Leeds Point, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leeds Point, New Jersey
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![]() Neighboring communities
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State | ![]() |
County | Atlantic |
Township | Galloway |
Area | |
• Total | 0.24 sq mi (0.63 km2) |
• Land | 0.24 sq mi (0.63 km2) |
• Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
Elevation | 49 ft (15 m) |
Population
(2020)
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• Total | 205 |
• Density | 847.11/sq mi (326.83/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
ZIP Code |
08220
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Area code(s) | 609/640 |
FIPS code | 34-39810 |
GNIS feature ID | 877726 |
Leeds Point (also known as Leeds) is a small, quiet community in New Jersey. It's located in Galloway Township, which is part of Atlantic County. This area is considered an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's a recognized area for gathering census data, but it doesn't have its own separate local government like a city or town.
Leeds Point sits on a piece of land that sticks out, called a promontory. This land is about 30 to 50 feet higher than the salt marsh (a type of wetland with salty water) on the south side of Great Bay. It's about 5.7 miles (9.2 km) northeast of Absecon. Leeds Point even has its own post office with ZIP Code 08220, which opened way back on December 18, 1827.
The Story Behind the Name
The community is named after the Leeds family. The first family member to come to America was Daniel Leeds. He was the Surveyor General of West Jersey around the early 1700s. He moved to New Jersey from the city of Leeds in England. Daniel Leeds claimed the land that is now Leeds Point. Some of his family members continued to live there for many years. His descendants also include his son Daniel Leeds and his grandson Titan Leeds. Titan Leeds became famous for publishing one of America's first almanacs in Philadelphia.
The Legend of the Jersey Devil
One of the most famous legends in New Jersey is about the Jersey Devil. According to one story, this mysterious creature was born right here in Leeds Point! The legend says that in 1735, a woman known as Mrs. Leeds had her thirteenth child. The story claims that she cursed the child, saying she wanted it to be the devil. Shortly after it was born, the child supposedly transformed into a demon.
How Many People Live Here?
As of the 2020 United States census, the population of Leeds Point was 205 people. It's a very small and close-knit community!