Aserdaten, New Jersey: The Ghost Town of the Pine Barrens
Deep within the densely forested landscapes of the New Jersey Pine Barrens lies Aserdaten, a quiet reminder of the state's rural past. Once recognized as a functioning village, Aserdaten is now an unincorporated community and a ghost town, reclaimed by the wilderness of Ocean County.
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Geography and Location
Aserdaten is situated within Lacey Township in Ocean County, New Jersey. The community is located at an elevation of 45 feet (14 meters) and is currently nestled within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. This region is characterized by the unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens, known for its sandy soil and thick forests.
Geographically, the site is positioned at coordinates 39°51′23″N 74°20′17″W, placing it in a remote section of the state far from major urban centers.
A Brief History
While little remains of the settlement today, historical records provide a glimpse into its past. In 1893, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) officially noted Aserdaten as a "village in Lacey Township," indicating that it was once a recognized residential or commercial hub for the local area.
For decades, the area served a strategic purpose for forest conservation. The Cedar Bridge Lookout Tower, a forest fire watch tower used to spot wildfires in the flammable Pine Barrens terrain, was stationed in the remote area of Aserdaten until it was removed or decommissioned in 1983.
Key Facts
- Status: Unincorporated community and ghost town.
- Location: Lacey Township, Ocean County, New Jersey.
- Setting: Located within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area.
- Historical Recognition: Listed as a village by the USGS in 1893.
- Notable Landmark: Former site of the Cedar Bridge Lookout Tower (active until 1983).
- Elevation: 45 feet (14 meters).
Community Summary
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Ocean |
| Township | Lacey |
| Time Zone | UTC−05:00 (EST) / UTC−04:00 (EDT) |
| GNIS Feature ID | 882943 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aserdaten?
Aserdaten is an unincorporated community and ghost town located in Lacey Township, Ocean County, New Jersey.
Where is Aserdaten located today?
It is located within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, surrounded by the Pine Barrens.
When was Aserdaten recognized as a village?
The United States Geological Survey noted it as a village in Lacey Township in 1893.
What was the Cedar Bridge Lookout Tower?
It was a forest fire watch tower located in the remote area of Aserdaten that remained in place until 1983.
What is the elevation of Aserdaten?
The community sits at an elevation of 45 feet (14 meters) above sea level.