended to Halls Mill Road in 1989. For decades traffic was detoured, and congestion continued to worsen. The delay was lengthened when an endangered species was found in the path of the proposed roadway. Finally, after 32 years of waiting, the bypass was fully completed in January 2003, reducing congestion on Route 33 and [[New Jersey Route 33#Business route|Route 33 Business]], albeit not a completely four-lane highway between Halls Mills Road and the Howell Road intersection.<ref>Conohan, Sherry. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-route-33-bypass-to-be/124274420/ "Freehold bypass on track for completion in 2002"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508214129/https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-route-33-bypass-to-be/124274420/ |date=May 8, 2023 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', June 20, 2000. Accessed May 8, 2023, via [[Newspapers.com]].</ref><ref>Staff. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-rouet-33-bypass-comple/124274293/ "32 years later ..."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508214130/https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-rouet-33-bypass-comple/124274293/ |date=May 8, 2023 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', January 18, 2003. Accessed May 8, 2023, via [[Newspapers.com]]. "It took nearly 32 years to complete the Route 33 Freehold bypass, opened yesterday."</ref>

===21st century===
The township has thousands of jobs located within the municipality, along with a growing numbers of commuters who work in neighboring cities such as [[New York City]], [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]], and [[Philadelphia]]. Five residents died in the [[September 11 attacks|September 11, 2001, terrorist attack]] on the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] and are listed on the county's 9/11 memorial.<ref>Celano, Clare Marie. [http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2011-09-07/Front_Page/Memorial_event_set_for_Sept_11_in_Freehold_Twp.html "Memorial event set for Sept. 11 in Freehold Twp"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218073525/http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2011-09-07/Front_Page/Memorial_event_set_for_Sept_11_in_Freehold_Twp.html |date=February 18, 2015 }}, ''News Transcript'', September 7, 2011. Accessed September 8, 2013. "From Freehold Township, the county memorial lists Frederick Joseph Hoffman, Michele L. Hoffman, Dennis Moroney, Carmen Milagros Rodriguez and Wendy Alice Rosario Wakeford."</ref><ref>Erminio, Vinessa. [https://www.nj.com/news/2021/09/faces-of-the-new-jersey-victims-of-sept-11.html "Faces of the New Jersey victims of Sept. 11: A tribute in photos to 734 victims with ties to the Garden State"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702235555/https://www.nj.com/news/2021/09/faces-of-the-new-jersey-victims-of-sept-11.html |date=July 2, 2023 }}, ''[[nj.com]]'', September 11, 2021. Accessed July 2, 2023.</ref>

The COVID-19 pandemic affected Freehold Township like many communities. Early on, it (and county at large) made news for the number of reported cases. In particular, one Freehold family named the Fuscos had made news for having lost five of their relatives during the first few months of the pandemic, with 19 other family members coming into contact with the virus.<ref>Tully, Tracey. [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/30/nyregion/coronavirus-fusco-family-nj.html "What a Family That Lost 5 to the Virus Wants You to Know"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813045956/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/30/nyregion/coronavirus-fusco-family-nj.html |date=August 13, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]''. June 30, 2020. Accessed August 13, 2021.</ref><ref>Tully, Tracey. [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/nyregion/new-jersey-family-coronavirus.html "Coronavirus Ravages 7 Members of a Single Family, Killing 4"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701115657/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/nyregion/new-jersey-family-coronavirus.html |date=July 1, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 18, 2020. Accessed August 14, 2021.</ref> In May 2020, the township adopted an ordinance to help in simplifying the process for restaurant owners to obtain permits for seasonal outdoor dining.<ref>[http://twp.freehold.nj.us/assets/files/forms_pdfs/public_information/2020_resolution_20_122.pdf Freehold Township: Resolution of the Township of Freehold Monmouth County, New Jersey. No: R-20-122. "Resolution Approving The Creation And Administration Of An Emergency Temporary Approval Process For Outdoor Dining And/Or Business Operations Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic" Adopted May 26, 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813045958/http://twp.freehold.nj.us/assets/files/forms_pdfs/public_information/2020_resolution_20_122.pdf |date=August 13, 2021 }}, Freehold Township. Accessed August 13, 2021.</ref> As of June 25, 2021, the township and county has been ahead of the [[Biden Administration]]'s Coronavirus vaccine goal, with at least 73.5% of adults receiving at least one dose, compared to the national average of 65.6% of adults receiving at least one dose.<ref>Scinto, Rich. [https://patch.com/new-jersey/freehold/monmouth-county-ahead-bidens-coronavirus-vaccine-goal "Monmouth County Ahead Of Biden's Coronavirus Vaccine Goal: Here is how the Freehold area is doing in the race to vaccinate its population."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814190752/https://patch.com/new-jersey/freehold/monmouth-county-ahead-bidens-coronavirus-vaccine-goal |date=August 14, 2021 }}, Patch.com, June 25, 2021. Accessed August 14, 2021.</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Manasquan_River_(Freehold_Twp.).png|thumb|250x200px|[[Manasquan River]] flows through the township]]
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the township had a total area of 38.88 square miles (100.71&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), including 38.65 square miles (100.11&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of land and 0.23 square miles (0.59&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of water (0.59%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

[[File:Hayride_at_Battleview_Orchards.jpg|thumb|250x200px|During the autumn months, [[hayride]]s and [[apple picking]] (as pictured here) are among many popular recreational activities for township residents, along with nearby residents traveling from [[North Jersey]] and New York City]]

The township completely surrounds the borough of [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold]], making it part of 21 pairs of "doughnut towns" in the state, where one municipality entirely surrounds another.<ref>DeMarco, Megan. [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/princeton_merger_voters_to_dec.html "Voters to decide whether to merge two Princetons into one"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801210703/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/princeton_merger_voters_to_dec.html |date=August 1, 2016 }}, ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'', November 3, 2011. Accessed January 8, 2017. "There are 22 sets of 'doughnut towns' in New Jersey, those where one town wraps around the other town". Note that following voter approval of the Princeton merger, 21 pairs of "doughnut towns" remain.</ref> The township borders [[Colts Neck Township, New Jersey|Colts Neck]], [[Howell Township, New Jersey|Howell]], [[Manalapan Township, New Jersey|Manalapan]], [[Marlboro Township, New Jersey|Marlboro]] and [[Millstone Township, New Jersey|Millstone Township]] in Monmouth County; and [[Jackson Township, New Jersey|Jackson]] in [[Ocean County, New Jersey|Ocean County]].<ref>[https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/1085067/touches.html Areas touching Freehold Township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330034250/https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/1085067/touches.html |date=March 30, 2020 }}, MapIt. Accessed March 29, 2020.</ref><ref>[http://co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/24/Figure%201.1__.png Regional Location Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113221/https://www.co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/24/Figure%201.1__.png |date=July 28, 2020 }}, [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. Accessed March 29, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf New Jersey Municipal Boundaries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204213712/https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf |date=December 4, 2003 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref> The municipality of [[Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey|Upper Freehold]] is not connected, geographically or politically, to Freehold Township.

[[East Freehold, New Jersey|East Freehold]] (2010 Census population of 4,894<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3419150 DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for East Freehold CDP, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212134918/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3419150 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 24, 2012.</ref>) and [[West Freehold, New Jersey|West Freehold]] (13,613 as of 2010<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3479100 DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for West Freehold CDP, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212134938/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3479100 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 24, 2012.</ref>) are [[Local government in New Jersey#Unincorporated communities|unincorporated communities]] and [[census-designated place]]s located within Freehold Township.<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34025 GCT-PH1 – Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County – County Subdivision and Place from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for Monmouth County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212203413/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34025 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 31, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf New Jersey: 2010 – Population and Housing Unit Counts – 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH-2-32)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126223213/https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf |date=January 26, 2022 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]], August 2012. Accessed July 13, 2016.</ref>

Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Blue Ball (now [[Adelphia, New Jersey|Adelphia]]), [[Burlington Heights, New Jersey|Burlington Heights]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Freehold Township |url=https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Monmouth_County/Freehold_Township.html |website=Living Places |access-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625011107/https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Monmouth_County/Freehold_Township.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Georgia, New Jersey|Georgia]], Monmouth Heights,{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Orchard Estates,{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} Siloam, [[Smithburg, New Jersey|Smithburg]],{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} Southburg, Stonehurst East{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} and Stonehurst West.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}}<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt Locality Search] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709092825/http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt |date=July 9, 2016 }}, State of [[New Jersey]]. Accessed May 21, 2015.</ref>

===Ecology===
According to the [[A. W. Kuchler]] U.S. [[potential natural vegetation]] types, Freehold Township would have an Appalachian [[oak]] (''104'') vegetation type with an Eastern [[hardwood]] forest (''25'') vegetation form.<ref name="Conservation Biology Institute">[https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39 U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002220741/https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39/ |date=October 2, 2022 }}, Data Basin. Accessed October 13, 2020.</ref>

===Major bodies of water===
Due to the township's location in New Jersey, it is the home of numerous [[headwaters]] for various important rivers, brooks, and streams that flow throughout the state. The township is located on a [[ridge]] within the geographic [[Central New Jersey|heartland of New Jersey]],<ref>[https://www.njmap2.com/development/stormwater/?override=1&zoom=15&lat=40.183044790016396&lng=-74.39858090132476&sc=142&basemap=Google%20Satellite&layers=1467,1389,1386,1400&ois=&oms=&po=  NJ Map: An Interactive Atlas Of New Jersey From Rowan University; Stormwater Management Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175558/https://www.njmap2.com/development/stormwater/?override=1&zoom=15&lat=40.183044790016396&lng=-74.39858090132476&sc=142&basemap=Google%20Satellite&layers=1467,1389,1386,1400&ois=&oms=&po= |date=April 20, 2021 }}, Rowan University: School of Earth & Environment. Accessed December 1, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/life/2015/01/02/manalapan-brook-headwaters/21203733/ "Where are the headwaters of Manalapan Brook?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927201719/https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/life/2015/01/02/manalapan-brook-headwaters/21203733/ |date=September 27, 2020 }}, ''My Central Jersey'', January 2, 2015. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/NJLandTypes_1954.jpg New Jersey Land Types 1954] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813191744/https://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/NJLandTypes_1954.jpg |date=August 13, 2021 }}, Rutgers Cartography. Accessed September 24, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/HISTORICALMAPS/NJ_Geology_1940.jpg New Jersey Geology 1940] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813191928/https://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/HISTORICALMAPS/NJ_Geology_1940.jpg |date=August 13, 2021 }}, Rutgers Cartography. Accessed September 24, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/pricelst/tmemo/tm17-1.pdf#page=32 New Jersey Geological And Water Survey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175600/https://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/pricelst/tmemo/tm17-1.pdf#page=32 |date=April 20, 2021 }}, p. 32, [[New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection]]. Accessed September 24, 2020.</ref> as most sections of the township fall within the hillier terrain and fertile soil found in the [[Geography of New Jersey#Geology|Inner coastal plain]], while the southeastern sections of the township fall within the more flat terrain and sandier soil found in the [[Geography of New Jersey#Geology|Outer coastal plain]].

Most of the township is located within the much larger [[Raritan River|Raritan Valley Region]] (as many of its brooks and streams flow into the aforementioned river), while also being located relatively close to the [[Raritan Bayshore|Raritan Bay]]. The township is also closely tied to the [[Jersey Shore|Jersey Shore region]], being located about {{convert|16|mi}} west of [[Asbury Park, New Jersey|Asbury Park]].<ref>[https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=freehold%20borough&to=Asbury%20Park%2C%20New%20Jersey%2C%20United%20States&fromId=0&toId=19760&flat=0&flon=0&tlat=40.2204&tlon=-74.0121 Freehold NJ to Asbury Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175600/https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=freehold%20borough&to=Asbury%20Park,%20New%20Jersey,%20United%20States&fromId=0&toId=19760&flat=0&flon=0&tlat=40.2204&tlon=-74.0121 |date=April 20, 2021 }}, Distance between cities. Accessed September 10, 2020.</ref> The northernmost stretches of the [[New Jersey Pine Barrens|Pine Barrens]] reach into a small section of the southern portion of the township, as it is one of only two municipalities in Monmouth County that are part of the [[Toms River]] [[drainage basin|watershed]], most of which is located in [[Ocean County, New Jersey|Ocean County]] in the aforementioned Pine Barrens.<ref>[https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ Toms River Watershed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324000506/https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ |date=March 24, 2022 }}, Barnegat Bay Partnership. Accessed July 3, 2022.</ref> Notable bodies of water within the township include:

====Lakes====
[[File:Lake_Topanemus_in_Autumn.jpg|thumb|250x200px|Lake Topanemus during the autumn months]]
[[File:Turkey_Swamp_during_the_autumn_months.jpg|thumb|250x200px|The 17-acre lake at Turkey Swamp Park]]
*[[Lake Topanemus]]<ref>[https://topanemusneighbors.info/ Home Page]{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Lake Topanemus Neighbors Organization. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref>
*[[Turkey Swamp Park|Turkey Swamp]]<ref>[https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2540 Turkey Swamp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925081631/https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2540 |date=September 25, 2020 }}, Monmouth County Parks. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref>

====Rivers====
*[[Barnegat Bay|Barnegat Bay Watershed]]
**[[Metedeconk River]]<ref>[https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/metedeconk-river-watershed/ Metedeconk River Subwatershed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927234414/https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/metedeconk-river-watershed/ |date=September 27, 2020 }}, Barnegat Bay Partnership. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref>
***North Branch Metedeconk River
***South Branch Metedeconk River
**[[Toms River]]<ref>[https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ Toms River Subwatershed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324000506/https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ |date=March 24, 2022 }}, Barnegat Bay Partnership. Accessed December 1, 2020.</ref>
*[[Raritan River|Raritan Basin Watershed]]
**[[Manasquan River]]<ref>[https://www.raritanbasin.org/manasquan-watershed/ Manasquan Watershed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420181100/https://www.raritanbasin.org/manasquan-watershed/ |date=April 20, 2021 }} Raritan River Basin. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://water.rutgers.edu/Presentations-FixingFlooding/AM_TractC_NJRainGardenRebateProgram_SaraMellor.pdf New Jersey Rain Garden Rebate Program: Fostering the Adoption of Stormwater Management Practices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175558/https://water.rutgers.edu/Presentations-FixingFlooding/AM_TractC_NJRainGardenRebateProgram_SaraMellor.pdf |date=April 20, 2021 }}, [[Rutgers University]], February 26, 2016. Accessed March 14, 2021.</ref>
***Applegate Creek
***Burkes Creek
***Debois Creek
**[[South River (Raritan River tributary)|South River]]<ref>[http://raritan.rutgers.edu/the-lower-raritan-wma09/ Lower Raritan WMA09] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175559/http://raritan.rutgers.edu/the-lower-raritan-wma09/ |date=April 20, 2021 }} Rutgers University Raritan River Initiatives. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://lowerraritanwatershed.org/subwatersheds/ Subwatersheds] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927231100/https://lowerraritanwatershed.org/subwatersheds/ |date=September 27, 2020 }} Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref>
***[[Manalapan Brook]]
***[[Matchaponix Brook]]
****McGellairds Brook
****Tepehemus Brook
****Weamaconk Creek
****Wemrock Brook
*[[Navesink River|Navesink River Watershed]]
**[[Swimming River]]<ref>[https://www.state.nj.us/dep/bmw/reports/ne2.html/ Navesink River (NE2)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410112919/https://www.state.nj.us/dep/bmw/reports/ne2.html |date=April 10, 2023 }}, State of New Jersey Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref><ref>"The Navesink Watershed A Short History". ''As Interpreted in 2003 by Kate Keelen and Jerry Keelen''. Navesink Swimming River Group A Subwatershed Regional Council of the Monmouth Coastal Watersheds Partnership. pg. 2, pg. 3, pg. 4.</ref>
***Yellow Brook

===Climate===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification]] system, Freehold Township sits on the northern border between the [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa'') zone and the [[humid continental climate]] (Dfa) zone, with the township being one of the most northern localities in North America that has a humid subtropical climate. ''Cfa'' climates are characterized by all months having an average temperature above {{convert|32.0|F|1}}, at least four months with an average temperature at or above {{convert|50.0|F|1}}, at least one month with an average temperature at or above {{convert|71.6|F|1}} and no significant precipitation difference between seasons.

{{Weather box
| width = auto
| single line = Y
| location = Freehold Township, New Jersey, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present
|Jan record high F = 73
|Feb record high F = 79
|Mar record high F = 87
|Apr record high F = 95
|May record high F = 96
|Jun record high F = 100
|Jul record high F = 106
|Aug record high F = 102
|Sep record high F = 99
|Oct record high F = 95
|Nov record high F = 83
|Dec record high F = 76
|year record high F = 106
|Jan avg record high F = 63
|Feb avg record high F = 64
|Mar avg record high F = 73
|Apr avg record high F = 85
|May avg record high F = 89
|Jun avg record high F = 93
|Jul avg record high F = 97
|Aug avg record high F = 94
|Sep avg record high F = 91
|Oct avg record high F = 82
|Nov avg record high F = 73
|Dec avg record high F = 66
|year avg record high F = 98
|Jan high F = 41.7
|Feb high F = 44.4
|Mar high F = 51.4
|Apr high F = 63.0
|May high F = 72.0
|Jun high F = 81.1
|Jul high F = 86.5
|Aug high F = 84.6
|Sep high F = 78.1
|Oct high F = 66.6
|Nov high F = 56.2
|Dec high F = 46.7
|year high F = 64.4
|Jan mean F = 32.3
|Feb mean F = 34.7
|Mar mean F = 41.4
|Apr mean F = 52.1
|May mean F = 61.3
|Jun mean F = 70.6
|Jul mean F = 76.0
|Aug mean F = 74.0
|Sep mean F = 67.1
|Oct mean F = 55.5
|Nov mean F = 45.9
|Dec mean F = 37.4
|year mean F = 54.0
|Jan low F = 22.9
|Feb low F = 25.0
|Mar low F = 31.3
|Apr low F = 41.2
|May low F = 50.6
|Jun low F = 60.1
|Jul low F = 65.5
|Aug low F = 63.4
|Sep low F = 56.1
|Oct low F = 44.3
|Nov low F = 35.7
|Dec low F = 28.0
|year low F = 43.7
|Jan avg record low F = 6
|Feb avg record low F = 10
|Mar avg record low F = 16
|Apr avg record low F = 28
|May avg record low F = 36
|Jun avg record low F = 46
|Jul avg record low F = 54
|Aug avg record low F = 54
|Sep avg record low F = 42
|Oct avg record low F = 30
|Nov avg record low F = 21
|Dec avg record low F = 15
|year avg record low F = 5
|Jan record low F = −14
|Feb record low F = −20
|Mar record low F = -2
|Apr record low F = 17
|May record low F = 28
|Jun record low F = 35
|Jul record low F = 42
|Aug record low F = 41
|Sep record low F = 32
|Oct record low F = 20
|Nov record low F = 7
|Dec record low F = −5
|year record low F = −20
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.87
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.10
|Mar precipitation inch = 4.20
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.83
|May precipitation inch = 3.81
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.44
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.65
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.13
|Sep precipitation inch = 4.19
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.13
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.54
|Dec precipitation inch = 4.68
|year precipitation inch = 48.57
|Jan snow inch = 5.4
|Feb snow inch = 6.3
|Mar snow inch = 2.4
|Apr snow inch = 0.4
|May snow inch = 0
|Jun snow inch = 0
|Jul snow inch = 0
|Aug snow inch = 0
|Sep snow inch = 0
|Oct snow inch = 0
|Nov snow inch = trace
|Dec snow inch = 4.1
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 10.7
|Feb precipitation days = 9.2
|Mar precipitation days = 9.9
|Apr precipitation days = 11.6
|May precipitation days = 12.5
|Jun precipitation days = 11.8
|Jul precipitation days = 9.8
|Aug precipitation days = 10.7
|Sep precipitation days = 9.1
|Oct precipitation days = 10.2
|Nov precipitation days = 9.4
|Dec precipitation days = 10.1
|year precipitation days = 125.0
|unit snow days = 0.01 in
|Jan snow days = 2
|Feb snow days = 2
|Mar snow days = 1
|Apr snow days = 0
|May snow days = 0
|Jun snow days = 0
|Jul snow days = 0
|Aug snow days = 0
|Sep snow days = 0
|Oct snow days = 0
|Nov snow days = 0
|Dec snow days = 1
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name= NOAA>{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=phi
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 16, 2021
| archive-date = March 5, 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120305104542/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=phi
| url-status = live
}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00283181&format=pdf
| title = Station: Freehold-Marlboro, NJ
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 16, 2021
| archive-date = August 17, 2021
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210817000127/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00283181&format=pdf
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
[[File:Freehold Jewish Center Congregation.png|thumb|260px|The [[Freehold Jewish Center]] serves the rapidly growing [[Jews in New Jersey|Jewish population]] in the Freehold vicinity.]]
[[File:Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine - Freehold, New Jersey 02.jpg|thumb|260px|[[Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine]]]]

===2010 census===
The [[2010 United States census]] counted 36,184 people, 12,577 households, and 9,382 families in the township. The [[population density]] was 939.8 per square mile (362.9/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 13,140 housing units at an average density of 341.3 per square mile (131.8/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup was 84.32% (30,509) [[White (U.S. census)|White]], 5.34% (1,931) [[Black (U.S. census)|Black or African American]], 0.13% (47) [[Native American (U.S. census)|Native American]], 7.03% (2,544) [[Asian (U.S. census)|Asian]], 0.02% (7) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.47% (531) from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census#Race|other races]], and 1.70% (615) from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. census)|Hispanic or Latino]] of any race were 7.76% (2,808) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/> 
{{US Census population
|align=left
| 1790= 3785
| 1810= 4784
| 1820= 5146
| 1830= 5481
| 1840= 6303
| 1850= 2642 | 1850n=*
| 1860= 3811
| 1870= 4231
| 1880= 1870 | 1880n=*
| 1890= 2165
| 1900= 2234
| 1910= 2329
| 1920= 1498 | 1920n=*
| 1930= 1720
| 1940= 2459
| 1950= 3442
| 1960= 4779
| 1970=13185
| 1980=19202
| 1990=24710
| 2000=31537
| 2010=36184
| 2020=35369
| estimate=35531
| estyear=2023
| estref=<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=PopEst>[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2023/mcds/totals/SUB-MCD-EST2023-POP-34.xlsx Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023], [[United States Census Bureau]], released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.</ref>
| footnote=Population sources:<small><br />1800–1920<ref>[https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full ''Compendium of censuses 1726–1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226125132/https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full |date=February 26, 2021 }}, [[New Jersey Department of State]], 1906. Accessed July 10, 2013.</ref> 1840<ref>[[Francis Bowen|Bowen, Francis]]. [https://books.google.com/books?id=DnUFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA231 ''American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge for the Year 1843''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715184554/https://books.google.com/books?id=DnUFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA231 |date=July 15, 2023 }}, p. 231, David H. Williams, 1842. Accessed July 10, 2013. Population is listed as 6,299, four less than in table.</ref> 1850–1870<ref>Raum, John O. [https://books.google.com/books?id=5qZ4AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA249 ''The History of New Jersey: From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Volume 1''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715184554/https://books.google.com/books?id=5qZ4AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA249 |date=July 15, 2023 }}, p. 249, J. E. Potter and company, 1877. Accessed July 9, 2013. "Freehold township was formed in 1798 and contained in 1850, 2,644 inhabitants; in 1860, 3,811; and in 1870, 4,231. The northern and middle part abounds in fertile farms." The population of 2,644 listed for 1850 conflicts with the other sources, which show 2,642 for that year.</ref><br />1850<ref>[[J. D. B. De Bow|Debow, James Dunwoody Brownson]]. [https://books.google.com/books?id=25TicJOdU0AC&pg=PA140 ''The Seventh Census of the United States: 1850''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714233542/https://books.google.com/books?id=25TicJOdU0AC&pg=PA140 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, p. 140. R. Armstrong, 1853. Accessed July 9, 2013.</ref> 1870<ref>Staff. [https://books.google.com/books?id=gNwIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA260 ''A compendium of the ninth census, 1870''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714233452/https://books.google.com/books?id=gNwIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA260 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, p. 260. [[United States Census Bureau]], 1872. Accessed December 4, 2012.</ref> 1880–1890<ref>Porter, Robert Percival. [https://books.google.com/books?id=8gUkQkJdLpsC&pg=PA99 ''Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III – 51 to 75''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225402/https://books.google.com/books?id=8gUkQkJdLpsC&pg=PA99 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, p. 99. [[United States Census Bureau]], 1890. Accessed July 24, 2012. Population for Freehold township is listed as 4,302 for 1880 and 5,097 for 1890, which includes population for Freehold town of 2,432 in 1880 and 2,932 in 1890. Freehold township population for these two years was calculated via subtraction.</ref><br />1890–1910<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=T9HrAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA336 ''Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715184554/https://books.google.com/books?id=T9HrAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA336 |date=July 15, 2023 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]], p. 336. Accessed July 24, 2012.</ref> 1910–1930<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA717 ''Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 – Population Volume I''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715184555/https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA717 |date=July 15, 2023 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]], p. 717. Accessed December 17, 2011.</ref><br />1940–2000<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005222054/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 |date=October 5, 2022 }}, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref> 2000<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/><br>2010<ref name=Census2010>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3402525230 DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Freehold township, Monmouth County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212111745/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3402525230 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed December 17, 2011.</ref><ref name=LWD2010>[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_mon/freeholdtownship1.pdf Table DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Freehold township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506173345/http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_mon/freeholdtownship1.pdf |date=May 6, 2012 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed December 17, 2011.</ref> 2020<ref name=Census2020>[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/freeholdtownshipmonmouthcountynewjersey QuickFacts Freehold township, Monmouth County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315030424/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/freeholdtownshipmonmouthcountynewjersey |date=March 15, 2023 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed January 5, 2023.</ref><ref name=LWD2020>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213084623/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf |date=February 13, 2023 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref><br />* = Lost territory in previous decade.<ref name=Story/></small>
}}
Of the 12,577 households, 36.7% had children under the age of 18; 61.4% were married couples living together; 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 25.4% were non-families. Of all households, 21.7% were made up of individuals and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.24.<ref name=Census2010/>

24.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 96.9 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 [[American Community Survey]] showed that (in 2010 [[inflation adjustment|inflation-adjusted]] dollars) [[median household income]] was $94,735 (with a margin of error of +/− $5,749) and the median family income was $112,094 (+/− $4,124). Males had a median income of $85,099 (+/− $6,540) versus $48,926 (+/− $4,407) for females. The per capita income for the township was $40,504 (+/− $2,006). About 2.8% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402525230 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Freehold township, Monmouth County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212084000/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402525230 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed March 14, 2012.</ref>

===2000 census===
[[File:Home on Lake Topanemus.jpg|thumb|260px|[[Modern architecture|Modern]] home located along [[Lake Topanemus]]]]
[[File:Stonehurst West, NJ.jpg|thumb|260px|The [[West Freehold, New Jersey|West Freehold]] neighborhood. The township's residential areas range from [[suburb]]an to [[exurb]]an in character and density.]]
As of the [[2000 United States census]]<ref name="GR2" /> there were 31,537 people, 10,814 households, and 8,283 families residing in the township. The population density was {{convert|820.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 11,032 housing units at an average density of {{convert|286.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the township was 87.09% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 5.12% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.14% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 5.15% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.19% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.30% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 5.19% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402525230.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Freehold township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529062733/http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402525230.pdf |date=May 29, 2012 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed December 17, 2011.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402525230 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 – Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Freehold township, Monmouth County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212095502/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402525230 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed December 4, 2012.</ref>

There were 10,814 households, out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.21.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the township was $77,185, and the median income for a family was $89,845. Males had a median income of $62,545 versus $36,668 for females. The per capita income for the township was $31,505. About 2.8% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

==Economy==
Due to suburbanization within the township, its location near the [[Jersey Shore]], along with its proximity to major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]], and [[Philadelphia]], the township has been a longtime economic center in the [[Central Jersey]] region.<ref name="Pepe; p. 148"/><ref>Kennedy, Shawn G. [https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/01/business/real-estate-in-freehold-more-than-just-homes.html "Real Estate; In Freehold, More Than Just Homes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175557/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/01/business/real-estate-in-freehold-more-than-just-homes.html |date=April 20, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', July 1, 1987. Accessed December 1, 2020.</ref><ref>Garbarine, Rachelle. [https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/04/realestate/in-the-region-new-jersey-freehold-rides-commercial-building-boom.html "Freehold rides commercial boom"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509010944/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/04/realestate/in-the-region-new-jersey-freehold-rides-commercial-building-boom.html |date=May 9, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', September 4, 1988. Accessed May 8, 2021.</ref><ref name=NYT1990>Garbarine, Rachelle. [https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/25/realestate/in-the-region-new-jersey-freehold-is-getting-its-first-major-mall.html "In The Region: New Jersey; Freehold Is Getting Its First Major Mall"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509010944/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/25/realestate/in-the-region-new-jersey-freehold-is-getting-its-first-major-mall.html |date=May 9, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 25, 1990. Accessed May 9, 2021. "Strip centers have sprung up along the highways and work is nearing completion on the township's first major shopping complex, the Freehold Raceway Mall. It will have 1.3 million square feet of space in 200 shops and food outlets, as many as five department stores and parking for 6,500 cars. The mall is being built by the Wilmorite Corporation of Rochester on a 176-acre site in the south central corner of the township along Route 9 at its intersection with Routes 33 and 537. The $125 million project is scheduled to open Aug. 1."</ref>

===Agriculture===
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Despite suburbanization in recent decades, the township's agricultural roots have still been preserved. There are numerous [[Vegetable farming|crop farms]], [[Stud farm|thoroughbred farms]], [[sod|sod farms]], [[Plant nursery|nurseries]], and [[orchard]]s in the township. Notable farms in the township include Brock Farms,<ref>[https://brockfarms.com Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925161821/https://brockfarms.com/ |date=September 25, 2020 }}, Brock Farms. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref> Battleview Orchards,<ref>[http://www.battlevieworchards.com Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923093535/http://www.battlevieworchards.com/ |date=September 23, 2020 }}, Battleview Orchards. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref> Clayton Family Farm,<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clayton+Family+Farm/@40.2245975,-74.3292849,17.54z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x89c17400afb6bb93:0x3a730681b4fafefc!2sFreehold+Township,+NJ!3b1!8m2!3d40.2136754!4d-74.3000878!3m4!1s0x89c3d61306c4c8b7:0x77b37c4cecbb1e24!8m2!3d40.2252833!4d-74.3268503 Map of Clayton Family Farm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516181508/https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clayton+Family+Farm/@40.2245975,-74.3292849,17.54z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x89c17400afb6bb93:0x3a730681b4fafefc!2sFreehold+Township,+NJ!3b1!8m2!3d40.2136754!4d-74.3000878!3m4!1s0x89c3d61306c4c8b7:0x77b37c4cecbb1e24!8m2!3d40.2252833!4d-74.3268503 |date=May 16, 2023 }}, Google Maps. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref> Crawford Farms,<ref>[http://njdiscountplants.com Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921060551/http://njdiscountplants.com/ |date=September 21, 2020 }}, Crawford Family Farms. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref> the historic Oakley Farm,<ref>[https://tourism.visitmonmouth.com/locations/oakley-farm/ Oakley Farm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001174950/https://tourism.visitmonmouth.com/locations/oakley-farm/ |date=October 1, 2020 }}, Visit Monmouth. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref> Reid Sod Farm,<ref>[http://www.reidsodfarm.com/home/3748579 Reid Sod Farm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803020444/http://reidsodfarm.com/home/3748579 |date=August 3, 2020 }}. Accessed August 22, 2021.</ref> and Wemrock Orchards.<ref>[https://wemrockorchard.com Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930000653/https://wemrockorchard.com/ |date=September 30, 2020 }}, Wemrock Orchards. Accessed September 21, 2020.</ref>

[[Tomasello Winery]] (originally based in [[Hammonton, New Jersey|Hammonton]]) has a wine tasting room located in Wemrock Orchards.<ref>[https://wemrockorchard.com/tomasello-winery Tomasello Winery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118034638/https://wemrockorchard.com/tomasello-winery |date=January 18, 2022 }}, Wemrock Orchards. Accessed July 11, 2023.</ref><ref>DiUlio, Nick. [https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-living/a-taste-of-old-world-charm/ "A Taste of Old-World Charm"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715184558/https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-living/a-taste-of-old-world-charm/ |date=July 15, 2023 }}, ''[[New Jersey Monthly]]'', April 11, 2011. Accessed July 11, 2023.</ref>

===Commerce===
{{multiple image
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 | caption1  = [[Freehold Raceway Mall]]
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 | image2   = Freehold_Marketplace_(Spring,_2021*).jpg
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 | caption2 = {{URL|https://www.jefferyrealty.com/property/freehold/freehold-marketplace/|Freehold Marketplace}}
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 | width3   = 170
 | caption3 = [[Freehold Raceway]]
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 | caption4 = [[Manalapan EpiCentre]] at night
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 | caption5 = [[West Freehold, New Jersey|Mount's Corner Historic Shopping Plaza]]
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 | caption6 = [[Jackson Township, New Jersey#Economy|Jackson Premium Outlets]] at daylight
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}}
Established in 1853, making it the nation's oldest half-mile harness racing track, [[Freehold Raceway]] offers horse lovers and bettors an opportunity to see [[harness racing]].<ref>[http://www.freeholdraceway.com/ Home page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213142723/http://www.freeholdraceway.com/ |date=December 13, 2012 }}, [[Freehold Raceway]]. Accessed December 4, 2012. "Welcome to Freehold Raceway, the nation's oldest and fastest daytime half mile harness racing track. Located in central New Jersey in the historic town of Freehold, Freehold Raceway was established in 1853 and features live Standardbred harness racing for trotters and pacers."</ref>

Completed in August 1990, the [[Freehold Raceway Mall]] was constructed at a cost of $125&nbsp;million on a site covering more than {{convert|175|acres}}<ref name=NYT1990/> across from the Freehold Raceway over [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|Route 9]]. A super-regional high-end shopping mall, it has a [[gross leasable area]] of {{convert|1600000|sqft}},<ref>[http://www.icsc.org/apps/dmmdisp.php?dispid=NJ0009 Freehold Raceway Mall] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205095832/http://www.icsc.org/apps/dmmdisp.php?dispid=NJ0009 |date=February 5, 2012 }}, [[International Council of Shopping Centers]]. Accessed December 4, 2012.</ref> making it the [[Shopping malls in New Jersey|third-largest mall in the state]], behind [[Westfield Garden State Plaza]] and [[American Dream (shopping mall)|American Dream Meadowlands]].<ref>Staff. [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/woodbridge_center_mall_shootin.html "Woodbridge Center mall shooting: New details emerge about man who held woman at knife-point"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119215644/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/woodbridge_center_mall_shootin.html |date=November 19, 2018 }}, ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'', March 9, 2012. Accessed October 16, 2013. "With about 220 stores and 1.5 million square feet of space, Woodbridge Center is the third-largest shopping mall in New Jersey, behind only Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus and Freehold Raceway Mall."</ref>

Outside of the Freehold Raceway Mall, the township itself has many other shopping malls and plazas. Diane & Co. is a dress shop that has been featured on the [[Oxygen (TV network)|Oxygen Network's]] show ''[[Jersey Couture]]''.<ref>Kinon, Cristina. [https://archive.today/20130130152106/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-05-29/entertainment/27065644_1_perfect-dress-custom-prom-season "Oxygen's 'Jersey Couture' stars Diane & Co. family Kimberly Gambale and Christina and Diane Scali"], ''[[New York Daily News]]'', May 29, 2010. Accessed December 4, 2012. "One day, a bride-to-be went into the Scali family's Freehold, N.J., dress shop, Diane & Co., to find a dress for her mother. She walked out with a dress and an idea for a TV show."</ref>

iPlay America is an indoor family entertainment and event center that opened in November 2011, offering rides, arcade and carnival games, along with [[Topgolf]], music venues, laser tag, shops, bars, and restaurants.<ref>Omogbai, Emike; and Whall, James. [http://www.nj.com/travel/destinations/index.ssf/2011/11/iplay_america_adds_a_new_twist_to_family_entertainment_set_for_grand_opening_this_friday.html "iPlay America adds a new twist to family entertainment; set for grand opening this Friday"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714110909/http://www.nj.com/travel/destinations/index.ssf/2011/11/iplay_america_adds_a_new_twist_to_family_entertainment_set_for_grand_opening_this_friday.html |date=July 14, 2014 }}, ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'', November 10, 2011. Accessed March 20, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.iplayamerica.com/hours-and-location Hours & Location] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619004241/http://www.iplayamerica.com/hours-and-location |date=June 19, 2015 }}, iPlay America. Accessed June 18, 2015.</ref>

====Main Street====
[[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold Borough]] (which the township surrounds) is home to Downtown Freehold, located on [[County Route 537 (New Jersey)|East and West Main Street]]. This downtown section has various eateries, bars, boutiques, historical sites, and other excursions. Within this section of the borough, there have been plans to revitalize the downtown area.<ref>[https://www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/media/attachments/2022/10/17/small-2019-center-core-rehabilitation-plan-upd.pdf ''2019 Center Core Rehabilitation Plan''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414101937/https://www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/media/attachments/2022/10/17/small-2019-center-core-rehabilitation-plan-upd.pdf |date=April 14, 2023 }}, Borough of Freehold, adopted December 16, 2019. Accessed July 11, 2023.</ref>

There are many other shopping destinations right outside of ''the Freeholds'' region, including the [[Manalapan EpiCentre]] (formerly, the Manalapan Mall) in [[Manalapan Township, New Jersey|Manalapan]], the [[Jackson Township, New Jersey#Economy|Jackson Premium Outlets]] in [[Jackson Township, New Jersey|Jackson]], and The Shoppes in [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey|Old Bridge Township]].

===Manufacturing===
Freehold Township and Borough began to grow in commercial and industrial manufacturing of goods during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among most prominent of companies that began doing operations in the township was the [[Brockway Glass Company]], which had built a facility on Center Street in 1955. Brockway Glass then proceeded to build additional facilities in the region in 1956, 1967, 1969 & 1976. The company ceased operations in the township in 1991,<ref name="casemine.com"/><ref name=SHA/> in which the site is now operated by the Freehold campus location for [[Iron Mountain (company)|Iron Mountain]], an [[enterprise information management]] services company.<ref name="ironmountain.com"/>

In 1948, [[Nestle]] opened a production plant in the township, which handled logistics and engineering. The plant officially closed in 2023.<ref>Roman, Jackie. [https://www.nj.com/monmouth/2023/11/smell-of-nestle-coffee-leaving-nj-town-as-iconic-factory-shuts-down.html "Smell of Nestlé coffee leaving N.J. town as iconic factory shuts down"], NJ Advance Media for [[NJ.com]], November 14, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024.</ref><ref>"Pepe, p. 140.</ref> [[3M]] opened a magnetic tape production facility in 1957.<ref>"Pepe; p. 142</ref>

==Sports==
In 2016, Freehold Township Little League 12u baseball team won the New Jersey state championship and made it to the [[Little League World Series|Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament]], the first team from the township to take the state title since 2003.<ref>Sorce, John. [http://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2016/08/01/freehold-township-wins-state-ll-title/87543336/ "Little League: Freehold Township wins state title"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185057/https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2016/08/01/freehold-township-wins-state-ll-title/87543336/ |date=July 15, 2023 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', August 3, 2016. Accessed September 1, 2016. "Freehold Township combined a powerful offense with stellar pitching to defeat Upper Township by a score of 14–1 in four innings to secure the Joe Graziano Little League State Tournament title at Gloucester City Little League on Monday night. It is the first time a team from Freehold Township has captured the Little League state title since 2003, when Freehold Township American won it."</ref> In 2017, Freehold Township Little League 13U baseball intermediate division won the United States Championship in the Little League Intermediate World Series tournament defeating Wailuku, Hawaii 6-4 in Livermore, California.<ref>Carrol, Brett. [https://centraljersey.com/2017/08/08/freehold-township-wins-u-s-title-loses-heartbreaker-to-puerto-rico/ "Freehold Township wins U.S. title; loses heartbreaker to Puerto Rico"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211233802/https://centraljersey.com/2017/08/08/freehold-township-wins-u-s-title-loses-heartbreaker-to-puerto-rico/ |date=February 11, 2023 }}, ''centraljersey.com''. August 8, 2017. Accessed February 11, 2023.</ref>

In 2004, the Freehold Township Senior League baseball team won the [[Senior League World Series]]. Led by manager Mike Brach of Freehold Township, the team became the first from Freehold Township to make it to the World Series, let alone win it.<ref>Morris, Tim. [http://nbs.gmnews.com/News/2004/0819/Sports/ "Jersey's best standing tall at World Series"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317043028/http://nbs.gmnews.com/News/2004/0819/Sports/ |date=March 17, 2007 }}, ''North Brunswick Sentinel'', August 19, 2004.</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
[[File:Monmouth_Battlefield_sign_(Autumn).jpg|thumb|250x200px|[[Monmouth Battlefield State Park]] entrance]]
[[File:Families_at_the_Battlefield.png|thumb|250x200px|Families at Monmouth Battlefield, a popular recreational area for the township and surrounding area]]
[[File:Parkgoers_at_Lake_Topanemus.jpg|thumb|250x200px|Picnic area near [[Lake Topanemus]] in autumn]]

Freehold Township is home to many parks, nature preserves, and trails. There are state, county, and municipal parks located within the township.

[[Monmouth Battlefield State Park|Monmouth Battlefield]] is a {{convert|1818|acre|sqkm|adj=on}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Monmouth Battlefield State Park|url=http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat.html|publisher=NJ Department of Environmental Protection|access-date=2014-08-13}}</ref> [[New Jersey]] [[state park]]. The park preserves the historic battlefield on which the [[American Revolutionary War]]'s [[Battle of Monmouth]] (1778) was waged. It was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] for its significance in military history.<ref name="nrhpdoc">{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=66000467}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Monmouth Battlefield |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|first1=Richard |last1=Greenwood |date=June 1975 }} With {{NRHP url|id=66000467|photos=y|title=accompanying 7 photos}}</ref> The park features a vast landscape of orchards, fields, woods, and wetlands, with miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding.

[[Turkey Swamp Park]] is a {{Convert|2388|acre|ha|adj=on}} county [[park]] and [[nature preserve]], surrounding the lake of Turkey Swamp. The park features over {{convert|9|mi|km}} of trails, an [[archery]] range, [[playground]]s, [[soccer]] fields, and various picnic grounds. There are also [[canoe]]s, [[Paddle steamer|paddleboat]]s, [[kayak]]s, and [[rowboats]] that could be rented for usage on the lake. During the winter season the lake freezes, allowing park visitors to [[ice-skating|ice-skate]] on the lake as well. The park also has seasonal [[campground]]s, complete with laundry facilities, hot-water bathrooms, and [[Recreational vehicle|RV]] electric & water hook-ups.<ref>Campgrounds at Turkey Swamp Park. Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners. Publication #A7485. March 2008.</ref> Adjacent to the main Turkey Swamp Park, is the over {{Convert|4000|acres|ha|adj=on}} Turkey Swamp [[List of New Jersey wildlife management areas|Wildlife Management Area]], with additional miles of nature trails for hiking.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wildlife Management Areas |url=https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/conservation/wildlife-management-areas/ |website=dep.nj.gov |publisher=New Jersey Fish & Wildlife |access-date=15 December 2024}}</ref>

For municipal parks in the township, they are managed by the Freehold Township: Parks and Recreation Commission. The commission's responsibilities include the formulating of plans for the development, improvement, maintenance and use of township-owned public park and playground lands.<ref>[https://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/170/Parks-Recreation-Commission Parks & Recreation Commission], Freehold Township. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref> Regular Meetings are held 7:00 pm, the 4th Wednesday of every month at Michael J. Tighe Park. The commission manages all programs associated with Freehold Township Parks. There are numerous sports programs, such as for Basketball, Golf, Track & Field, Cross Country, and Lacrosse. The commission manages the annual Summer Camp program for the township (located at Michael J. Tighe Park), available for all children township residents. The commission also manages the township's Skate Park.<ref>[https://twp.freehold.nj.us/336/Recreation Recreation], Freehold Township. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref>

'''[https://ftrec.recdesk.com/Community/Home Freehold Township Online Registration Portal]'''

Michael J. Tighe Park is the largest municipal park for the township. The park is located off of Georgia Road and provides a wide assortment of recreational opportunities. Michael J. Tighe Park was formerly known as Liberty Oak Park, with the park having been renamed in 2001 to honor the former township recreation commissioner Michael J. Tighe.<ref>Staff. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-freehold-township-by-t/124274590/ "Freehold Township by the numbers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508215259/https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-freehold-township-by-t/124274590/ |date=May 8, 2023 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', January 23, 2003. Accessed May 8, 2023, via [[Newspapers.com]]. "In 2001, Liberty Oak Park was renamed Michael J. Tighe Park by the Township Committee in memory of a former township recreation commissioner."</ref> Other municipal parks in the township include Durand Park, Whittier Oaks Park, Opatut Park, Wynnefield Park, Stonehurst Park, Sandy Brook Park, Duchess Court Park, Greentree Park, Medford Park, Woodgate Park, Woodcrest Park, Orchard Hills Park and Sargent Park.<ref>[http://twp.freehold.nj.us/parks-and-open-space Parks & Open Space] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315183326/http://twp.freehold.nj.us/parks-and-open-space |date=March 15, 2012 }}, Township of Freehold. Accessed March 15, 2012.</ref>

[[Lake Topanemus]] is a {{cvt|71|acre|ha|adj=on}} suburban park located in the township, but is owned and operated by neighboring [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold Borough]].<ref>[https://www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/boards/lake-topanemus-commission Lake Topanemus Commission], Borough of Freehold. Accessed December 1, 2024.</ref> The park's lake was the original site of a [[Watermill|mill]] in the 1800s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twp.freehold.nj.us/historical-sites-tours|title=Freehold Township: Historical Sites Tours|accessdate=November 8, 2021}}</ref> The park is popular for [[freshwater fish]]ing, paddle boating, and canoeing on the lake, along with its picturesque nature trails, playgrounds, outdoor calisthenics, and open fields. The park's more than {{Convert|4|mi}} of crushed stone trails are shared by runners, walkers, and bikers. The park is used as a 5K running course shared by cross country runners from [[Freehold High School|Freehold Boro High School]].

The southernmost segment of the [[Henry Hudson Trail]] starts in Freehold Borough and runs northeast through the township, to the [[Raritan Bayshore]] region. The parking area in the township is located at 119 Dutch Lane Road and is used by walkers, runners and bicyclists.<ref>[http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2525 Henry Hudson Trail] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416002547/http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2525 |date=April 16, 2012 }}, [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]] Park System. Accessed March 15, 2012.</ref>

== Government ==
[[File:Freehold town hall.jpeg|thumb|250x200px|Town Hall in Freehold Township, located on Schanck Road]]

=== Local ===
Freehold Township is governed under the [[Township (New Jersey)|Township]] form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state.<ref>[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf ''Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601184216/https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf |date=June 1, 2023 }}, [[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. 110.</ref><ref>[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=7 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604040836/https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=7 |date=June 4, 2023 }}, p. 7. [[Rutgers University]] Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref><ref>Cerra, Michael F. [https://www.njlm.org/809/3982/Forms-of-Govt-Magazine-Article "Forms of Government: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask"], [[New Jersey State League of Municipalities]], March 2007. Accessed January 1, 2025.</ref> At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.

The Township Committee enacts local ordinances, levies municipal taxes and conducts the affairs of the township. In almost all cases, it can review and approve the actions of other Freehold Township boards, committees and agencies. The Township Committee conducts all of its business during monthly meetings open to the public.<ref>[https://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/570/General-Information Township Committee: General Information] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430042059/https://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/570/General-Information |date=April 30, 2023 }}, Freehold Township. Accessed April 29, 2023.</ref>

{{As of|2025}}, the members of the Township Committee are Mayor Maureen Fasano ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]], term on committee and as mayor ends December 31, 2025), Deputy Mayor Lester A. Preston Jr. (R, term on committee ends 2026; term as deputy mayor ends 2025), Anthony J. Ammiano (R, 2027), Thomas L. Cook (R, 2027) and Alan C. Walker (R, 2026).<ref name=Committee>[https://twp.freehold.nj.us/177/Township-Committee Committee Members], Township of Freehold. Accessed January 27, 2025. "Freehold Township is governed by five Committee persons, each of whom is elected for a three-year staggered term. At the beginning of each year, the Committee members elect one of their members to serve as Mayor and one as Deputy Mayor."</ref><ref>[https://twp.freehold.nj.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/185#page=11 2024 Municipal Data Sheet], Township of Freehold. Accessed January 27, 2025.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2024>[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Monmouth/122857/web.345435/#/summary November 5, 2024 General Election Official Results], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]], updated December 16, 2024. Accessed January 1, 2025.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2023>[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Monmouth/119047/web.317647/#/summary November 8, 2023 General Election Official Results], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]], updated January 18, 2024. Accessed January 22, 2024.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2022>[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Monmouth/116246/web.307039/#/summary General Election November 8, 2022 Official Results], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]] Clerk, updated December 27, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.</ref>

In January 2020, the Township Committee appointed Alan C. Walker to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that had become vacant following the resignation of David M. Salkin.<ref>Sockol, Matthew. [https://centraljersey.com/2020/02/04/alan-walker/ "Freehold Township officials tap Walker for Township Committee seat"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330034251/https://centraljersey.com/2020/02/04/alan-walker/ |date=March 30, 2020 }}, CentralJersey.com, February 4, 2020. Accessed March 29, 2020. "Members of the Township Committee have appointed Alan Walker to fill a vacant seat on Freehold Township's governing body. Committee members during their meeting on Jan. 28 appointed Walker to fill the opening that was created when David Salkin resigned from the governing body in January after accepting a position with Monmouth County.... There was one year left in the term Salkin was serving. Walker was appointed to serve through 2020. He may seek election to a full three-year term in November."</ref>

=== Federal, state, and county ===
Freehold Township is located in the 3rd and 4th Congressional Districts<ref name=PCR2022>[https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/documents/2021/Data2021/Plan%20Components.pdf 2022 Redistricting Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028193337/https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/documents/2021/Data2021/Plan%20Components.pdf |date=October 28, 2022 }}, [[New Jersey Redistricting Commission]], December 8, 2022.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 11th state legislative district.<ref>[https://nj1015.com/whats-your-new-nj-legislative-district-20-moved-on-new-map/ Districts by Number for 2023-2031], [[New Jersey Legislature]]. Accessed September 18, 2023.</ref>

{{NJ Congress 03}} {{NJ Congress 04}} {{NJ Senate}}

{{NJ Legislative 11}}

{{NJ Monmouth County Commissioners}}

===Politics===
{{PresHead|place=Freehold Township|source=<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive |url=https://nj.gov/state/elections/election-information-results.shtml |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=nj.gov}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|12,031|8,312|351|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|11,618|9,791|253|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|9,972|7,410|560|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|9,204|7,242|192|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|9,480|7,845|185|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|9,260|6,915|131|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|6,534|6,794|440|New Jersey}}{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|4,963|5,900|1,085|New Jersey}}{{PresRow|1992|Republican|5,360|4,423|2,028|New Jersey}}
|}
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 23,033 registered voters in Freehold Township, of which 5,014 (21.8%) were registered as [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]], 5,058 (22.0%) were registered as [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and 12,949 (56.2%) were registered as [[Unaffiliated (New Jersey)|Unaffiliated]]. There were 12 voters registered as [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarians]] or [[Green Party of the United States|Greens]].<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-monmouth-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary – Monmouth] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603231404/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-monmouth-co-summary-report.pdf |date=June 3, 2013 }}, [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2016|2016 presidential election]], Republican [[Donald Trump]] received 55.6% of the vote (9,972 cast), ahead of Democrat [[Hillary Clinton]] with 41.3% (7,410 votes), and other candidates with 3.1% (560 votes), among the 17,942 ballots cast by the township's voters. In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2012|2012 presidential election]], Republican [[Mitt Romney]] received 55.3% of the vote (9,204 cast), ahead of Democrat [[Barack Obama]] with 43.5% (7,242 votes), and other candidates with 1.2% (192 votes), among the 16,715 ballots cast by the township's 23,974 registered voters (77 ballots were [[Spoilt vote|spoiled]]), for a turnout of 69.7%.<ref name=2012Elections>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-presidential-monmouth.pdf |title=Presidential General Election Results – November 6, 2012 – Monmouth County |date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225054339/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-presidential-monmouth.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=2012VoterReg>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast – November 6, 2012 – General Election Results – Monmouth County |date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225063058/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2008|2008 presidential election]], Republican [[John McCain]] received 53.5% of the vote (9,480 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 44.2% (7,845 votes) and other candidates with 1.0% (185 votes), among the 17,733 ballots cast by the township's 23,935 registered voters, for a turnout of 74.1%.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-monmouth.pdf 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Monmouth County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604001750/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-monmouth.pdf |date=June 4, 2013 }}, [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2004|2004 presidential election]], Republican [[George W. Bush]] received 56.6% of the vote (9,260 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat [[John Kerry]] with 42.2% (6,915 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (131 votes), among the 16,373 ballots cast by the township's 22,061 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 74.2.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_monmouth_co_2004.pdf 2004 Presidential Election: Monmouth County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604000604/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_monmouth_co_2004.pdf |date=June 4, 2013 }}, [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

In the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2017|2017 gubernatorial election]], Republican [[Kim Guadagno]] received 57.7% of the vote (6,060 cast), ahead of Democrat [[Phil Murphy]] with 40.4% (4,246 votes). In the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2013|2013 gubernatorial election]], Republican [[Chris Christie]] received 72.2% of the vote (7,009 cast), ahead of Democrat [[Barbara Buono]] with 26.0% (2,525 votes), and other candidates with 1.8% (175 votes), among the 9,826 ballots cast by the township's 24,098 registered voters (117 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 40.8%.<ref name=2013Elections>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-monmouth.pdf |title=Governor – Monmouth County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=August 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815094044/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-monmouth.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=2013VoterReg>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast – November 5, 2013 – General Election Results – Monmouth County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133313/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009|2009 gubernatorial election]], Republican Chris Christie received 65.5% of the vote (7,900 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat [[Jon Corzine]] with 27.5% (3,317 votes), Independent [[Chris Daggett]] with 5.7% (688 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (96 votes), among the 12,058 ballots cast by the township's 23,343 registered voters, yielding a 51.7% turnout.<ref>[http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-monmouth.pdf 2009 Governor: Monmouth County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017230351/http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-monmouth.pdf |date=October 17, 2012 }}, [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

== Education ==
[[File:Freehold Township High School front.jpg|thumb|250x200px|[[Freehold Township High School]] located on [[County Route 524 (New Jersey)|Elton-Adelphia Road]]]]
Public school students in [[pre-kindergarten]] through [[eighth grade]] are educated by the [[Freehold Township Schools]].<ref>[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0110&id=6cd9f7f9033b49bc87090f26ef6d9803 Freehold Township Board of Education District Policy 0110 -Identification], Freehold Township Schools, updated February 2020. Accessed December 10, 2024. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Kindergarten through 8 in the Freehold Township School District. Composition: The Freehold Township School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Freehold Township."</ref> As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of eight schools, had an enrollment of 3,447 students and 372.3 classroom teachers (on an [[full-time equivalent|FTE]] basis), for a [[student–teacher ratio]] of 9.3:1.<ref name=NCES>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3405640&DistrictID=3405640 District information for Freehold Township School District], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from the [[National Center for Education Statistics]]<ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3405640 School Data for the Freehold Township Elementary and Middle Schools], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>) are 
Early Childhood Learning Center<ref>[https://eclc.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ Early Childhood Learning Center], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed May 31, 2020.</ref> with 104 students in PreK, 
C. Richard Applegate Elementary School<ref>[https://cra.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ C. Richard Applegate Elementary School], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref> with 377 students in grades K–5, 
Joseph J. Catena Elementary School<ref>[https://jjc.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ Joseph J. Catena Elementary School], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed May 31, 2020.</ref> with 426 students in grades K–5, 
Laura Donovan Elementary School<ref>[https://lds.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ Laura Donovan Elementary School], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref> with 454 students in grades K–5, 
Marshall W. Errickson Elementary School<ref>[https://mwe.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ Marshall W. Errickson Elementary School], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref> with 453 students in grades K–5, 
West Freehold Elementary School<ref>[https://wfs.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ West Freehold Elementary School], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref> with 456 students in grades K–5, 
Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School<ref>[https://ctb.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref> with 605 students in grades 6–8 and 
Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School<ref>[https://dde.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School], Freehold Township Schools. Accessed December 11, 2024.</ref> with 578 students in grades 6–8.<ref>[https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?Id=237 County School List E-G], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. Accessed March 1, 2024.</ref><ref>[https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/selectreport/2022-2023/25/1660 School Performance Reports for the Freehold Township Schools], [[New Jersey Department of Education]]. Accessed April 3, 2024.</ref><ref>[https://homeroom6.doe.state.nj.us/directory/school/districtid/1660 New Jersey School Directory for Freehold Township Schools], [[New Jersey Department of Education]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>

Students in [[ninth grade|ninth]] through [[twelfth grade]]s attend either [[Freehold Township High School]] or [[Freehold High School]], as part of the [[Freehold Regional High School District]], with school assignment based on their home address.<ref>[https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1722448295/frhsdcom/cmsplk57tnnxzfeuprta/AttendanceBoundaries.pdf FRHSD Attendance Boundaries; Which High School Will My Child Attend?], Freehold Regional High School District. Accessed December 11, 2024. "The following is a list of streets, by municipality, that are assigned to a Freehold Regional District high school outside of their hometown."</ref> The district also serves students from [[Colts Neck Township, New Jersey|Colts Neck Township]], [[Englishtown, New Jersey|Englishtown]], [[Farmingdale, New Jersey|Farmingdale]], [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold Borough]], [[Howell Township, New Jersey|Howell Township]], [[Manalapan Township, New Jersey|Manalapan Township]] and [[Marlboro Township, New Jersey|Marlboro Township]].<ref>[https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/1516/25/1650/000.html Freehold Regional High School District 2016 Report Card Narrative] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072033/https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/1516/25/1650/000.html |date=December 10, 2017 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Education]]. Accessed May 31, 2020. "The Freehold Regional High School District, the largest regional high school District in New Jersey, has six high schools with over 11,000 students and over 1,500 employees and spans 200 square miles. District members include the townships of Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan, and Marlboro, and the boroughs of Englishtown, Farmingdale, and Freehold."</ref><ref>[https://www.nj.gov/education/finance/fp/cafr/search/19/1650.pdf ''Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Freehold Regional High School District''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720231924/https://www.nj.gov/education/finance/fp/cafr/search/19/1650.pdf |date=July 20, 2021 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Education]], June 30, 2019. Accessed May 31, 2020. "Geographically, the District is comprised of the Townships of Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan and Marlboro and the Boroughs of Englishtown, Farmingdale and Freehold. Established in 1953, the District's total area is 198 square miles. As of the October 2019 student count, there were 10,587 resident students."</ref> Freehold Township High School is home to the Contemporary Global Studies Learning Center and Freehold High School hosts the Medical Sciences Learning Center; each program admits students on a selective basis from all over the Freehold Regional High School District.<ref>[https://www.frhsd.com/cms/lib/NJ01912687/Centricity/Domain/38/Learning%20Centers%202016-updated.pdf Specialized Learning Centers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130142113/https://www.frhsd.com/cms/lib/NJ01912687/Centricity/Domain/38/Learning%20Centers%202016-updated.pdf |date=November 30, 2020 }}, [[Freehold Regional High School District]]. Accessed May 31, 2020.</ref>  of the 2022–23 school year, Freehold Township High School had an enrollment of 1,926 students and 130.0 classroom teachers (on an [[full-time equivalent|FTE]] basis), for a [[student–teacher ratio]] of 14.8:1,<ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3405610&ID=340561003798 School data for Freehold Township High School], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> while Freehold Borough High School had an enrollment of 1,409 students and 97.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 14.4:1.<ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3405610&ID=340561003796 School data for Freehold Borough High School], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> The FRHSD board of education has nine members, who are elected to three-year terms from each of the constituent districts.<ref>[https://www.frhsd.com/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=115&dataid=5452&FileName=FRHSD%20FY18%20CAFR.pdf#page=48 ''Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Freehold Regional School District''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731200105/https://www.frhsd.com/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=115&dataid=5452&FileName=FRHSD%20FY18%20CAFR.pdf#page=48 |date=July 31, 2020 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Education]], June 30, 2018. Accessed January 19, 2020. "The Freehold Regional High School District is a Type II District located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The School District is an instrumentality of the State of New Jersey, established to function as an educational institution. The Board of Education of the Freehold Regional High School District, comprised of nine elected individuals, is the primary governing authority of the District."</ref> Each member is allocated a fraction of a vote that totals to nine points, with Freehold Township allocated one member, who has 1.4 votes.<ref>Vilacoba, Karl. [https://archive.centraljersey.com/2002/09/26/marlboro-files-challenge-to-frhsd-voting-system/ "Marlboro files challenge to FRHSD voting system"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731194635/https://archive.centraljersey.com/2002/09/26/marlboro-files-challenge-to-frhsd-voting-system/ |date=July 31, 2020 }}, Central Jersey Archives, September 26, 2002. Accessed January 19, 2020. "Under the current weighted FRHSD vote apportionment, a nine-point voting system is in place. Howell has two board members for a combined 2 voting points; Marlboro, Manalapan and Freehold Township each have one vote worth 1.4 points; Colts Neck and Freehold Borough each have one vote worth 0.9 points; and Englishtown and Farmingdale each have one vote worth 0.5 voting points."</ref>

High school students in Freehold Township have the opportunity of attending vocational schools such as [[Biotechnology High School]] (which is located in the township on [[County Route 55 (Monmouth County, New Jersey)|Kozloski Road]]), [[High Technology High School]], the [[Marine Academy of Science and Technology]], [[Communications High School]], and the [[Academy of Allied Health & Science]], which are part of the [[Monmouth County Vocational School District]], which are available to all students in Monmouth County on a selective basis.<ref>[http://www.mcvsd.org/about.html About] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917211316/http://www.mcvsd.org/about.html |date=September 17, 2013 }}, [[Monmouth County Vocational School District]]. Accessed September 8, 2013.</ref>

[[Brookdale Community College]] is a [[Public university|public]] [[community college]]. Founded in 1967, Brookdale is the community college of [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]], its main headquarters is located in nearby [[Lincroft, New Jersey|Lincroft]]. The college also has regional satellite locations to better serve its students, including a location in Freehold Township on [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|Route 9]], serving the western Monmouth region. Additionally, the college offers courses to qualified high school students through its dual enrollment program, a valuable resource that some Freehold Township high school-aged students utilize in receiving early collegiate credits.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dual Enrollment for High School Students |date=7 March 2013 |url=https://www.brookdalecc.edu/admissions/getting-started/dual-enrollment-for-high-school-students/ |publisher=Brookdale Community College |access-date=26 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brookdale Fast Facts |date=5 January 2014 |url=https://www.brookdalecc.edu/about/about-the-college/brookdale-fast-facts/ |publisher=Brookdale Community College |access-date=26 July 2023}}</ref> [[Rutgers University]], in partnership with Brookdale Community College offers several bachelor's degree completion programs at Brookdale's Freehold Campus.<ref>[http://offcampus.rutgers.edu/brookdale Brookdale] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229055056/http://offcampus.rutgers.edu/brookdale |date=December 29, 2011 }}, [[Rutgers University]]. Accessed December 17, 2011.</ref> In 2022, [[Seton Hall University]] began a partnership with Brookdale Community College to offer courses and resources (including laboratories, designated study areas, and additional cooperatives with [[CentraState Medical Center]]) for their College of Nursing program, also at Brookdale's Freehold campus.<ref>Joyce, Lorraine.[https://www.shu.edu/nursing/news/accelerated-nursing-program-s-new-location-boasts-more-space-new-labs.cfm "Accelerated Nursing Program's New Location Boasts More Space, New Labs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528133940/https://www.shu.edu/nursing/news/accelerated-nursing-program-s-new-location-boasts-more-space-new-labs.cfm |date=May 28, 2023 }}, ''Seton Hall University: College of Nursing'', September 8, 2022. Accessed May 28, 2023.</ref>

==Historic district==
{{main|Monmouth Battlefield State Park}}

The [[Monmouth Battlefield State Park#Historic farmhouses and structures of the battlefield|Monmouth Battlefield Historic District]] is a {{convert|1819|acre|adj=on}} [[historic district (United States)|historic district]] within the much larger [[Monmouth Battlefield State Park]], located on both sides of [[County Route 522 (New Jersey)|Route 522]] and west of [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|Route 9]] on the border of Freehold Township and [[Manalapan Township, New Jersey|Manalapan Township]].

The site of the battlefield originally contained many colonial-era farmhouses though many did not survive the rapid development of the area in the 20th century. Three of the original seven farmhouses that were present during the battle are still standing in the park. These include the Sutfin Farmhouse (1731); the Rhea-Applegate House (1745); and the Craig House (1746).

Three homes were built on the battlefield. The Conover-Perrine House (1832) is to the north of the park, erected on the site of the original 18th-century Perrine House, an important example of late [[Federal Architecture]]. The [[Italianate]] Cobb House was later constructed in 1872 near the Conover-Perrine House. The Combs' Farmhouse (mid-18th Century) was demolished sometime in the 1960s and was located near the park's playground and [[ice pond]].

The district was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on October 15, 1966, for its significance in military history and for the remaining settlement of colonial architecture and agriculture akin to the fated events of the [[Battle of Monmouth]].<ref name="nrhpdoc2">{{cite web |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/66000467_text |title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Monmouth Battlefield |publisher=[[National Park Service]] |first1=Richard |last1=Greenwood |date=June 1975 |access-date=June 15, 2023 |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620132431/https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/66000467_text |url-status=live }} With {{NRHP url|id=66000467|photos=y|title=accompanying 7 photos}}</ref>

<gallery heights=150px widths=225px mode="nolines">
Image:Monmouth Battlefield (26).JPG|1753 [[Old Tennent Church]]
Image:Craig House farmhouse, Monmouth Battlefield State Park.jpg|1746 [[Craig House (New Jersey)|Craig House]]
Image:Cobbhouse_monmouth.jpg|1872 Cobb House
Image:Mollypitcher_spring2.jpg|Molly Pitcher Spring
Image:Sutfin_house.jpg|1731 Sutfin House
Image:Rhea_Applegate_House.jpg|1745 Rhea Applegate House
</gallery>

==Infrastructure==

===Public safety===

====Emergency services====
Freehold Township offers different departments of varying emergency services. The following are the emergency service departments in Freehold Township:

=====Police=====
The Freehold Township Police Department has three major divisions; patrol, investigation, and services.  The Chief of Police is George Baumann, who was appointed to the position in January 2020, following the retirement of former chief Ernest Schriefer.<ref>[https://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/552/Police Police], Freehold Township. Accessed May 12, 2024.</ref><ref>Sockol, Matthew. [https://centraljersey.com/2020/01/31/freehold-township-police-chief/ "Baumann promoted to chief of Freehold Township Police Department"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003022014/https://centraljersey.com/2020/01/31/freehold-township-police-chief/|date=October 3, 2021}}, ''centraljersey.com'', January 31, 2020. Accessed July 11, 2023. "During a Jan. 28 meeting, Township Committee members appointed George Baumann as police chief.... He succeeds Ernest Schriefer, who joined the Freehold Township Police Department in 1980 and was named chief in 2000."</ref>

=====Fire prevention=====
The township offers various fire prevention programs for Freehold Township residents.

======Courses======
Freehold Township offers programs designed to prepare children on the importance of fire safety. These courses are engaging with students and are offered at Township schools and other municipal buildings.<ref name=FirePrevention>[https://twp.freehold.nj.us/239/Fire-Prevention Fire Prevention], Township of Freehold. Accessed May 12, 2024.</ref>

======Squads======
Freehold Township has two volunteer fire companies:<ref name=FirePrevention/>

;West Freehold 
* Freehold Township Independent Fire Company #1 is located on Stillwells Corner Road in [[West Freehold, New Jersey|West Freehold]]. It was established in 1964 to provide fire protection services across Freehold Township.<ref>[https://freeholdfire161.com/ About] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003020512/https://freeholdfire161.com/ |date=October 3, 2021 }},

Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. No. 1

. Accessed July 19, 2022.</ref>
*Freehold Township Fire Company No. 1 Station No. 2 in [[Smithburg, New Jersey|Smithburg]].
*Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1 Station No. 3 in [[Georgia, New Jersey|Georgia]].
;East Freehold 
* East Freehold Fire Company (founded 1972) is located on Kozloski Road in [[East Freehold, New Jersey|East Freehold]].<ref>[http://freeholdtwpfiredistrict2.com/ Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003020512/http://freeholdtwpfiredistrict2.com/ |date=October 3, 2021 }}, East Freehold Fire Company. Accessed July 19, 2022.</ref>

=====First aid squads=====
Freehold EMS (founded 1941) is located in [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold Borough]] and offers pre-hospital care to residents of both the borough and the township.<ref>[https://www.freeholdems.org/about-us About Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003020514/https://www.freeholdems.org/about-us |date=October 3, 2021 }}, Freehold Emergency Medical Services. Accessed July 19, 2022.</ref>

===Transportation===
====Roads and highways====
[[File:2021-07-22 11 26 54 View north along U.S. Route 9 from the overpass for New Jersey State Route 33 (Freehold Bypass) in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|250x200px|[[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 9]] northbound at the [[New Jersey Route 33|Route 33]] interchange]]
{{As of|2010|5}}, the township had a total of {{convert|200.13|mi}} of roadways, of which {{convert|158.62|mi}} were maintained by the municipality, {{convert|26.49|mi}} by Monmouth County and {{convert|15.02|mi}} by the [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]].<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Monmouth.pdf Monmouth County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831181507/http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Monmouth.pdf |date=August 31, 2014 }}, [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]], May 2010. Accessed July 24, 2014.</ref>

[[File:2020-09-15 09 18 21 View west along New Jersey State Route 33 (Freehold Bypass) at the exit for U.S. Route 9 SOUTH (Lakewood) in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|250x200px|[[New Jersey Route 33|Route 33]] westbound at the [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 9]] interchange]]
Several major roads pass through the township. Major state routes include [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|US 9]], [[New Jersey Route 18|Route 18]], [[New Jersey Route 33|Route 33]], and [[New Jersey Route 79|Route 79]]. Major county routes that pass through are [[County Route 522 (New Jersey)|CR 522]], [[County Route 524 (New Jersey)|Cr 524]], [[County Route 527 (New Jersey)|CR 527]], and [[County Route 537 (New Jersey)|CR 537]].

Access to [[Interstate 195 (New Jersey)|I-195]] is available in neighboring [[Howell Township, New Jersey|Howell]] via Route 9 or [[Jackson Township, New Jersey|Jackson]] via CR 537. The [[Garden State Parkway]] entrance at exit 100 is about ten miles east on Route 33 in [[Tinton Falls, New Jersey|Tinton Falls]]. The [[New Jersey Turnpike]] entrance at exit 8 is about ten miles west on Route 33 in [[East Windsor, New Jersey|East Windsor]].

====Public transportation====
=====Rail=====
In the 19th & 20th centuries, Freehold Borough and Freehold Township had two major railways. One major railway in the area was the [[Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad]], which was owned and operated by the [[United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company|Camden & Amboy Railroad Company]]. Surveying for the line began on September 8, 1851, grading began on October 19, 1852, and the first track was laid on April 4, 1853.<ref name=MonmouthSteam>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/418913507/?terms=Freehold%2Band%2BJamesburg%2BAgricultural%2BRailroad| title=History of Steam Railroads of Monmouth County; Paper Read by George V. Sneden at Meeting of Monmouth County Historical Society| newspaper=The Daily Standard| location=Red Bank, NJ| date=May 31, 1907| page=6| via=Newspapers.com| access-date=June 24, 2021| archive-date=July 9, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190849/https://www.newspapers.com/image/418913507/?terms=Freehold%2Band%2BJamesburg%2BAgricultural%2BRailroad| url-status=live}} {{open access}}</ref> The first section of line was opened on July 18, 1853.<ref name=1858anniv>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42792820/monmouth_democrat/| title=The Freehold & Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad| newspaper=Monmouth Democrat| location=Freehold, NJ| date=July 15, 1858| page=2| via=Newspapers.com| access-date=June 23, 2021| archive-date=July 15, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185059/https://www.newspapers.com/article/42792820/monmouth_democrat/| url-status=live}} {{open access}}</ref> The establishment of the Freehold & Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad helped make the Freeholds a [[transportation hub]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42789030/the_central_new_jersey_home_news/| title=History of South Brunswick| newspaper=The Central New Jersey Home News| location=New Brunswick, NJ| date=June 15, 2000| page=137| via=Newspapers.com| access-date=June 23, 2021| archive-date=July 15, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185100/https://www.newspapers.com/article/42789030/the_central_new_jersey_home_news/| url-status=live}} {{open access}}</ref> The other major railway in the area was the [[Central Railroad of New Jersey]], which had a branch that connected the still-active former [[Penn Central]] line from [[Jamesburg, New Jersey|Jamesburg]] to CNJ's Seashore Branch and the New York and Long Branch line (now owned by NJ Transit) at [[Matawan, New Jersey|Matawan]].

The Freehold and Jamesburg Railroad was abandoned by the early 1930s. A {{convert|2.8|mi|km|adj=mid|long}} portion of the former railroad's right-of-way was later approved to be sold by the [[New Jersey Board of Public Utilities|New Jersey Board of Public Utility Commissioners]] to [[FirstEnergy|Jersey Central Power & Light Company]] in 1966, with occasional freight service still being used through the [[Freehold Secondary|Freehold Industrial Track]]. Meanwhile, The Central Railroad of New Jersey went into bankruptcy in the early 1970s and entered into Conrail on April 1, 1976, with its freight service on the rails from Freehold to Matawan being terminated in 1979 (the rails were removed in 1980). Today, it is mostly a [[Rails-to-Trails Conservancy|rail-trail]], converting into the [[Henry Hudson Trail]].

The [[Monmouth Ocean Middlesex Line]] is a proposal by NJ Transit to restore passenger railway service to the region, by using the same tracks as the Freehold Industrial Track. The township and its [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|neighboring borough]] would be potential stops for the 'MOM' Line.<ref>{{cite map     | title =  M-O-M DEIS Rail Alternarives and Candidate Stations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305212646/http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/an_cp_mom_altsandstations.pdf|archive-date=March 5, 2020 | publisher = NJTranist  | year = 2005  | url = http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/an_cp_mom_altsandstations.pdf  | accessdate = September 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book   | title = New Jersey State Rail Plan   | publisher = NJT   | date = April 2015   | pages = 5–15   | url = http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/NJStateRailPlan.pdf  | archive-date = November 7, 2016   | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161107180350/http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/NJStateRailPlan.pdf   | url-status = dead   }}</ref><ref name = NJTPAROW>{{cite news  | title = Rail Right-of-Way Inventory and Assessment  | publisher = North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority  | date = October 2013  | url = http://www.njtpa.org/getattachment/Planning/Regional-Studies/Completed-Studies/Rail-Right-of-Way-Inventory-and-Assessment/Rail-Right-of-Way/20131217_NJTPA_ROW_FinalReport_w_Appendix.pdf.aspx  | accessdate = September 23, 2017 | quote = In 1996, routes in the Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex (MOM) corridor were evaluated for potential feasibility for passenger service. The feasibility study considered eleven possible future alternatives. Nine of the alternatives were build alternatives for commuter rail service to New York Pennsylvania Station, on three different alignments utilizing either the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) or Northeast Corridor (NEC), and routing to New York Pennsylvania Station26.In 2001, NJ TRANSIT initiated a DEIS for the development of a rail option using State and Federal funds. The DEIS is examining three alignments: Lakehurst to Monmouth Junction, Lakehurst to Red Bank and Lakehurst to Matawan. In 2006, the alternatives were refined to incorporate direct, one-seat ride, service to New York Penn Station. Ridership, cost and environmental work were adjusted accordingly. Updating demographics and ridership analyses continued during calendar 2009. Lower-cost versions of the three main build alternatives were analyzed and a draft alternatives analysis report was completed in 2010.  | archive-date = September 24, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170924001712/http://www.njtpa.org/getattachment/Planning/Regional-Studies/Completed-Studies/Rail-Right-of-Way-Inventory-and-Assessment/Rail-Right-of-Way/20131217_NJTPA_ROW_FinalReport_w_Appendix.pdf.aspx  | url-status = dead  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/10/16/02-26289/draft-environmental-impact-statement-for-the-monmouth-ocean-middlesex-rail-monmouth-ocean-and|title=Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex Rail; Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties, NJ|date=October 16, 2002|website=Federal Register|access-date=April 12, 2022|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421220730/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/10/16/02-26289/draft-environmental-impact-statement-for-the-monmouth-ocean-middlesex-rail-monmouth-ocean-and|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of now, the nearest train stations to the township are located at [[Aberdeen-Matawan station|Aberdeen-Matawan]], [[Asbury Park station|Asbury Park]] and [[Long Branch station (NJ Transit)|Long Branch]] on the [[North Jersey Coast Line]], and [[Metropark station|Metropark]] (in [[Iselin, New Jersey|Iselin]]), [[New Brunswick station|New Brunswick]] and [[Princeton Junction station|Princeton Junction]] on the [[Northeast Corridor Line]].

=====Buses=====
[[NJ Transit]] provides bus service to communities along Route 9 from [[Lakewood Township, New Jersey|Lakewood]] to [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey|Old Bridge]], and to the [[Port Authority Bus Terminal]] in [[New York City]] via bus routes [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (100-199)#To points south of the [[Raritan River]] from PABT|131]], [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (100-199)#To points south of the [[Raritan River]] from PABT|135]] and [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (100-199)#To points south of the [[Raritan River]] from PABT 139|139]], to [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] and [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] at large on the [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (1-99)#Central Division: South and west from Hudson County/Newark|67]] route, to [[Jersey City, New Jersey|Jersey City]] on the [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (199)#Central Division: South and west from Hudson County/Newark|64]] and [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (1-99)#Central Division: South and west from Hudson County/Newark|67]], as well as  shopping via local service on the [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (800-880)#Monmouth County local routes|833]], and [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (880-880)#Monmouth County local routes|836]] routes.<ref>[https://www.visitmonmouth.com/Page.aspx?Id=2906 Bus Routes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501010053/https://www.visitmonmouth.com/Page.aspx?Id=2906 |date=May 1, 2023 }}, [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. Accessed April 30, 2023.</ref> Bus service is available from Route 9 to [[Wall Street]] in New York's [[Financial District, Manhattan|Financial District]] via the [[Academy Bus| Academy Bus Line]].<ref>[https://academybus.com/commuter#park-ride  Academy Bus Park & Ride] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614163128/https://academybus.com/commuter#park-ride |date=June 14, 2023 }}, Accessed June 18, 2023.</ref>

There are several bus stops to the points listed above located along Route 9 in the township. Freehold Township has two commuter parking lots available only to township residents, which are located at the Freehold Mall Shopping Center and on Schibanoff Lane.

=====Aviation=====
Following the closure of the [[List of airports in New Jersey|Marlboro Airport]], [[Old Bridge Airport]] in [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey|Old Bridge]] and [[Monmouth Executive Airport]] in [[Farmingdale, New Jersey|Farmingdale]] supply short-distance flights to surrounding areas and are the closest air transportation services. The nearest major commercial airports are [[Trenton-Mercer Airport]], which serves several domestic destinations via [[Frontier Airlines]] and located {{convert|24|mi}} west (about 36 minutes drive); and [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], which serves as a major hub for [[United Airlines]] and located {{convert|35|mi}} north (about 50 minutes drive) from the center of Freehold Township.<ref>[https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=freehold%20township%2C%20nj&to=Trenton%2C%20New%20Jersey%2C%20United%20States&fromId=0&toId=20372&flat=0&flon=0&tlat=40.2171&tlon=-74.7429 Freehold NJ to Trenton NJ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728192156/https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=freehold%20township,%20nj&to=Trenton,%20New%20Jersey,%20United%20States&fromId=0&toId=20372&flat=0&flon=0&tlat=40.2171&tlon=-74.7429 |date=July 28, 2022 }}, Distance between cities. Accessed July 28, 2022.</ref><ref>[https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=freehold%20township%2C%20nj&to=Newark%2C%20New%20Jersey%2C%20United%20States&fromId=0&toId=20168&flat=0&flon=0&tlat=40.7357&tlon=-74.1724 Freehold NJ to Newark NJ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516181510/https://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=freehold%20township,%20nj&to=Newark,%20New%20Jersey,%20United%20States&fromId=0&toId=20168&flat=0&flon=0&tlat=40.7357&tlon=-74.1724 |date=May 16, 2023 }}, Distance between cities. Accessed July 28, 2022.</ref>

=====Ferry=====
Ferry service is available through the [[SeaStreak]] service in [[Highlands, New Jersey|Highlands]], a trip that involves about a 25–30-minute drive from the [[East Freehold, New Jersey|eastern section]] of Freehold Township to reach the departing terminal. SeaStreak offers ferry service to New York City with trips to [[Pier 11/Wall Street|Pier 11]] (on the East River at Wall Street) and [[35th Street (Manhattan)|35th Street]] in Manhattan.<ref>Caldwell, Dave. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/realestate/24livi.html "A Clam Town, Coming Out of Its Shell – Living In Highlands, N.J."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727102523/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/realestate/24livi.html |date=July 27, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', August 24, 2008. Accessed August 11, 2014. "Three SeaStreak (seastreak.com) ferries depart on weekday mornings from the Conner's Ferry Landing. The trip to Pier 11 in Manhattan, near Wall Street, takes 40 minutes."</ref>

===Healthcare===
[[File:CentraState Medical Center's Blanchet Phillis Memorial Tower.png|thumb|250x200px|[[CentraState Medical Center]]]]
[[CentraState Medical Center]] is a 287-bed regional hospital located in the township. Serving parts of [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth]], [[Ocean County, New Jersey|Ocean]], [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex]], and [[Mercer County, New Jersey|Mercer]] counties in [[Central Jersey|Central New Jersey]],<ref>[https://www.familypracticeofcentrastate.com/, Family Practice of CentraState: Our Locations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185100/https://www.familypracticeofcentrastate.com/ |date=July 15, 2023 }}. Accessed January 30, 2022.</ref> the hospital is a partner of [[Atlantic Health System]] and is affiliated with [[Robert Wood Johnson Medical School|Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School]]. The hospital is part of CentraState Healthcare System, the county's fourth-largest employer.<ref>[https://www.centrastate.com/who-we-are/ Who We Are] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406232018/https://www.centrastate.com/who-we-are/ |date=April 6, 2020 }}, [[CentraState Medical Center]]. Accessed July 11, 2023.</ref> Other regional hospitals near the township include the [[Lakewood Township, New Jersey|Lakewood]] division of [[Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus|Monmouth Medical Center]] and the [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey|Old Bridge]] division of [[Raritan Bay Medical Center]].

The closest major university hospitals to the township are [[Jersey Shore University Medical Center]] in [[Neptune Township, New Jersey|Neptune Township]], [[Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center]] in [[Plainsboro Township, New Jersey|Plainsboro Township]], and [[Saint Peter's University Hospital]] and [[Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital#Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick|Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital]] in [[New Brunswick, New Jersey|New Brunswick]].

==Points of interest==
* [[CentraState Medical Center]] – A regional hospital for western Monmouth County.
* [[Freehold Raceway]] – One of the oldest harness racing tracks in the country.
* [[Freehold Raceway Mall]] – The second-largest mall in the state.
* [[Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold, New Jersey|Maplewood Cemetery]] – New Jersey Governors [[Joel Parker (politician)|Joel Parker]] and [[Joseph D. Bedle]], as well as several officers who served in the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] are interred here.<ref>[http://maplewoodcem.com/ Home page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613054218/http://maplewoodcem.com/ |date=June 13, 2013 }}, [[Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold, New Jersey]]. Accessed December 4, 2012. "Maplewood Cemetery was established in the late 1800s and serves as the final resting place of two NJ Governors, Joel Parker and Joseph D. Bedle. Many Union Army officers, including Edwin Applegate and Peter Vredenburgh Jr. rest here as well."</ref>
*[[Monmouth Battlefield]] – This historic park preserves where the [[Battle of Monmouth]] was fought.
*[[Turkey Swamp Park]] – A {{Convert|1,180|acres|adj=on}} nature preserve in the northernmost swaths of the [[New Jersey Pine Barrens|Pine Barrens]].
*[[West Freehold, New Jersey#history|West Freehold]] – Historic community in the western portion of the township, at the intersection of [[County Route 537 (New Jersey)|Monmouth Road]] and Stillwells Corner Road/Wemrock Road.
*[[Monmouth County Jewish Heritage Museum|Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County]] – Highlights history of Jewish residents and culture in Monmouth County<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhmomc.org/about-us|publisher=Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County|title=Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County – About Us|access-date=2021-01-20|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120171940/https://www.jhmomc.org/about-us|url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="240px" ="nolines"="">
File:Freehold_NJ_Clark-Walker-Combs-Hartshorne-Oakley_House.jpg|[[Walker-Combs-Hartshorne Farmstead|Oakley Farmhouse]], 2012
File:Jewish_Heritage_Museum.jpg|[[Monmouth County Jewish Heritage Museum|Jewish Heritage Museum]] at [[West Freehold, New Jersey|Mounts Corner]], 2021
</gallery>

==Notable people==
{{Category see also|People from Freehold Township, New Jersey}}
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Freehold Township include:

{{div col}}
* [[Amanda Anisimova]] (born 2001), professional tennis player<ref>Wall, Karen. [https://patch.com/new-jersey/freehold/17-year-old-french-open-tennis-semifinalist-has-freehold-twp-ties "17-Year-Old French Open Tennis Semifinalist Has Freehold Twp Ties Amanda Anisimova, who unseated defending French Open champ Simona Halep, is turning heads."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729023417/https://patch.com/new-jersey/freehold/17-year-old-french-open-tennis-semifinalist-has-freehold-twp-ties |date=July 29, 2021 }}, Freehold, NJ Patch June 6, 2019. Accessed July 28, 2021. "Amanda Anisimova, who upended defending French Open champion Simona Halep on Wednesday, is originally from New Jersey. Freehold Township, to be exact."</ref>
* [[Jake Areman]] (born 1996), soccer player who plays for the [[Tampa Bay Rowdies]] in the [[USL Championship]].<ref>[https://monmouthhawks.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jake-areman/4229 Jake Areman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831193940/https://monmouthhawks.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jake-areman/4229 |date=August 31, 2022 }}, [[Monmouth Hawks men's soccer]]. Accessed August 31, 2022. "Hometown: Freehold, NJ; High School: Colts Neck"</ref>
* [[Danny Bohn]] (born 1988), [[NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series]] driver<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20230516181510/http://www.racechaseronline.com/featured/nwsmt-danny-bohn-finds-home-fleming-family-2016-southern-modified-season/ Danny Bohn Finds New Home With Fleming Family for 2016 Southern Modified Season]}} Race Chaser Online. Accessed July 29, 2019.</ref>
* [[Brad Brach]] (born 1986), professional baseball player<ref>Staff. [https://www1.gmnews.com/2007/04/19/brachs-no-hitter-paces-hawks-win/ "Brach's no-hitter paces Hawks' win"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802041036/https://www1.gmnews.com/2007/04/19/brachs-no-hitter-paces-hawks-win/ |date=August 2, 2018 }}, ''Atlanticville'', April 19, 2007. Accessed January 6, 2017. "Brad Brach did something no Monmouth University pitcher has done in 17 years, pitch a no-hitter.... The Hawks' ace, a junior from Freehold Township, was two outs from a perfect game when he issued a walk to the Blackbirds' Dan Etkin with one out in the ninth on a 3–2 pitch...."</ref><ref>DiComo, Anthony; and Langs, Sarah. [https://www.mlb.com/news/brad-brach-signs-with-mets "Brach joins Mets, says 'the fit's really good here'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812043246/https://www.mlb.com/news/brad-brach-signs-with-mets |date=August 12, 2019 }}, [[Major League Baseball]], August 9, 2019. "In a low-risk gamble to improve their bullpen, the Mets on Thursday signed veteran right-hander Brad Brach to a Major League deal. Brach, a Freehold, N.J., native and Monmouth University alumnus, was a Mets fan in his youth and even attended the 2015 World Series after the Orioles were eliminated earlier that season."</ref>
* [[Brian Brikowski]] (born 1989), defensive end who played in the [[Canadian Football League]] with the [[Montreal Alouettes]]<ref>Morris, Tim. [http://www1.gmnews.com/2012/07/25/freehold-twp-grad-brikowski-catches-on-with-arena-football/ "Freehold Twp. grad Brikowski catches on with Arena Football"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817001242/http://www1.gmnews.com/2012/07/25/freehold-twp-grad-brikowski-catches-on-with-arena-football/ |date=August 17, 2016 }}, ''News Transcript'', July 25, 2012. Accessed July 13, 2016.</ref>
* [[Dave Cantin]] (born 1979), entrepreneur<ref>Carino, Jerry. [https://www.app.com/story/life/wellness/2016/02/23/he-overcame-cancer-now-fights-others/80494768/ "He overcame cancer, now fights for others"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185059/https://www.app.com/story/life/wellness/2016/02/23/he-overcame-cancer-now-fights-others/80494768/ |date=July 15, 2023 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', February 23, 2016. Accessed January 14, 2019. "As Dave Cantin remembers it, the diagnosis was delivered in the strangest of manners.... 'I thought, "How can cancer be hitting the lotto?"' the Freehold Township native said."</ref>
* [[Danielle Colaprico]] (born 1992), midfielder for the [[Chicago Red Stars]] of the [[National Women's Soccer League]]<ref>[http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/danielle_colaprico_800586.html Danielle Colaprico] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630162134/http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/danielle_colaprico_800586.html |date=June 30, 2016 }}, [[Virginia Cavaliers]]. Accessed June 7, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://chicagoredstars.com/?tb_player=danielle-colaprico/ Danielle Colaprico] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608043321/http://chicagoredstars.com/?tb_player=danielle-colaprico/ |date=June 8, 2016 }}, [[Chicago Red Stars]]. Accessed June 7, 2016.</ref>
* [[Joe Dailey]], [[American football]] coach who is the [[wide receiver]]s coach for the [[Carolina Panthers]]<ref>Morris, Tim. [https://archive.centraljersey.com/2003/02/26/its-nebraska-for-dailey-st-peters-prep-standout/?amp "It's Nebraska for Dailey, St. Peter's Prep standout"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120004944/https://archive.centraljersey.com/2003/02/26/its-nebraska-for-dailey-st-peters-prep-standout/?amp |date=November 20, 2022 }}, CentralJersey.com, February 26, 2003. Accessed November 19, 2022. "However, after being courted by several big-time Division I football programs, it didn't take long for Freehold Township's Joe Dailey to discover after visiting the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, that he and the Cornhuskers were a perfect fit. "</ref>
* [[Katie Dippold]], comedy writer, actress, and improvisational comedian who has co-produced and written for ''[[Parks and Recreation]]''<ref>Maurer, Mark. [http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2012/02/kate_drippold_making_people_la.html "'Parks and Recreation' co-producer, writer Katie Dippold: Making people laugh"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622210907/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2012/02/kate_drippold_making_people_la.html |date=June 22, 2015 }}, ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'', February 15, 2012. Accessed June 22, 2015. "''Parks and Recreation'' co-producer and staff writer Katie Dippold, a Freehold Township native and Rutgers alumna."</ref>
* [[Joann Downey]] (born 1966), attorney and former Assemblywoman who represented the [[New Jersey's 11th legislative district|11th Legislative District]] in the [[New Jersey General Assembly]] from 2016 until 2021.<ref>[http://www.njdistrict11.com/bio Bios] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806114927/http://www.njdistrict11.com/bio |date=August 6, 2016 }}, Houghtaling & Downey for Assembly. Accessed August 2, 2016. "A resident of Freehold Township, Joann sees opportunities to make Monmouth County more affordable for middle-class families, preserve and protect our open spaces and clean water, and ensure the future viability of our roads and transportation network to grow our economy to support new jobs."</ref>
* [[Clare Farragher]] (born 1941), member of the [[New Jersey General Assembly]] from 1988 to 2002 who also served as mayor of Freehold Township<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/html98/farragh.htm |title=Assemblywoman Clare M. Farragher |access-date=June 2, 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980225004240/http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/html98/farragh.htm |archive-date=February 25, 1998  }}. Accessed June 2, 2010.</ref>
* [[Michele Fitzgerald]] (born 1990), winner of ''[[Survivor: Kaôh Rōng]]'' in 2016, the 32nd season of the [[Survivor (American TV series)|reality series ''Survivor'']]<ref>Celano, Clair Marie. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160427111828/http://www.gmnews.com/2016/04/26/area-resident-makes-run-suvivor-title/ "Freehold Township woman making a run at ''Survivor'' title"], ''Atlanticville'', April 26, 2016. Accessed May 26, 2016. "Fitzgerald, 25, of Freehold Township, decided at the age of 10 that someday she would be on ''Survivor'' and attempt to navigate her way through 39 days of physical and mental challenges against other men and women in a bid to win a $1 million prize."</ref>
* [[Lindsey Gallo]] (born 1981), former track and field athlete who competed in middle-distance events<ref>Morris, Tim. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230511123804/https://www1.gmnews.com/2009/12/02/gallo-captures-third-born-to-run-crown/ "Gallo captures third Born to Run crown"], Central Jersey Archives, December 2, 2009. Accessed May 28, 2020. "Lindsey Gallo was back on familiar terrain for the Born to Run 5-Mile Run in Freehold Borough on Nov. 27. When she was starring at Howell High School and winning state titles, Gallo used to train on the roads near her Freehold Township home that are now used for the Born to Run course."</ref>
* [[Milton Goode]] (born 1960), [[high jumper]] who participated at the [[1984 Summer Olympics]]<ref>[http://www.homeprideproject.org/content/index.php/about About Milton Goode] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122104134/http://homeprideproject.org/content/index.php/about |date=January 22, 2022 }}, Home Pride Project. Accessed April 26, 2021. "Milton Goode was born on February 16, 1960 in Tinton Falls, New Jersey and is a retired Olympic athlete. He competed as a high jumper in the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. After the Olympic Games ended, he returned home to New Jersey and currently resides in Freehold Township, NJ."</ref>
* [[Vin Gopal]] (born 1985), community organizer and politician who has represented the [[New Jersey's 11th legislative district|11th Legislative District]] in the [[New Jersey Senate]] since 2018<ref>Staff. [http://themonmouthjournal.com/monmouth-county-democratic-chairman-vin-gopal-to-seek-becks-senate-seat-p6801-1.htm "Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal To Seek Beck's Senate Seat"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035248/http://themonmouthjournal.com/monmouth-county-democratic-chairman-vin-gopal-to-seek-becks-senate-seat-p6801-1.htm |date=December 1, 2017 }}, ''The Monmouth Journal'', January 2, 2017. Accessed November 28, 2017. "Born in Neptune Township and raised in Freehold Township, Gopal says that it is time for new leadership to tackle New Jersey's grave fiscal problems."</ref>
* [[Robert Griswold]] (born 1996), swimmer<ref>Carino, Jerry. [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113352968/robert-griswold-of-freehold-township/ "Griswold sharing bronze from Rio"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120042732/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113352968/robert-griswold-of-freehold-township/ |date=November 20, 2022 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', September 27, 2016. Accessed November 19, 2022, via [[Newspapers.com]]. "The goal was a medal at the Paralympics. Robert Griswold achieved that, earning bronze in the 100-meter backstroke last month in Rio de Janeiro..... The Freehold Township native has much more ahead, starting with a visit to the White House."</ref>
* [[Thomas Henderson (New Jersey politician)|Thomas Henderson]] (1743–1824), acting [[Governor of New Jersey]]<ref>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=H000488 Henderson, Thomas, (1743–1824)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016232836/http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=H000488 |date=October 16, 2012 }}, ''[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]''. Accessed August 24, 2013.</ref>
* [[William Barberie Howell]] (1865–1927), Chief Justice of the [[United States Customs Court]]<ref>[https://www.fjc.gov/node/1393366 Howell, William Barberie] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022045515/https://www.fjc.gov/node/1393366 |date=October 22, 2020 }}, [[Federal Judicial Center]]. Accessed May 28, 2020. "Born July 5, 1865, in Freehold, NJ"</ref>
* [[Robert Kolodny (filmmaker)|Robert Kolodny]], film director, writer and cinematographer<ref>Keller, Stephanie. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/144395530/ "Dynamic duo"], ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', May 2, 2006. Accessed September 15, 2024, via [[Newspapers.com]]. "Rob Kolodny and Chris Rowand, both 18 and seniors at Freehold High School, are the Lolligaggers.... Rob and Chris grew up together in Freehold Township and have been inseparable since they can remember"</ref>
* [[Dan Lewis (American football)|Dan Lewis]] (1936–2015), [[American football]] [[Halfback (American football)|halfback]] / [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] who played in the NFL for the [[Detroit Lions]], [[Washington Redskins]] and [[New York Giants]]<ref>Monarrez, Carlos. [https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/03/09/detroit-lions-dan-lewis/24673181/ "Ex-Lions running back Dan Lewis dies at 79"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023070925/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/03/09/detroit-lions-dan-lewis/24673181/ |date=October 23, 2020 }}, ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'', March 9, 2015. Accessed May 28, 2020. "Lewis was born in Freehold Township, N.J., but his son said he would be buried in Detroit."</ref>
* [[Caren Lissner]] (born 1972), novelist<ref>Celano, Claire Marie. [http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/News/2003/0730/Front_page/025.html "Young author offers tips to audience at workshop: Caren Lissner says love of writing should be first ingredient toward success"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060326212044/http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/News/2003/0730/Front_Page/025.html |date=March 26, 2006 }}, ''News Transcript'', July 30, 2003. Accessed August 25, 2008. "Lissner, 31, grew up in Freehold Township and attended the Laura Donovan School and the Barkalow Middle School.... She later graduated from high school in Old Bridge."</ref>
* [[Paulie Litt]] (born 1995), actor and producer, best known for his role as Justin Shanowski on the sitcom ''[[Hope & Faith]]''<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/144554500/ "On the Cover"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919053832/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/144554500/ |date=September 19, 2021 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', May 9, 2008. Accessed May 21, 2020. "''Speed Racer'' revs up the thrills (page 9) thanks to special effects and a cast that includes Paulie Litt, 13, of Freehold Township."</ref>
* [[Val Majewski]] (born 1981), [[center fielder]] who played for the [[Baltimore Orioles]]<ref>[http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/News/2003/0820/Sports/051.html "Several factors have led to township's LL success: League has produced three state champions in last two years"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181539/http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/News/2003/0820/Sports/051.html |date=September 30, 2007 }}, ''News Transcript'', August 20, 2002. Accessed June 8, 2007. "The camp not only features Piccola and an outstanding coaching staff, but ex-Township Little Leaguers, such as Val Majewski who is now playing in the Baltimore Orioles minor league chain in Fredericksburg, Va., who come back and instruct the kids the same way they were instructed."</ref>
* [[Catello Manzi]] (born 1950), [[harness racing]] driver<ref>[http://fanguide.ustrotting.com/dt_stars_profiles.cfm?id=110334 Catello Manzi Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113153555/http://fanguide.ustrotting.com/dt_stars_profiles.cfm?id=110334 |date=January 13, 2011 }}, [[United States Trotting Association]]. Accessed October 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Rebecca Metz]], actress known for her role as Tressa on the FX television comedy-drama series ''[[Better Things (TV series)|Better Things]]''<ref>Hanson-Firestone, Dana. [http://tvovermind.com/rebecca-metz/ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Rebecca Metz"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206114101/https://tvovermind.com/rebecca-metz/ |date=December 6, 2022 }}, [[TVOvermind]]. Accessed May 28, 2020. "Rebecca was born on September 29, 1974, in Freehold Township, New Jersey.... Freehold Township also happens to be the hometown of singer Bruce Springsteen."</ref>
* [[Joel Parker (politician)|Joel Parker]] (1816–1888), politician, who served as the [[List of governors of New Jersey|20th Governor of New Jersey]] from 1863 to 1866, and again from 1872 to 1875<ref>[https://twp.freehold.nj.us/history-of-the-burlington-path History of the Burlington Path] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609151154/https://twp.freehold.nj.us/history-of-the-burlington-path |date=June 9, 2020 }}, Township of Freehold. Accessed May 28, 2020. "Joel Parker, who was twice governor of the State of New Jersey, was born in the Smithburg Tavern, which is on the corner of Siloam Road and Route 537. Governor Parker served from 1863 to 69 and again from 1873 to 75."</ref>
* [[Kal Penn]] (born 1977), actor of ''[[Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle]]''<ref>via [[Associated Press]]. [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/freeholds_kal_penn_to_work_as.html "Freehold's Kal Penn to work as White House liaison"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709234003/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/freeholds_kal_penn_to_work_as.html |date=July 9, 2009 }}, ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'', July 6, 2009. Accessed July 6, 2011. "Actor Kal Penn started a job today as a liaison between the White House and Asian communities. The Indian-American actor from Freehold Township is taking a break from Hollywood to work as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison, with a focus on connecting President Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups."</ref>
* [[Charles Richman (commissioner)|Charles Richman]], former commissioner of the [[New Jersey Department of Community Affairs]]<ref>Staff. [https://www1.gmnews.com/2005/07/14/freehold-twp-resident-to-lead-state-department/ "Freehold Twp. resident to lead state department"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928104822/https://www1.gmnews.com/2005/07/14/freehold-twp-resident-to-lead-state-department/ |date=September 28, 2020 }}, ''Tri-Town News'', July 14, 2005. Accessed October 27, 2016. "Freehold Township — A township resident has been named by acting Gov. Richard J. Codey to head up the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA). On July 8, Codey announced the appointment of Charles A. Richman as acting commissioner of the DCA."</ref>
* [[William Cortenus Schenck]] (1773–1821), founder of [[Newark, Ohio]], member of the [[Ohio Senate]] from 1803 to 1804.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=oXQtAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA56 ''The Rev. William Schenck, His Ancestry and His Descendants''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130154801/https://books.google.com/books?id=oXQtAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA56 |date=November 30, 2022 }}, p. 56. R.H. Darby, 1883. Accessed November 30, 2022. "William Cortenus Schenck - General William C. Schenck was born near Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, 11 Jan'y, 1773."</ref>
* [[Peter Schrager]] (born 1982), [[sportscaster]] on [[Fox Sports]] and [[NFL Network]]<ref>[https://www.foxsports.com/presspass/bios/on-air/peter-schrager Peter Schrager] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426132359/https://www.foxsports.com/presspass/bios/on-air/peter-schrager |date=April 26, 2021 }}, [[Fox Sports]]. Accessed April 26, 2021. "Born in Freehold, N.J., Schrager attended Freehold Township High School."</ref>
* [[John A. Scudder]] (1759–1836), U.S. Representative from New Jersey<ref>[https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=S000200 John Anderson Scudder (1759–1836)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516181509/https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=S000200 |date=May 16, 2023 }}, ''[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]''. Accessed May 28, 2020. "Scudder, John Anderson, a Representative from New Jersey; born in Freehold, Monmouth County, N.J., March 22, 1759"</ref>
* [[Pamela Springsteen]] (born 1962), actress who appeared in ''[[Fast Times at Ridgemont High]]'' and is the younger sister of [[Bruce Springsteen]]<ref>Jordan, Chris. [https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/03/02/pamela-springsteen-talks-pics-bruce-freehold-roots/98623092/ "Pamela Springsteen talks pics, Bruce and her Freehold roots"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185559/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/03/02/pamela-springsteen-talks-pics-bruce-freehold-roots/98623092/ |date=July 15, 2023 }}, ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', March 3, 2017. Accessed June 13, 2013. "'California was the place to go,” Pamela said. “They didn't know anybody ... it was a big adventure. I was born in Freehold and right around the corner were both sides of the family, my mom and my dad's sides, and it was a big family.'"</ref>
* [[Erik Stocklin]] (born 1982), actor of ''[[Haters Back Off]]'' and ''[[Lucifer (TV series)|Lucifer]]'', and husband of YouTuber [[Colleen Ballinger]] ([[Miranda Sings]])<ref>Didymus, John Thomas, [https://www.monstersandcritics.com/tv/erik-stocklin-on-lucifer-who-is-actor-playing-julian-mccaffrey/ "Erik Stocklin on Lucifer: Who is actor playing Julian McCaffrey?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613194904/https://www.monstersandcritics.com/tv/erik-stocklin-on-lucifer-who-is-actor-playing-julian-mccaffrey/ |date=June 13, 2023 }}, ''Monsters and Critics'', May 8, 2019. Accessed June 13, 2023. "Erik Stocklin was born in September 1982 in Freehold, New Jersey."</ref>
* [[Jaime Primak Sullivan]] (born {{circa|1977}}), reality television star of ''[[Jersey Belle]]''<ref>Rohan, Virginia. [http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/bravo-s-jersey-belle-educates-people-above-and-below-the-mason-dixon-line-with-new-book-1.1638146 "Bravo's 'Jersey Belle' educates people above and below the Mason-Dixon line with new book"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802221544/http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/bravo-s-jersey-belle-educates-people-above-and-below-the-mason-dixon-line-with-new-book-1.1638146 |date=August 2, 2016 }}, ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', August 1, 2016. Accessed August 2, 2016. "Many Americans first met the loud, funny, outspoken Jaime Primak Sullivan in the 2014 Bravo docu-series ''Jersey Belle,'' which followed the Freehold Township-bred entertainment publicist as she navigated life in an upscale Alabama suburb — with the help of Southern-belle friends she'd made there."</ref>
* [[John C. Ten Eyck]] (1814–1879), United States Senator from New Jersey from 1859 to 1865<ref>[https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=T000122 John Conover Ten Eyck (1814–1879)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014165548/https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=T000122 |date=October 14, 2020 }}, ''[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]''. Accessed May 28, 2020. "Ten Eyck, John Conover, a Senator from New Jersey; born in Freehold, Monmouth County, N.J., March 12, 1814"</ref>
* [[William H. Vredenburgh]] (1840–1920), attorney and public figure who served for nearly 20 years as a judge of the [[New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals]]<ref>Scannell, John James; and Sackett, William Edgar. [https://books.google.com/books?id=D5JPAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA469&lpg=PA469&dq=%22William+H.+Vredenburgh%22+Freehold ''Scannell's New Jersey's First Citizens: Biographies and Portraits of the Notable Living Men and Women of New Jersey, with Informing Glimpses Into the State's History and Affairs, Volume 2''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185636/https://books.google.com/books?id=D5JPAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA469&lpg=PA469&dq=%22William+H.+Vredenburgh%22+Freehold |date=July 15, 2023 }}, p. 469, J. J. Scannell, 1919. Accessed December 17, 2020. "William H. Vredenburgh – Freehold – Jurist (Photograph published in Vol. 1, 1917). Born at Freehold, August 19, 1840; son of Peter and Eleanor (Brinckerhoff) Vrendenburgh"</ref>
* [[Emily Wold]] (born 1994), former [[field hockey]] player, who played as a midfielder<ref>[https://www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey/athletes/Emily-Wold Emily Wold] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807040723/https://www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey/athletes/Emily-Wold |date=August 7, 2019 }}, [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee|Team USA]]. Accessed August 9, 2019. "Birthplace: Englewood, N.J. Hometown: Freehold, N.J. High School: Freehold Borough High School '12"</ref>
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Adelphia, New Jersey]]
* [[Burlington Heights, New Jersey]]
* [[East Freehold, New Jersey]]
* [[West Freehold, New Jersey]]
* [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey]]
* [[Georgia, New Jersey]]
* [[Smithburg, New Jersey]]
* [[Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* Adelberg, Michael S. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KvhHGMF9UpwC ''The American Revolution in Monmouth County:The Theatre of Spoil and Destruction''], [[The History Press]], 2010. {{ISBN|9781609490010}}
* Pepe, Barbara. [https://books.google.com/books?id=QD9-ctdh2-gC&pg=PA19 ''Freehold: A Home Town History''], [[Arcadia Publishing]]; Charleston, SC; 2003. {{ISBN|9780738524184}}.

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Freehold}}
*{{URL|https://twp.freehold.nj.us| Freehold Township Website}}
*{{URL|https://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/|Freehold Township School District}}
*{{URL|https://www.frhsd.com/|Freehold Regional High School District}}
*{{URL|https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/monmouthbattlefieldstatepark.html|Monmouth Battlefield State Park}}

{{Freehold, New Jersey}}
{{Monmouth County, New Jersey}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = The Freeholds
|North     = [[Marlboro Township, New Jersey|Marlboro]]
|Northeast = [[Colts Neck Township, New Jersey|Colts Neck]]
|East      = [[Howell Township, New Jersey|Howell]]
|Southeast = [[Lakewood Township, New Jersey|Lakewood]]
|South     = [[Jackson Township, New Jersey|Jackson]]
|Southwest = [[Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey|Upper Freehold]]
|West      = [[Millstone Township, New Jersey|Millstone Township]]
|Northwest = [[Manalapan Township, New Jersey|Manalapan]]
}}

{{New York metropolitan area}}
{{Raritan Valley navigation}}
{{Raritan River}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Freehold Township, New Jersey| ]]
[[Category:1693 establishments in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1693]]
[[Category:Township form of New Jersey government]]
[[Category:Townships in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Townships in Monmouth County, New Jersey]]