Salem County, New Jersey

117 West Broadway 141 West Broadway 159 West Broadway 161 West Broadway 179 West Broadway 1872 Construction 188 East Broadway 196 East Broadway 203 East Broadway 219 East Broadway 73 Market Street 95 Market Street Address by President Lincoln Alexander Grant House Ammunition Hoist Battery Arnold Battery Commander’s Station Battery Edwards Battery Gregg Battery Harker Battery Krayenbuhl Battery Krayenbuhl’s 5-inch rapid fire guns Broadway United Methodist Church Center of Town Church Landing Road City of Salem Market Street Historic District City of Salem West Broadway National Historic District Confederate Monument County Bridges Delaware Memorial Bridge Dickinson House Esther “Hetty” Saunders Fenwick Building Finlaw Building Finns Point Finns Point Rear Range Light Finns Point Rear Range Lighthouse Finn’s Point National Cemetery Fire Ring Fire Ring First Baptist Church First Presbyterian Church of Salem Friends Burial Ground Garrison Memorial Park Generator Room Hancock House Hancock House Massacre Il Sannito In Memory Of Island Point Picnic Area John Fenwick Korea and Vietnam Conflicts Memorial Memorial Baptist Church Mt. Hope United Methodist Church Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church New Johnson Hall Observation Towers Old Bridges at this Location Old County Jail Old Market House Old Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church Patriots Massacred in the Hancock House Patterned Brick Houses Pea Patch Island Pea Patch Island Heronry Peace Magazine:   1904 Pittsgrove Church Pole Tavern Cannon Quinton’s Bridge Salem Art Bank Salem County Clerk and Surrogate's Office Salem County Courthouse Salem County Historical Society Museum and Library Salem County Office Building Salem Fire Museum Salem Friends Meeting House Salem Municipal Court Salem Oak Tree Salem Post Office School Bell School Buildings Spc. Richard C. Emmons III Star Hall Corner Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Swedish Cabin Switchboard Room / Plotting Room The Alloway Creek Watershed The Latrines The Moat and the Parados The Old Red House The Seven Stars The Wharf Thomas Sinnickson House Thundergust Cabin Area Two Batteries in one Underground Railroad Station Union Monument Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Vietnam Memorial Vietnam Memorial Waving Acres of Grass Welcome (to Fort Mott) William D. Acton Women's Veterans Memorial World Wars I & II Memorial World Wars I & II Memorial World Wars I & II Memorial
Salem County, located in southwestern New Jersey, has a rich history that dates back to colonial times. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the late 17th century. In 1675, the first European settlement was established by Swedish and Finnish immigrants along the Salem River, which became known as Elsinboro.

During the American Revolutionary War, Salem County played a significant role. The county was a hotbed of patriotic sentiment, with many residents actively supporting the cause of independence. The county's strategic location along the Delaware River made it a key point for transportation and military operations. The Battle of Fort Mercer, a pivotal engagement during the war, took place in Salem County in 1777.

Throughout the 19th century, Salem County thrived due to its agricultural and maritime industries. The county became known for its thriving glass industry, with factories producing glass bottles and window panes. Salem County also had a bustling shipping industry, with the Salem River and the Delaware Bay providing access to markets in Philadelphia and beyond.

In the 20th century, Salem County experienced various economic shifts. While agriculture and industry remained important, the county also became a significant hub for energy production. Salem County is home to the Salem Nuclear Power Plant, which has been in operation since the 1970s. Additionally, the area is known for its picturesque farmland, historic architecture, and small-town charm, attracting visitors and residents alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Salem County, New Jersey:

  • 1675: European settlement begins in Salem County
  • 1694: Salem County officially established by West Jersey Legislature
  • 1739: Salem incorporated as a city
  • 1778: Salem attacked and plundered by British forces during the American Revolution
  • 1801: First cast iron plow invented in Alloway Township, Salem County
  • 1835: Salem Railroad Company chartered
  • 1868: Salem County Courthouse built
  • 1904: First successful glass factory established in Alloway Township
  • 1952: Construction of the Delaware Memorial Bridge connecting Salem County to Delaware begins
  • 1985: Cowtown Rodeo established, becoming the oldest weekly running rodeo in the USA
  • 2001: Salem Nuclear Power Plant begins commercial operation

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Salem County, New Jersey.