Lakehurst

Lakehurst is a borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. Located in central Ocean County near Manchester Township, the community sits on land long tied to aviation and military history. A significant portion of Lakehurst lies within the boundaries of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the joint installation created in 2009 by consolidating McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix, and Lakehurst Naval Air Station.

History: The town grew up around the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, established in the early 20th century to support naval airship operations and aviation activities. The site gained wide notoriety in 1937 when the German airship Hindenburg crashed while attempting to dock at Hangar No. 1, a landmark at the station.

Government: Lakehurst operates under the Borough form of New Jersey municipal government, with a mayor and six-member Borough Council. Local officials are elected to oversee services, zoning, and ordinances.

Today: The base remains a major employer in the region, and the borough maintains a residential character tied to its aviation legacy. Hangar No. 1 is preserved as a National Historic Landmark, reflecting Lakehurst’s enduring historical association with aviation and naval operations.