Gloucester County History
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Gloucester County (Old), founded in 1686 and once including within its boundaries the present Atlantic and Camden Counties, is unique in that it is an outstanding Agricultural, Industrial and Residential Area. Farming in all of its phases is highly established and developed. The raising of fruit, farm vegetables, and poultry, the dairy industry, the breeding of cattle, hogs, and other livestock, the existence of modern year-round canneries, quick freezing establishments and nearby markets all go far to make Gloucester County one of the chief food producing sections of our State and of our Country.
Hand in hand with agriculture, the County possesses some of the largest industries of the East. Modern plants of small and great proportions steadily employing thousands of our citizens, today are contributing in a major way to the prosperity of our Municipalities, County, State, and Nation.
Such a combination of Agriculture and Industry, together with the location of the County in the Metropolitan area of Philadelphia, was bound to result in thriving residential communities. A fine network of improved State and County Highways, excellent bus service, and generally splendid Municipal Government have contributed to the development of residential communities without comparison in our State. Gloucester County possesses the finest of schools and places of worship, the finest of local and county service of every kind, and is indeed a happy, healthy place for living.
Dotted with woods and beautiful lakes, traversed by beautiful streams, Old Gloucester County possesses a historical background that places it foremost in our Country's history. Historical shrines abound throughout the County. Major Revolutionary War Battlegrounds with original trenches and weapons carefully preserved, distinctive and outstanding Early American architecture, exemplified by beautiful old homes of notable Patriots, churches, and public buildings are generously scattered throughout the county and are a constant inspiration to the citizenry.