In 1896, Jamesburg, New Jersey, became an independent borough, and it is now considered to be the “hole in the doughnut” of surrounding Monroe Township.Jamesburg and Monroe Township have a shared history dating back to 1734, when the first mill appeared on the shores of Lake Manalapan. Early settler James Buckelew settled on the lake’s banks in 1832, and he became the namesake of Jamesburg. Today, the area consists of .877 square miles and is home to approximately 6,000 residents. While Monroe Township’s first settler dates back to 1685, the township’s namesake, James Monroe (the fifth president), served as a captain of George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.In the last 30 years, more changes occurred within Monroe Township than since its creation 181 years ago. The establishment of Leisure World retirement community, now Rossmoor, in 1965 marked the beginnings of major development within the town.Today, Monroe Township is 43.7 square miles with a population of approximately 50,000 residents.A three-time author and lifelong resident, John D. Katerba once again preserves his hometown’s history with the help of friends, longtime residents, and his passion for chronicling the area’s stories. Katerba’s previous publications include Images of America: Monroe Township and Jamesburg and Then & Now: Monroe Township and Jamesburg.