Cover: Navy blue cloth with silver-colored seal. Seal pictures Arwames, Hugg's Tavern, and Old City Hall. Around the edge of the seal is text: Armewamexes * Fort Nassau * Gloucestertown * Union Township * 1623 Gloucester City 1976*

Map inside front cover pictures European Settlement in New Jersey 1609-1680

FIRST SETTLEMENT ON THE DELAWARE RIVER A History Of Gloucester City, New Jersey

Louisa W. Llewellyn
Gloucester City American Revolution Bicentennial Committee 1976
Gloucester City New Jersey

Copyright 1976
Louisa W. Llewellyn, John Corcoran, and William Gartland
All rights reserved
Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited

Staff for this book:
Louisa W. Llewellyn, author-editor
Kathi Regan, research
Sharon Patterson, typist
Glynneth Llewellyn, illustrator
Ray Becker
Maria Bendorf
John Corcoran
Harry Demarest
Marian Hakanson
Janet Johnson
Mark Llewellyn
Lorraine McKibban
Joan Smith
Elise VanGemert

Drawing on title page conceived by Albert Corcoran
redrawn by Glynneth Llewellyn
Cover design
by Glynneth Llewellyn

CONTENTS

PREFACE - Page 4

Chapter 1 Armewamex - Page 5
Prehistoric Era
Life of the Arwames
Arrival of White Men

Chapter 2 Fort Nassau to Gloucester Point - Page 17
Establishment of Dutch Trading Fort
Challenge by Swedes
Takeover by English
Signing of Concessions and Agreements
Settlement of the Third Tenth

Chapter 3 Gloucester Town, the County Seat - Page 33
Organization of Gloucester County
Court Sessions at Gloucester
Center of Colonial Life
Events of Pre-War Years
Change of County Seat

Chapter 4 War for lndependence - Page 65
Leaders of Patriots
Problems with Loyalists and Deserters
Battle of Gloucester
Story of the Augusta

Chapter 5 Industrial Growth - Page 81
Fishing in the Delaware
Use of Ferries
Industries of the Early Years
Role of David Brown
Diversity of Industries
Changes in Transportation
Development of the River Front

Chapter 6 Resort Eras - Page 121
Pastimes of Colonists
Home of Hunting and Fishing Clubs
Attraction of Inns and Taverns
Amusement Center of East Coast
Duke of Gloucester's Rise and Fall
Forms of Entertainment
Interest in Sports

Chapter 7 Union Township to Gloucester City - Page 153
Changes in Governmental Structure
Involvement in Controversies
Improvements in Health and Safety
Expansion of Residential Areas
Development of Educational Facilities
Religious Life of Gloucesterites

PREFACE

1976--the two hundredth anniversary of the United States of America, a year for a reexamination of who we were, who we are now, and where we are going. The Celebration will attempt to recall, revive, and reinforce for all citizens the principles upon which this country was founded.

Gloucester City entered into this celebration and reevaluation in 1974, becoming a nationally-recognized Bicentennial Community in January of 1975. Many projects and events were planned and are currently progressing.

Probably the singular effort of the Bicentennial Committee that includes the total re-evaluation--past, present, and future--is the publication of this book The First Settlement on the Delaware River A History of Gloucester City, New Jersey.

Of course, the real challenge to the editor and staff was to include as much of the "wealth of the history" of the city in the short space available. South Jersey dates back to prehistoric times when this entire area was covered by the ocean. Millenniums later, the Indians arrived to form many villages and trails, Then the colonists established the first settlement on the Delaware River, and the growth and development began in earnest.

This book explores who we were; bringing together all the information, controversial facts, fiction, lore, and human interest that our young researchers could find. It takes a look at what our city is now, and points out what our citizens are doing to celebrate the Bicentennial of the Nation. And then, it peeks briefly into what might be in the days and years to come.

Local historians, artists, and specialists are featured throughout the book. Pictures and items familiar to many can be noted, but the reader will also find much new and exciting pictorial and informational material put together in one publication for the first time.

This publication will not only provide an impact on Gloucester City itself but also will be influential in historic research in the Delaware Valley.

Dr. John H. Corcoran
Chairman G.C.A.R.B.C.

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