Mount Laurel, New Jersey, is a lovely community located in the southwestern part of the state. Its proximity to Philadelphia and its reputation for having a family friendly lifestyle are just a few of the reasons why it’s an ideal place to live. It also has a rich and varied history: here is a short look at how Mount Laurel came to be.
The earliest known residents of the area were the Lenni-Lennape Indians; evidence shows that they may have occupied the Delaware Valley as early as the 15th century. They were farmers and hunters who thrived in relative solitude until the arrival of Dutch settlers in the 1600’s. The two groups helped each other a lot through cooperative trading practices.
A Welsh immigrant family by the name of Evans held the distinction of having the first recorded deed of land purchase in the burgeoning township. William Evans bought acreage at the site of what came to be known as “The Mount,” which can be found today at the intersection of Hainesport-Mount Laurel and Moorestown-Mount Laurel roads. Of course, this 100 foot high landmark later came to be known as Mount Laurel.
New Jersey was the site of several Revolutionary War battles, but Mount Laurel was never directly involved in them. However, both General Washington’s regiments and British soldiers did pass through the area and camp there. It must have been quite a sight for early residents to witness the movement of 20,000 patriot troops through their little community.
Nearly 200 years after the arrival of the first Dutch settlers, Mount Laurel was officially incorporated in 1872. The little village had all the usual amenities: blacksmith forge, meeting house, a few shops, and the all important general store which housed the post office and even a lending library!
Several other prosperous villages were established around the same time as Mount Laurel, and together these farming communities thrived and supported one another. Some of the regional industries included an iron factory, coal yard, railroad transport, sawmill, and even a phosphorous factory.
Mount Laurel historical preservationists have been careful in maintaining many sites important to the rich history of the area: many of these are related to the town’s Quaker heritage. A small building known as Jacob’s Chapel is an old meeting house famous for its role in helping slaves escape via the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. This chapel and many other restored edifices may be visited and appreciated by newer generations.
Mount Laurel is one of the loveliest and most historic areas of the great state of New Jersey. It’s a great place to visit, and an even better place to live.
RE/MAX of Cherry Hill offers information on Mount Laurel homes and Mount Laurel real estate. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
[tags]Mount Laurel homes, Mount Laurel real estate[/tags]
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