Pride in Our Past & Present
Settled by a group of Scottish Presbyterians beginning in the 1680’s, Matawan was first called New Aberdeen, and then Mount Pleasant. Today, Matawan’s historic town core retains its appeal as a place to live, work, and shop.
America’s 250th Birthday celeBRATION
The Borough of Matawan has adopted the 250-Resolution formally announcing Matawan’s participation in the upcoming 250th birthday celebration of the United States of America.
Special Announcement: The Matawan Historical Society is pleased to announce that it is collaborating with the Keyport Historical Society on a series of special events celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. This includes co-sponsoring related lectures in our regular monthly meeting series, as well as partnering on special events commemorating the local fight for independence in the Bayshore area. Both Matawan and Keyport are proud partners in the RevolutionNJ and MonmouthNJ 250 programs.
Matawan and Keyport’s first collaborative event will be John Schneider’s lecture “The Deadly Divide: America’s First Civil War During the American Revolution” on January 26, 2026. A complete list of our upcoming events will be published soon.
Burrowes Mansion History
The new edition of The Burrowes Mansion of Matawan New Jersey: and Notations on the History of Monmouth County, Second Edition (2023) by Mary Lou Diecker and Barry C. Orr is now available! The Burrowes Mansion, constructed in 1723, celebrated its 300th Birthday in 2023, and this newly expanded edition of the book commemorates that anniversary. Please visit our “Shop” page to order your copy.
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Captain Samuel Carhart was a dedicated Revolutionary War officer from Middletown Point, who devoted many years to the Patriot cause. Born on June 22, 1737, he married Elizabeth Dorsett in 1764 and received a commission as a Third Lieutenant in the Monmouth County militia in June of 1776 under Capt. John Burrowes. He later attained the rank of Captain and commanded troops in several significant engagements, including the Battle of Navesink and the Battle of Germantown.
The Battle of Navesink, fought on February 13, 1777, was a surprise British attack against the First Regiment of the Monmouth County Militia, which was stationed in the Highlands to guard the shore opposite British-held Sandy Hook. More than 100 poorly trained militia under Colonel Nathaniel Scudder were encamped near the home of Esek Hartshorne when British forces from the 26th Regiment of Foot landed before dawn and launched a coordinated assault. Although about forty militiamen escaped, approximately 70 were captured and 3 were killed, including James Crawford from Capt. Carhart’s company. The prisoners were transported to New York and confined in harsh prisons, including the notorious Old Sugar House, where some died and others endured lengthy captivity before being released.
Willam Van Pelt testified that he was present when Capt. Carhart was captured in June 1781 - the day 1500 Hessians and Tories came ashore at Waycake. The militia assembled to stop their advancement of “plundering and destroying everything of value they could find” and drove them off in the same place they landed. Although we don’t know to which prison Capt. Carhart was taken or how long he was there, he likely endured terrible conditions.
Samuel Carhart died on December 26, 1809, leaving a legacy of steadfast leadership and dedicated service to American independence.
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🦈 CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS — We need you!
The Matawan Historical Society is gearing up for our 110th Anniversary Shark Attack Commemoration on July 12th — and we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make it happen.
This is one of the most unique events in all of New Jersey history. Whether you're a longtime MHS supporter or brand new to the society, we'd love to have you on the team.
To sign up or learn more:
📧 MatawanKurtis@gmail.com
💬 Message or DM us right here
📅 Volunteers and members are also invited to our Summer BBQ on Monday, June 22nd at 6pm at the museum — we'll be previewing the plan for the day. Come meet the team!
Share this post with anyone who loves local history. 🏛️🦈
More tour details will be posted soon. Follow our pages for the latest.
#Matawan1916 #SharkAttack110 #MatawanNJ #MatawanHistoricalSociety #FisherStillwellBridge #RememberThem #NJHistory
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