Sewaren, Woodbridge, NJ

Sewaren, Woodbridge, NJ, is an unincorporated town and census-designated place (CDP) located within Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the CDP’s population was 5,814.

This area is served by the Metropark and Ferry Stations on New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line which skirts the Woodbridge Township coastline. It was formerly a stop along the Central Railroad of New Jersey, located about a half-mile west of today’s Metropark Station in Edison Township.

The station was located at the intersection of what is now North Wood Avenue, Metropark Drive, and the back entrance to the Colonial Park Mall.

This area is served by bus routes #92 northbound to Dunellen or southbound to Piermont Station in New York City via the Port Authority Bus Terminal. On Sundays, it is also served by the #129 northbound to Hackettstown or southbound to Newark.

Sewaren History

Sewaren is one of the oldest communities in Woodbridge Township, with many historic homes dating back to the 18th century.

The name “Sewaren” dates back to before 1921, when Sewaren was part of Rahway. The origin of the word itself may be related to the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe that once inhabited the area, most likely deriving from words meaning “gathering place by the river”.

Sewaren Schools

Sewaren schools operate under the auspices of the Woodbridge Township Public Schools. Those schools include

• Woodbine Avenue School (K-5; #7204)
• Oak Tree Road School (PK-5; #7205)
• Patriot Parkway School (K-5; #7208)
• Howell Road School (PK-5; #7207)

Sewaren Parks

Sewaren has many parks. There is a dog park, a skate park, and a brand new playground. In the future, the Sewaren section of Woodbridge Township will continue to develop while still maintaining its family-oriented community.

Sewaren Legend and the Headless Horseman

A local Sewaren legend is the story of “The Headless Horseman” which dates back to 1808 when Philip Embury was riding on his wagon across the wooden toll bridge heading into Perth Amboy with a shipment of goods for the store he owned. That night there was an unearthly fog and Embury was spooked by the sound of a horse galloping toward him. As he tried to get out of the way, he heard a scream and turned to see his young daughter’s headless body riding past him on the back of a headless horse!

The ghost is said to be that of Elizabeth Bowne, a young woman who is said to have lived on “Bowne Lane” at the time of the American Revolutionary War. She was accused by British soldiers of treason and decapitated as punishment. The ghost has been sighted several times over the years, especially around Woodbridge High School, said to be her final resting place.