The Borough of Matawan, located in the northwest corner of Monmouth County, is a picturesque little town just over 2 square miles in size. Situated at the head of the Matawan Creek, the Borough has a rich history as a shipping center largely due to the use of its waterways by farmers in need of a thoroughfare to the Atlantic Ocean. Its waterways also have another claim to fame, Peter Benchlys novel, Jaws, was based on a series of shark attacks that occurred in 1916 near Matawan as well as in its tidal creek system about 11 miles inland. Although now a fully-developed suburban community, present-day Matawan has succeeded in retaining its traditional, small-town atmosphere. Take a stroll through the Boroughs historic district lined with Victorian-era homes, churches, store fronts and luncheonettes and you'll see what we mean.