About Toms River

Founded in the early 18th century, the village of Toms River in Dover Township was a haven from which privateers wreaked havoc on British shipping early in the Revolutionary War. It rose to brief post-Revolutionary prominence in 1782 when Tories tried to seize the highly prized local saltworks and warehouses by burning the blockhouse, killing its defenders and hanging its commander, Capt. Joshua Huddy. Huddy Park and a replica of the original blockhouse, both near the waterfront in downtown Toms River, commemorate this event.

Linked to the sea and bay, the town primarily relied upon whaling, shipping and seafood industries. The first tourists, adventurous harbingers of a thriving modern industry, reputedly arrived aboard seafood carts that were empty after the morning's deliveries to Philadelphia. The revitalized downtown area contains shops, restaurants and coffee houses.

Winding River Park, north on Main Street to SR 37 then 1 mile west, straddles the Toms River. The park offers facilities for canoeing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and ice skating.

Visitor Information

Ocean County Department of Tourism: 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ 08754; phone (732) 929-2000.

Toms River hotels