Deptford Township, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Deptford Township, New Jersey
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Township
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Benjamin Clark House, built in 1769, in Deptford Township, January 2010
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| Nickname(s):
"First Flight in America"
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Location of Deptford Township in Gloucester County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Gloucester County in New Jersey highlighted in red (left).
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Census Bureau map of Deptford Township, New Jersey
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 Deptford Township, New Jersey
Location in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Deptford Township, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Deptford Township, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  New Jersey |
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| County |  Gloucester |
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| Formed | June 1, 1695 as Bethlehem | |
| Incorporated | February 21, 1798 | |
| Named for | Deptford, England | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Faulkner Act Council-Manager | |
| • Body | Township Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 17.57 sq mi (45.50 km2) | |
| • Land | 17.33 sq mi (44.89 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.24 sq mi (0.61 km2) 1.35% | |
| Area rank | 163rd of 565 in state 9th of 24 in county |
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| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 31,977 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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32,313 | |
| • Rank | 72nd of 565 in state 3rd of 24 in county |
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| • Density | 1,845.1/sq mi (712.4/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 305th of 565 in state 11th of 24 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Codes |
08096
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| Area code | 856 | |
| FIPS code | 3401517710 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0882149 | |
Deptford Township (pronounced DEP-ford) is a community in Gloucester County, New Jersey. It's known as a "township," which is a type of local government in New Jersey. In 2020, about 31,977 people lived here. This was a small increase from 2010.
Deptford Township was first created on June 1, 1695, and was called Bethlehem back then. It officially became a township on February 21, 1798. Over the years, parts of Deptford Township were used to create other nearby towns like Washington Township and Woodbury.
Deptford is a suburb located southeast of Philadelphia. It's about 10 miles (16 km) from Philadelphia and 50 miles (80 km) from Atlantic City. The township was named after Deptford, an area in London, England. It's part of the South Jersey region.
Contents
History of Deptford Township
Early European Settlers
The first Europeans to explore this area were the Dutch, led by Cornelius Jacobsen May. After them, settlers from Sweden and Finland arrived. Eventually, the region became part of the British colonies. Deptford Township was formed in 1695. It was much larger back then, covering about 106 square miles (275 km2). This area included what are now several other towns.
First Hot Air Balloon Landing
Deptford Township is famous for a special event in history. In 1793, Jean-Pierre Blanchard completed the first hot air balloon flight in North America. He flew all the way from Philadelphia and landed in Deptford. His landing spot was near an old oak tree called the Clement Oak. This tree is thought to be over 400 years old!
During his flight, Blanchard carried a letter from George Washington. This letter was to be given to the owner of the land where he landed. This made his flight the first airmail delivery in the United States.
Recent Weather Events
On September 1, 2021, Deptford Township was hit by a strong tornado. This tornado had winds up to 150 miles per hour (240 km/h). It was caused by the leftover storms from Hurricane Ida. More than 100 homes in the township were damaged by this powerful storm.
Where is Deptford Township Located?
Deptford Township covers about 17.57 square miles (45.50 km2). Most of this is land, with a small amount of water. It shares borders with several other towns in Gloucester County. These include Mantua Township and Washington Township. It also borders towns in Camden County, like Bellmawr.
Communities Within Deptford
Deptford Township includes several smaller communities. One of these is Oak Valley. Other communities are Almonesson, Blackwood Terrace, and Good Intent. These are all part of the larger Deptford Township.
How Many People Live in Deptford?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1800 | 2,510 | — | |
| 1810 | 2,978 | 18.6% | |
| 1820 | 3,281 | 10.2% | |
| 1830 | 3,599 | 9.7% | |
| 1840 | 2,570 | * | −28.6% |
| 1850 | 3,355 | 30.5% | |
| 1860 | 4,213 | * | 25.6% |
| 1870 | 2,698 | −36.0% | |
| 1880 | 1,520 | * | −43.7% |
| 1890 | 1,681 | * | 10.6% |
| 1900 | 2,114 | 25.8% | |
| 1910 | 2,524 | 19.4% | |
| 1920 | 2,224 | * | −11.9% |
| 1930 | 4,507 | 102.7% | |
| 1940 | 4,738 | 5.1% | |
| 1950 | 7,304 | 54.2% | |
| 1960 | 17,878 | 144.8% | |
| 1970 | 24,232 | 35.5% | |
| 1980 | 23,473 | −3.1% | |
| 1990 | 24,137 | 2.8% | |
| 2000 | 26,763 | 10.9% | |
| 2010 | 30,561 | 14.2% | |
| 2020 | 31,977 | 4.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 32,313 | 5.7% | |
| Population sources: 1800–2000 1800–1920 1840 1850–1870 1850 1870 1880–1890 1890–1910 1910–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020 * = Lost territory in previous decade. |
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In 2020, Deptford Township had a population of 31,977 people. This means it's one of the larger towns in Gloucester County. The population has grown steadily over the years.
Economy and Shopping
Deptford Township is home to the Deptford Mall. This is the biggest mall in the South Jersey area. It has many stores, restaurants, and even a movie theater. The mall is a major shopping destination for people living nearby.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Deptford Township offers a great place for outdoor activities.
Tall Pines State Preserve
Tall Pines State Preserve is a large nature area. It covers 111 acres (45 hectares) and is Gloucester County's first state park. It opened in 2015. This land used to be a forest, then a farm field, and even a golf course. Now, it's a protected natural space where people can enjoy nature.
Education in Deptford
Public Schools
Students in Deptford Township attend schools in the Deptford Township Schools district. This district has eight schools for students from pre-kindergarten all the way through high school. In the 2020-21 school year, about 3,942 students were enrolled.
The schools include:
- Central Early Childhood Center (Pre-K–1)
- Pine Acres Early Childhood Center (Pre-K–1)
- Good Intent School (Grades 2–6)
- Lake Tract School (Grades 2–6)
- Oak Valley School (Grades 2–6)
- Shady Lane School (Grades 2–6)
- Monongahela Middle School (Grades 7–8)
- Deptford Township High School (Grades 9–12)
There is also the Deptford Transitional Learning Academy. This school helps students aged 14 to 21 with special needs learn important life and job skills.
Vocational High School
Students in Gloucester County can also apply to attend Gloucester County Institute of Technology. This high school is located in Deptford Township. It offers special technical and vocational training. Students do not have to pay tuition to attend this public school.
Higher Education
Rowan College of South Jersey has a campus in Deptford Township. It first opened in 1968 as Gloucester County College.
Getting Around Deptford
_from_the_overpass_for_Gloucester_County_Route_534_(Cooper_Street)_in_Deptford_Township,_Gloucester_County,_New_Jersey.jpg)
Deptford Township has many roads and highways that help people travel.
Major Roads
Several important roads pass through Deptford Township. These include Route 41, Route 42, Route 45, Route 47, and Route 55. The New Jersey Turnpike also goes through the area. A small part of Interstate 295 is also in the township.
Public Transportation
NJ Transit offers bus services from Deptford Township to Philadelphia. There are also local bus routes that help people get around the township.
Famous People from Deptford Township
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Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Deptford Township. Some of them include:
- Enrico Di Giuseppe (1932–2005), a famous opera singer.
- Evan Edinger (born 1990), a popular YouTuber.
- Joe Fields (born 1953), a former professional American football player for the New York Jets and New York Giants.
- Isaac Hopper (1771–1852), an important abolitionist who helped start the Underground Railroad.
- Katrina Law (born circa 1985), an actress.
- Patti Smith (born 1946), a well-known punk rock singer, songwriter, and poet.
- Shaun T (born 1978), a motivational speaker and fitness trainer known for his workout programs.
- Mel Sheppard (1883–1942), an Olympic athlete who won four gold medals.
- Crystal Waters (born 1961), a singer and songwriter known for house and dance music.
