Somers Point was first known as Somerset Plantation, the oldest settlement in the county, dating back to the late 1690s. John Somers was among the town's original settlers. In 1886, Somers Point was incorporated as a borough. Today, more than 10,700 residents live within Somers Point, which consists of over 4,600 households. A mayor and seven-member City Council govern the borough, with the mayor serving a four-year term. Somers Point is located within the state's 2nd Congressional district and the 2nd legislative district. Somers Point's public school system serves students from kindergarten through eighth grades at the Jordan Road School, Dawes Avenue School, and New York Avenue School. Students in grades nine and above attend Mainland Regional High School in nearby Linwood. For residents, Somers Point offers recreational activities which include Little League, Babe Ruth baseball, Sharks football, lacrosse, powderpuff football, street hockey, and a men's hockey league. Those who wish to enjoy the summer months with good music are invited to the Beach Concert Series that begins in June and goes through early September at the William Morrow Beach/Municipal Beach Park on Bay Avenue. The warm months also promise a variety of other activities, events, and festivals for both residents and visitors. No person, either visitor or homeowner, will go hungry in Somers Point. In 1967, the Crab Trap was established and it's been offering fresh seafood and other dinner options ever since. The restaurant gets busy though and it's not unusual to see groups of people waiting outside from the late afternoon anxious to sample the mahi mahi or deviled clams. The Anchorage Tavern, the oldest continuously operating business in Somers Point -- it opened in 1874 -- is also nearby. It offers sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and Italian dishes. One of the main details about Somers Point is that there are various liquor stores and bars within the city limits, making it a respite for Ocean City visitors who need to imbibe. Somers Point is quaint and enjoyable and it does get busy in the summer months for those passing through or visitors who don't want the craziness of the barrier island towns.
