Keansburg
Keansburg’s colorful history and convenient location have been attracting visitors
since 1917, but the local history stretches back for centuries.
Long before Europeans reached the shores of Raritan Bay, it was the stomping grounds of the Lenni-Lenape tribe, who
thrived on hunting and the abundant seafood. Henry Hudson’s ship, the Half Moon, landed nearby in 1609. Over the next
three hundred years, the town was called Wakioak, then Granville, before it was finally named Keansburg in 1917, in honor
of Senator John Kean for his efforts to establish the town’s first post office.
Visitors have long been attracted by the town’s location, natural beauty, wildlife, fishing, and water recreation. In the early
19th century, city slickers were attracted from New York and other surrounding cities, arriving by ferry, train and wagon
long before the Parkway and Turnpike were built. Keansburg is uniquely positioned as the closest beach along the Jersey
Shore for folks traveling from the North, a perfect day-trip destination with great restaurants and shops within walking
distance of the amusement and water parks.
Photo by Bill Jones Photo by Bill Jones
76 www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com
For Event Details
see the
Events Calendar at:
www.KeansburgNJ.gov
Upcoming 732-787-0215
2020 Events
March
St. Patrick’s Parade
April
Easter Egg Hunt
May
Taste of Spring
Food Truck and Craft Beer Fest
Memorial Day Parade
SPRING
/www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com
/www.KeansburgNJ.gov
