Kingwood Township is a township in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States, located on the Hunterdon Plateau. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township’s population was 3,845, reflecting an increase of 63 (+1.7%) from the 3,782 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 457 (+13.7%) from the 3,325 counted in the 1990 Census.
Kingwood Township is one of the westernmost townships of Hunterdon County. Kingwood was originally established around 1746 when it was created from Bethlehem Township, though the exact details are uncertain. Kingwood was incorporated by Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey’s initial group of 104 townships. Portions of the township were taken to form Franklin Township on April 7, 1845. Frenchtown borough acquired portions of the township in 1876.
Kingwood Township was the home of Daniel Bray, the local captain who rounded up the boats for George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. The portion of Route 29 that runs through the township along its western edge is named for him.
In late 1981, Dick Siano became the first Libertarian Party candidate to win a partisan election outside of Alaska by winning a committee seat in the township. In the November election, he and the Democratic tied in the general election placing the incumbent Republican mayor in third place. Siano won the runoff election held on December 22.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 35.774 square miles (92.655 km2), including 35.158 square miles (91.060 km2) of land and 0.616 square mile (1.594 km2) of water (1.72%).
The township borders Alexandria Township, Delaware Township, Franklin Township and Frenchtown in Hunterdon County and the communities of Plumstead Township and Tinicum Township in Bucks County, across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. Most of the township lies on the Hunterdon Plateau, a geologic plateau averaging 300–500 feet (90–150 m) in elevation though approaching the Delaware River, the elevation drops sharply to about 100 feet (30 m) at the banks of the river. Exposed rock can be seen on portions of Route 29 in the township between the River and the plateau.
Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Baptistown, Barbertown, Byram, Idell, Milltown, Point Breeze, Treasure Island, Tumble and Tumble Falls.
Frenchtown Solar is a group of three photovoltaic arrays owned by Consolidated Edison that forms one of the largest solar farms in the state, covering 110 acres (44.5 ha) with a total of 68,500 solar panels and a 20.1 megawatt generating capacity. Two arrays are located just outside Baptistown on Route 12. The third and largest is to the south off County Route 519.
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 3,845 people, 1,446 households, and 1,103 families residing in the township. The population density was 109.4 per square mile (42.2/km2). There were 1,569 housing units at an average density of 44.6 per square mile (17.2/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 96.51% (3,711) White, 0.65% (25) Black or African American, 0.03% (1) Native American, 1.09% (42) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.52% (20) from other races, and 1.20% (46) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.39% (92) of the population.
Source: Wikipedia
