The Borough of Elmer has a total area of 0.91 square miles and is located in the eastern side of Salem County. The name comes from a former judge and Congressman (serving from 1843-1845) Lucius Elmer who helped obtain the post office there.
Affectionately known by locals as “The Small Town with a Big Heart,” Elmer offers a welcoming, walkable downtown nestled amidst Salem County’s vast farmlands. Originally growing around a bustling late-19th-century train depot, the borough maintains an authentic, historic charm. It stands today as a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other and civic pride is always on display.
The borough’s identity was forged as a vital stop on the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad, serving as the primary transit point for local agricultural goods.
The area was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on January 28, 1893, from portions of Pittsgrove Township and Upper Pittsgrove Township, based on the results of a referendum several days prior. The borough quickly evolved into a self-sufficient center of commerce and community.
Main Street serves as the community’s anchor, featuring local shops and eateries that have served generations of families. From local parades to quiet afternoons in the borough park, the quaint borough captures the timeless essence of small-town New Jersey.