Haddonfield, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Haddonfield, New Jersey
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Borough
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Downtown Haddonfield in March 2005
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Location of Haddonfield in Camden County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Camden County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (left).
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Census Bureau map of Haddonfield, New Jersey
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 Haddonfield, New Jersey
Location in Camden County, New Jersey
Haddonfield, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Haddonfield, 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 | Camden | |
| Incorporated | April 6, 1875 | |
| Named for | Elizabeth Haddon | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Walsh Act | |
| • Body | Board of Commissioners | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.84 sq mi (7.36 km2) | |
| • Land | 2.80 sq mi (7.24 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.12 km2) 1.58% | |
| Area rank | 350th of 565 in state 13th of 37 in county |
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| Elevation | 75 ft (23 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 12,550 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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12,571 | |
| • Rank | 204th of 565 in state 10th of 37 in county |
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| • Density | 4,488.6/sq mi (1,733.1/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 133rd of 565 in state 13th of 37 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
08033
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| Area code(s) | 856 | |
| FIPS code | 3400728770 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0885238 | |
Haddonfield is a small town called a borough in Camden County, New Jersey. In 2020, about 12,550 people lived there. This was an increase from 11,593 people in 2010.
Haddonfield became its own town on April 6, 1875. It was named after Elizabeth Haddon, an early settler.
Contents
Haddonfield's History
Early Days and Native Americans
The Lenape people lived in the Haddonfield area long ago. They were a Native American tribe. You can still find arrowheads and pottery pieces near the Cooper River. A special monument in town honors their connection to the land.
First European Settlers
In 1682, Francis Collins, a Quaker from England, was the first European to settle here. He built a house called "Mountwell." Later, Elizabeth Haddon (1680–1762) helped develop the town. Her father, John Haddon, bought land in West Jersey to escape religious problems. Elizabeth traveled alone from England in 1701. She married John Estaugh, a Quaker minister, in 1702. The town was named after her father, John Haddon, even though he never came to America.
Role in the American Revolution
The Indian King Tavern, built in 1750, was very important during the American Revolutionary War. The New Jersey Legislature met there to avoid British soldiers. In 1777, they declared New Jersey an independent state. Today, the tavern is a historical site and museum. Since 1873, Haddonfield has been a "dry town," meaning alcohol cannot be sold there. However, it can be made and distributed.
Dinosaur Discovery in Haddonfield
Haddonfield is famous for a big dinosaur discovery. In 1838, William Estaugh Hopkins found large bones while digging. These bones interested William Foulke. In 1858, Foulke dug up the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton in North America. It was named Hadrosaurus foulkii. The skeleton was put together in 1868 and is still at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences.
A 17-foot-long bronze statue of "Haddy" stands in the town center. "Haddy" is the nickname for the Hadrosaurus. In 1991, the Hadrosaurus was officially named the state dinosaur of New Jersey.
Haddonfield's Growth
In 1875, Haddonfield became the first community to separate from Haddon Township. It became its own self-governing borough. Haddonfield is known for its old homes, cute shops, and many lawyers. Over 390 lawyers have offices in the town.
Haddon Fire Company No. 1 is the second oldest volunteer fire company in the United States. It started on March 8, 1764. Members had to bring leather buckets, and the company provided ladders and fire hooks.
In 1971, Haddonfield was one of the first towns in New Jersey to create a historic preservation district. This helps keep the town looking old and charming.
Haddonfield's Geography
Haddonfield covers about 2.84 square miles (7.36 square kilometers). Most of this is land, with a small amount of water.
The Cooper River forms the border between Haddonfield and Cherry Hill. Haddonfield also shares borders with other towns like Audubon and Haddon Township.
Bodies of Water
- Hopkins Pond: This pond covers 33 acres. It was created in 1789 to power a mill.
- Driscoll Pond: This pond is located below Hopkins Pond and is part of the same park.
- Evans Pond: This pond is in Wallworth Park. It used to be deep enough for small boats.
- Wallworth Lake: This lake is also in Wallworth Park, below Evans Pond.
People in Haddonfield
In 2010, Haddonfield had 11,593 people living there. Most residents were White (95.23%). About 27.7% of the population was under 18 years old. The average age was 42.9 years.
Places to Visit
Indian King Tavern
The Indian King Tavern is a very important historical building. In 1777, the New Jersey General Assembly met here. They officially declared New Jersey an independent state. Today, it is a State Historic Site and a museum. You can take guided tours to learn about its history.
Hadrosaurus Statue
On Kings Highway, Haddonfield's main street, you'll find a statue of a Hadrosaurus. This dinosaur was discovered in Haddonfield. The statue was put up in 2003. It's a main landmark and a kind of mascot for the town.
Parks and Fun Activities
Haddonfield has several parks for everyone to enjoy.
County Parks
- Hopkins Pond: This park includes both Hopkins Pond and Driscoll Pond.
- Pennypacker Park: This park is home to the Hadrosaurus Foulkii Leidy Site and is close to the Cooper River.
- Wallworth Park: Here you'll find Evans Pond and Wallworth Pond. These ponds are actually parts of the Cooper River.
Other Parks
- The Crows Woods Complex: This area has community gardens, fields for public use, and a hiking trail.
- Mountwell Park: This park has a small playground, a baseball field, and wooded areas.
Haddonfield's Government
Haddonfield is run by a group of three commissioners. They are elected every four years. After they are elected, they choose a Mayor from among themselves. The current Mayor is Dave Siedell.
Borough Hall
Borough Hall is where Haddonfield's government offices are located. It was built in 1928. It has offices for taxes, construction, and the municipal court. There's also a police department, a courtroom, and an auditorium.
Inside the auditorium, you can see paintings of men who signed the United States Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. These include Abraham Clark and Richard Stockton.
The Board of Commissioners holds meetings twice a month in the Borough Hall auditorium. These meetings are usually on Mondays.
Fire Department
Haddonfield is home to Haddon Fire Co. No. 1. This is the second-oldest fire department in the United States that has been working continuously since 1764.
Schools in Haddonfield
Public Schools
The Haddonfield Public Schools district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Students from Tavistock also attend these schools. The district has five schools:
- Central Elementary School (PreK-5)
- Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School (PreK-5)
- J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School (PreK-5)
- Haddonfield Middle School (6-8)
- Haddonfield Memorial High School (9-12)
Several Haddonfield schools have won the National Blue Ribbon School award. This is a very high honor for American schools. J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School received this award in 2023. Elizabeth Haddon School won it in 2015, and Haddonfield Memorial High School won it in 2004-05.
Private Schools
- Haddonfield Friends School: This Quaker school has been around since 1786. It teaches students from Pre-K through eighth grade.
- Christ the King Regional School: This school was founded in 1940. It serves students from Pre-K3 through eighth grade.
- The Beechwood School: This private preschool started in 1951. It teaches children aged 2.5 to 6 years old.
Fun Events in Haddonfield
Haddonfield hosts many special events throughout the year.
- There's a community sidewalk sale in the summer.
- A fall festival takes place in October. You can find booths from local groups and make scarecrows.
- A weekly farmers' market is held on Saturdays from May to November.
- The Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival brings many vendors to the main street.
- A yearly car show happens on the second Saturday of September.
- You can also enjoy historic house tours.
Revolutionary War Skirmish
Every June, the Haddonfield Historical Society hosts an annual skirmish. People dress up as British "redcoats" and American "militia men." They act out a battle that happened when the British were retreating from the Battle of Red Bank. This event also includes colonial dancing and character reenactors.
Getting Around Haddonfield
Haddonfield is a very walkable town. Most streets have sidewalks. You can walk from almost any point in town to another. The speed limit on all streets is 25 miles per hour.
Roads and Highways
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Route 41 (Kings Highway) goes through the center of Haddonfield. Interstate 295 is nearby. The New Jersey Turnpike also crosses through the borough briefly.
Public Transportation
The PATCO Speedline train has a Haddonfield station. This links Haddonfield to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It also connects to Lindenwold, New Jersey, where you can transfer to other trains and buses.
NJ Transit provides local bus service. Routes 451, 455, and 457 all stop at the PATCO station.
Famous People from Haddonfield
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Haddonfield. Here are a few:
- John Adler (1959–2011), a politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Graham Alexander (born 1989), a singer-songwriter known for Broadway shows.
- Brian Boucher (born 1977), an NHL hockey goalie.
- Sam Bradford (born 1987), a former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner.
- William T. Cahill (1912–1996), a former Governor of New Jersey.
- Joanna Cassidy (born 1945), an actress.
- Bobby Clarke (born 1949), a famous former hockey player for the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Edward Drinker Cope (1840–1897), a paleontologist who studied fossils.
- Alfred E. Driscoll (1902–1975), another former Governor of New Jersey.
- Rawly Eastwick (born 1950), a former MLB baseball pitcher.
- Nick Foles (born 1989), an NFL quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Dan Gutman (born 1955), a well-known author.
- Bryce Harper (born 1992), an MLB first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Debra Hill (1950–2005), a co-writer and producer of the movie Halloween.
- Joel McHale (born 1971), a comedian and actor from the TV show Community.
- Steven Spielberg (born 1946), a famous film director, lived nearby as a child.
- Kimmo Timonen (born 1975), an NHL defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers.
See also
In Spanish: Haddonfield para niños
