A Look into the History of Woodbridge, New Jersey

Woodbridge, New Jersey, holds the distinction of being the oldest original township in the state, with a rich history that stretches back to colonial America. Officially chartered on June 1, 1669, by King Charles II of England, Woodbridge Township was named after Reverend John Wudbridge, a minister from England. The area's early settlers were primarily Puritans from Newbury, Massachusetts, who brought with them a strong sense of community, religious values, and a vision for a new settlement in the heart of what is now Middlesex County.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Woodbridge developed as an agricultural and trading center, benefiting from its location near the Raritan River and proximity to the future sites of key transportation routes. During the Revolutionary War, the township played a small but meaningful role, with local militias supporting the Continental Army and skirmishes occurring near nearby Perth Amboy and Staten Island. As the 19th century approached, the arrival of railroads and the growth of industry transformed Woodbridge into a more diverse and economically active community.

The township’s development accelerated in the 20th century with the rise of suburbanization after World War II. With the construction of the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, Woodbridge became a prime location for residential expansion and retail development. The Woodbridge Center Mall, which opened in 1971, became one of the largest shopping destinations in the state, further establishing the township’s role as a central hub in New Jersey’s economic landscape.

Today, Woodbridge Township consists of ten distinct communities, including Avenel, Colonia, Iselin, Fords, and Port Reading. Each neighborhood retains its own unique identity while contributing to the township’s shared heritage. From its colonial roots to its modern-day role as a thriving suburban center, the history of Woodbridge, New Jersey, reflects a dynamic evolution shaped by commerce, community, and connectivity.