Somerville, County seat in Somerset County, New Jersey.
Somerville is a borough in Somerset County, New Jersey, with a downtown along Main Street where specialty shops, restaurants, and restored buildings cluster together. It functions as the county's regional center, blending commerce, dining, and preserved architecture in a walkable area.
The area formed as part of Bridgewater Township in 1863 and was later established as an independent borough by the New Jersey Legislature in 1909. These administrative changes marked its growth into a separate municipality with its own government and services.
The Tour of Somerville, launched in 1940 by Fred Kugler, a local bicycle shop owner, stands as the nation's oldest competitive cycling race and draws enthusiasts each year. This event runs deep in local identity and reflects the community's longstanding connection to the sport.
The downtown is easy to explore on foot, with most activities centered along Main Street and parking available nearby or on the street. The Emergency Services Facility on North Gaston Avenue serves as a useful landmark and has dedicated parking behind the building.
Hurricane Floyd caused major flooding and rainfall records in September 1999, fundamentally changing how the town's infrastructure was designed. This natural disaster reshaped drainage systems and public spaces throughout the borough.
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