COUNTY FLAGS AND INFORMATION
Atlantic County
County Seat: Mays Landing
Date Incorporated: 1837
County Nickname: “Queen of the Coast”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description and Iconography:
The pale blue flag depicts the county seal, consisting of the date of incorporation
over a three-masted schooner. Around the rim reads “SEAL OF THE COUNTY OF
ATLANTIC / NEW JERSEY;” two five-pointed stars flank the seal near the bottom. The
county takes its name from the abutting ocean.
County History:
The county was established fifty years after the U.S. Constitution. It was created
from part of Gloucester County and was created at the same time as Passaic County.
Mays Landing was established in 1760 by George May, who opened a trading store.
Sources:
Cindy Mason Purdy, Library Historian (609) 625-2776 x. 6314
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Bergen County
County Seat: Hackensack
Date Incorporated: 1683
County Nickname: “New Jersey’s Gateway”
Flag Designer(s): George Woodbridge
Flag Description and Iconography:
The royal blue flag displays the modern (1983) seal of the county. The seal
design includes two figures: a Dutch settler/trader and a Native American named Oratam
of the Hackensack Indians. He holds a peace pipe. The two figures are shaking hands on
the banks of the Hudson River with the Palisades in the background and an American
bald eagle above. A Dutch trading vessel rides anchor offshore.
County History:
The county was established in 1664 by the Dutch across the Hudson River from
New Amsterdam (New York). Hackensack, an Indian name, was a port of call for ships.
Sources:
County of Bergen, Public Information Office, Court Plaza South, 21 Main Street,
Hackensack, NJ 07061 (201) 646-2553
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Burlington County
County Seat: Mount Holly
Date Incorporated: Established 1681; formally incorporated 1694
County Nickname: “Jersey’s Largest”
Flag Designer: Col. Charles V. Dickinson
Flag Description & Iconography:
This blue flag shows a typical Jersey horse-drawn covered wagon crossing a
bridge, probably the toll bridge over the Rancocas Creek at Bridgeboro, which was built
in 1792. Fifteen blackbirds fly overhead. The birds may refer to the daily migration of
crows along the Delaware.
County History:
Originally, Burlington served as the provincial capital of West Jersey. It is the
largest county, extending from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean. This county
was the first to have a court system, the core of county government. Therefore, it can
claim to be the state’s first county.
Sources:
David Kimball, County Historian 609-871-4047
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Camden County
County Seat: Camden
Date Incorporated: 1844
County Nicknames: “Out of the Shadow”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
Designed for their Centennial in 1944, the seal on the flag is surrounded by the
words, “CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS/COUNTY OF CAMDEN.” A golden sun rises
behind a series of evergreen and green hills that denote mining. A horse-drawn plow in a
fresh furrow and a cornucopia represent plenty.
County History:
The county was called Copper’s Ferry until Camden was officially adopted in
1828. The new name honored Charles Pratt, Earl of Camden. Breaking off from
Gloucester County, Camden County was created by the state Legislature.
Sources:
Joe Puhala or Robert Clayton (856) 225-5219
Camden County, Graphics Unit, 600 Market St., Camden, NJ 08102
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Cape May County
County Seat: Cape May
Date Incorporated: 1692 (first settlement)
County Nickname: “The Watering Place”
Flag Designer: Unknown commercial artist
Flag Description & Iconography:
The flag is diagonally divided in fields of red and black with the seal in the center.
A band containing shells, anchors, beehives, and cornucopia surrounds the seal marked
“CAPE MAY COUNTY, N.J.” with a white and black seagull over top. A drawing of
the county rests in the center, flanked by the ship Glad Tidings, Captain Mey’s vessel.
The holly tree represents the county tree. A compass (top left) denotes navigation.
County History:
The county is named for the Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey. Aboard the
Glad Tidings, he sailed around the Cape in 1620. Whaling was very profitable early in
the development of the county.
Sources:
Rosalee (609) 465-1065, Board of Chosen Freeholders, Administration Building, 4
Moore Road, Cape May, NJ 08210-1610
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Cumberland County
County Seat: Bridgeton
Date Incorporated: 1748
County Nickname: “Tidewater Land”
Flag Designer: J. Meade Landis, 1955
Flag Description & Iconography:
The Liberty Bell, bearing the date of independence, is surrounded by 14 gold stars
representing the number of municipalities of the county in 1776. Outside the flag reads
“CUMBERLAND COUNTY 1748” rendered in red, white, and blue colors. The
diagonal quarters of buff and sky blue represent the colors of the uniforms worm by
Continental troops in the Revolutionary War and the state colors as well.
County History:
In 1748, the Legislature cut Salem County in half to form Cumberland County to
the south. It was named in honor of England’s Duke of Cumberland, brother of King
George II. Bridgeton refers to a bridge built across the east and west banks of the
Cohansey River.
Sources:
Public Information Officer, Glenn Nickerson (856) 453-2180
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Essex County
County Seat: Newark
Date Incorporated: 1682
County Nickname: “Robert Treat’s Bargain”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description and Iconography:
On this flag, the meaning of the lion rampant is unclear, although historically it is
emblematic of strength, majesty, courage, and fortitude. The red, white, and blue colors
represent the United States. The words “COUNTY OF ESSEX/NEW JERSEY”
surrounds the lion. Essex is a county in England just north of London.
County History:
Robert Treat purchased the land here from the Indians in 1667. Newark, named
for Newark-on-Trent, England, is located on the Passaic River.
Sources:
Public Information; Bureau of Records (973)621-7199, Office of the County Executive,
Hall Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Gloucester County
County Seat: Woodbury
Date Incorporated: 1686
County Nickname: “Summit of the World”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
On a gold background, there is a blue shield with a red cross representing the coat
of arms of the Duke of Gloucester. A knight’s helmet rests on top. The wheat sheaf
represents agriculture and the anvil represents industry.
County History:
Though the Swedes and Dutch would vie for the area, in 1644 the British won
control and gave the territory an English name. Public representatives met in 1686 in
what is now Gloucester City and organized the county without action or permission from
the legislature. Gloucester County is the only county created by direct action of the
people.
Sources:
Public Information; Bureau of Records, (856) 621-7199
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Hudson County
County Seat: Jersey City
Date Incorporated: 1840
County Nickname: “Mantle of Wheels”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
A yellow and navy flag, divided diagonally, shows Lady Liberty holding a sword
of truth in one hand and the scales of justice in the other. Above her is the Latin phrase
“Constat Per Recordum” which translates to “She Stands Through Remembering.’
County History:
Henry Hudson, an English captain working for the Dutch East India Company,
accidently discovered the river that bears his name while trying to find a short cut to the
Indies. Eventually the English would take all of New Jersey in 1664. The Dutch would
take in back in 1673, but finally a treaty between England and Holland ensured New
Jersey for the English in 1674. Originally a part of Bergen County, it split off in 1840
and remains the smallest county in the state.
Sources:
Public Information Office (201)217-5389, Julie (201)795-6060
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Hunterdon County
County Seat: Flemington
Date Incorporated: 1714
County Nickname: “Land of Plenty”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
The flag depicts the county seal on a brown field, representing fertile soil. It
reads “HUNTERDON COUNTY SEAL/NEW JERSEY.” The gold color symbolizes
wheat. The seal depicts a staked sheaf of wheat, representing agriculture.
County History:
The county was named for Governor Robert Hunter the most popular of New
Jersey’s Royal governors during the colonial period. Hunterdon County once comprised
parts of present-day Mercer, Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. The later three
separated from Hunterdon in 1739; Mercer was formed in 1838. Samuel Fleming gave
the county seat its name in 1756 by building his castle-like home in town.
Sources:
Donna Jensen (908) 788-1256
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Mercer County
County Seat: Trenton
Date Incorporated: 1838
County Nickname: “Seat of Government”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
The yellow background of this flag represents one of the state colors; the green
oak tree depicts the “Mercer Oak.” The oak provide shelter for General Hugh Mercer
during the Battle of Princeton. The tree stood in the Princeton Battlefield until its demise
in March 2000 but a new sapling has been planted in its place. A banner at the base reads
“1776/MERCER COUNTY/1838/NEW JERSEY.”
County History:
The county is named after General Hugh Mercer who was wounded in the Battle
of Princeton and died shortly later. The capital county was formed in 1838 from parts of
Burlington, Middlesex, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties. Trenton was established by
William Trent, a merchant from Philadelphia.
Sources:
Mercer County Clerk’s Office (609) 989-6584
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Middlesex County
County Seat: New Brunswick
Date Incorporated: 1683
County Nickname: “The Vital Bridge”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
The flag shows a small seal at the top that depicts a string of nine gold balls that
might represent the nine municipalities of the county in the 1860s. Scales hang from the
golden balls that symbolize justice; the horse and plow probably portray strength, trade,
and agriculture. The county banner has an “M” running through it. Two branches of
laurel represent peace.
County History:
Middlesex County is located in the middle of the state. The county’s name
originated in England as the middle point between the English counties of Sussex and
Essex. The county served as the bridge between the north and the south, and as the
gateway to the Raritan River Valley. Originally, Perth Amboy served as the provincial
capital of East Jersey. The name New Brunswick honored the German Duchy of
Brunswick, from which the Hanoverian kings of England hailed.
Sources:
Margaret Pemberton, Clerk, Board of Chosen Freeholders, P.O. Box 87, New Brunswick,
NJ 08903-0871; (732) 745-3111
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Monmouth County
County Seat: Freehold
Date Incorporated: 1683
County Nickname: “Surf & Soil”
Flag Designers: Cynthia Canning (Asbury Park High School), Jane Nugent (Red Bank
High School), and Fred Searby (Freehold Regional High School)
Flag Description & Iconography:
The flag shows two Revolutionary War Era soldiers flanking a seal of four
quadrants containing: (1) milk and vegetables, (2) a factory, (3) seafood, and (4) a
sailboat, respectively. These quadrants refer to the agriculture and industry of the county.
The Latin phrase “PER PRIMAS IN GLORIA” is displayed on a banner across the
bottom and translates to “Among the first in Glory.” The flag also reads “COUNTY OF
MONMOUTH/NEW JERSEY.” In May 1955 Edward Feltus III suggested the county
hold a contest for a flag design. Elements from the top three winning designs were joined
together to create the present flag.
County History:
Colonel Lewis Morris had acquired control of New Jersey’s first ironworks on the
Falls of the Shrewsbury in 1674. A powerful ironmonger, he asked that Monmouth be
named so after his native Monmouthshire in Wales.
Sources:
Public Information Office. Pam (732) 431-7310.
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Morris County
County Seat: Morristown
Date Incorporated: 1739
County Nickname: “Iron Backbone”
Flag Designer: Albert O. Halse in 1956
Flag Description & Iconography:
This flag is divided into three unequal vertical stripes of yellow, white, and
yellow representing the three countries (England-Germany-Netherlands) from which
settlers originated. In the white stripe (center) is a shield divided into four quadrants: two
with three red coins and two with lions facing left denoting courage. A knight’s armored
headgear – mask down – rest on top and above is a flaming castle turret. “Tandum
Vincitur” (He conquered at last) is the county motto.
County History:
The county is named after Lewis Morris who was the royal governor of East and
West new Jersey from 1738-1746. General George Washington would spend the winter
of 1779-1780 at Morristown and Jockey Hollow during the Revolutionary War.
Morristown assumed its name and designation as the county seat in 1740.
Source:
Board of Freeholders, (973) 285-6010
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Ocean County
County Seat: Toms River
Date Incorporated: 1850
County Nickname: “Ebb and Flow”
Flag Designer: Sandra Pier, a student from Point Pleasant Beach High School in 1964
Flag Description & Iconography:
The words “OCEAN COUNTY/NEW JERSEY” encircle the seal on light blue
background, signifying water and sky. The seal within depicts Barnegat Lighthouse and
Barnegat Inlet with a blue ocean beyond. The lighthouse was built by General George G.
Meade of the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1856. Seven sea gulls fill the sky and a sailboat
crosses the ocean.
County History:
Ocean County separated from Monmouth County in 1850. With 50 miles of
coastline, and in deference to its dependence on the sea, “Ocean” proved a suitable name.
Toms River was named for Captain William Tom, an English official from Newcastle
Delaware.
Sources:
Barbara Steele, Director of Public Affairs, (732)929-2000, Administration Building, P.O.
Box 2191, Toms River, NJ 08754-2191
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Passaic County
County Seat: Paterson
Date Incorporated: 1837
County Nickname: “Wasp-Waisted”
Flag Designer: Edward Kopec
Flag Designer & Iconography:
The seal of the flag encircled the words “PASSAIC COUNTY/NEW JERSEY,”
shows an eagle, scales of justice, mortarboard, diploma, and drafting instruments,
symbolizing progress through knowledge. The blue and orange colors (those of the
House of Orange) signify the early Dutch, who settled Passaic County in the 18th century.
William of the House of Orange also became William III of England.
County History:
An hourglass shaped county, Passaic originally meant two separate entities, but
the Legislature would only agree to the one. The Dutch settled near the Great Falls
where the Pompton and Passaic meet. Passaic is a Lenape Indian word meaning “place
where the land/river splits.” Paterson was named for Governor William Paterson, who
served from 1790 to 1793. As governor, Paterson signed the charter for the Society for
Establishing Useful Manufactures, which helped to create Paterson, NJ.
Sources:
Ed Smyk (973)881-3192, Passaic County Historian, District Court House, 71 Hamilton
Street, Paterson, NJ 07505
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Salem County
County Seat: Salem
Date Incorporated: 1694
County Nickname: “Terrestrial Canaan”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
The flag depicts the Salem Oak, one of New Jersey’s largest trees and a symbol of
great age, located at the Friends Burying Ground. At its base rests the official seal in
black and white, containing a horse drawing a plow to symbolize farming. Two red
tomatoes at the base of the tree suggest the importance of the crop, which Salem’s
Colonel Robert Gibson Johnson helped popularize in the 1820s.
County History:
John Fenwick of England originally bought the land from the Indians and named
it “Salem” meaning “peace” in Hebrew. “Terrestrial Canaan” was Fenwick’s description
of the land, referring to “…land flowerth with milk and honey.” In 1748 half of the
county broke off to become Cumberland County.
Sources:
Gilda Gill, Clerk of the Board, Court House, Salem, NJ 08079 (856)935-7510 ext. 8202
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Somerset County
County Seat: Somerville
Date Incorporated: 1688
County Nickname: “The Handsome Hills”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
The white flag shows a seal with the shape of the county on a gold and navy
background, encircled by “SOMERSET COUNTY 1688.” Twenty-one white stars
represent the county’s 21 municipalities.
County History:
The Provincial Assembly split Somerset County away from Middlesex on May
14, 1688. It was named for the English county of the same name. Somerville became the
county seat in 1798 after the original courthouse in Millstone was burned during the
Revolution.
Sources:
Joanne, (908) 231-7020 ext. 7297
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Sussex County
County Seat: Newton
Date Incorporated: 1753
County Nickname: “Cream on Top”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
The flag depicts a navy banner with “SUSSEX/1753/COUNTY” stretched across
the bottom of a gold flag. A yellow sheaf of wheat flanked by two white stars fill the rest
of the flag. The 1968 Official Directory of Sussex County provides the following
description:
“warm yellow” background representing sun or harvest moon as it spreads light
over mountains, hills, valleys
“gentle blue” – reflection of tonality of sky upon our beautiful crystal lakes while
the stars reminds up of our high ideals and gives living evidence of the fertility of
thought, word, and deed
County History:
This county is at the very top of the state. Sussex has the highest point in new
Jersey, and a share in Lake Hopatcong, the largest lake in New Jersey. Newton was
named the county seat because it served as the center for farm trade.
Sources:
County Clerk’s Office, Erma Gormly, (973) 579-0900
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Union County
County Seat: Elizabeth
Date Incorporated: 1857
County Nickname: “House Divided”
Flag Designer: Unknown
Flag Description & Iconography:
The white flag shows a shield in quadrants. The contain (1) the county seal,
depicting a British soldier firing on a woman (Mrs. James Caldwell) outside a house; (2)
a canon; (3)a courthouse; (4) and the shape of the county. A banner “UNION COUNTY”
stretches across the bottom.
County History:
During the 1850s, residents along the Elizabeth River discussed a split from Essex
County. The division in 1857 (the last county formed) between the two counties was
more of a result of a two century-long rivalry between the city of Newark and the city of
Elizabeth. Discontentment grew because Newark took much of the county’s resources,
and left Elizabeth with much smaller funds and allocations. Elizabeth was named for
Governor Philip Carteret’s cousin’s wife.
Sources:
Office of Public Information, (908)527-4744
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978
Warren County
County Seat: Belvidere
Date Incorporated: 1824
County Nickname: “Rural Destiny”
Flag Designer: Al Votsch, former county treasurer
Flag Description:
Shown on this flag is a building within the seal depicting the county courthouse.
The flag is divided horizontally into a dark royal blue strip representing blue sky over a
gold stripe representing the flowing golden wheat throughout the countryside. The gold
stars in the upper half represent the county’s 23 municipalities.
County History:
In 1824, the residents requested separation from Sussex County, to which they
had been tied since its creation in 1753. The county was named in honor of Dr. Joseph
Warren, a Revolutionary War general who died while leading a charge at the Battle of
Bunker Hill.
Sources:
Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Jeanette (908) 475-6580
John T. Cunningham, This is New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press:
1978