Maurice River Township, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maurice River Township, New Jersey
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Township
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| Nickname(s):
MRT
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Location of Maurice River Township in Cumberland County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Cumberland County in New Jersey highlighted in red (left).
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Census Bureau map of Maurice River Township, New Jersey
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 Maurice River Township, New Jersey
Location in Cumberland County, New Jersey
Maurice River Township, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Maurice River 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 | Cumberland | |
| Formed | January 19, 1748 | |
| Incorporated | February 21, 1798 | |
| Named for | Maurice, Prince of Orange | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Township | |
| • Body | Township Committee | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 95.90 sq mi (248.38 km2) | |
| • Land | 93.17 sq mi (241.30 km2) | |
| • Water | 2.73 sq mi (7.08 km2) 2.85% | |
| Area rank | 6th of 565 in state 1st of 14 in county |
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| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,218 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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5,117 | |
| • Rank | 337th of 565 in state 5th of 14 in county |
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| • Density | 66.7/sq mi (25.8/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 550th of 565 in state 12th of 14 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
08327 – Leesburg
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| Area code(s) | 856 exchange: 785 | |
| FIPS code | 3401144580 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0882063 | |
| Website | ||
Maurice River Township is a township located in Cumberland County, New Jersey. It is the easternmost township in the county. For official purposes, it is part of the Vineland-Bridgeton area. It is also part of the larger Philadelphia metropolitan area.
In 2020, the township had a population of 6,218 people. This was a decrease from its population in 2010.
Maurice River Township was first created on January 19, 1748. It officially became a township on February 21, 1798. This made it one of New Jersey's first 104 townships. Part of the township was later used to form Millville in 1866. The township gets its name from Maurice, Prince of Orange.
For a long time, Maurice River Township was a "dry town." This meant that selling alcohol was not allowed. In 2018, the township committee changed this rule. This happened after local voters approved the change.
Contents
History of Maurice River Township
The Maurice River was originally called Wahatquenak by the local Lenni Lenape Native Americans. A local story says the river was named after a Dutch ship, the Prince Maurice. This ship was supposedly sunk by Native Americans in 1657.
John Worledge and Thomas Budd surveyed the land. They helped plan the community of Dorchester. The township itself was officially established in 1798.
Early Trade and Industries
Port Elizabeth became an official port for deliveries in 1789. People traded directly with the West Indies until the 1830s. After that, most trading was done with Philadelphia and New York City.
Dorchester and Leesburg were well-known for shipbuilding. The A.J. Meerwald, which is New Jersey's State Ship, was built in the shipyards of Dorchester.
The area around Heislerville was famous for its oystering industry. However, a disease called MSX severely damaged the oyster population around 1957. The oystering industry has not recovered since then.
Geography and Natural Features
Maurice River Township covers about 95.90 square miles (248.38 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a smaller part being water.
Communities within the Township
Many small communities and places are located in Maurice River Township. These include Bennetts Mill, Bricksboro, Cannon Range, Cumberland, Delmont, Dorchester, East Point, Fries Mill, Halberton, Hands Mill, Heislerville, Hesstown, Hoffmans Mill, Hunters Mill, Jones Mill, Leesburg, Manantico, Manumuskin, Menhaden, Moores Beach, Ormond, Port Elizabeth, Thompsons Beach, and Wall Pond. Parts of Belleplain and Milmay are also within the township.
The township government is located in Leesburg. Maurice River Township is mostly a rural area. Large parts of it are covered by forests that are part of the Pine Barrens.
Neighboring Towns and Counties
Maurice River Township shares borders with several other towns. In Cumberland County, it borders Commercial Township, Millville, and Vineland. In Atlantic County, it borders Buena Vista Township, Estell Manor, and Weymouth Township. It also borders Dennis Township and Upper Township in Cape May County.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1810 | 2,085 | — | |
| 1820 | 2,411 | 15.6% | |
| 1830 | 2,724 | 13.0% | |
| 1840 | 2,143 | −21.3% | |
| 1850 | 2,245 | 4.8% | |
| 1860 | 2,430 | 8.2% | |
| 1870 | 2,500 | * | 2.9% |
| 1880 | 2,374 | −5.0% | |
| 1890 | 2,279 | −4.0% | |
| 1900 | 2,132 | −6.5% | |
| 1910 | 2,124 | −0.4% | |
| 1920 | 2,016 | −5.1% | |
| 1930 | 2,319 | 15.0% | |
| 1940 | 2,261 | −2.5% | |
| 1950 | 2,834 | 25.3% | |
| 1960 | 3,105 | 9.6% | |
| 1970 | 3,743 | 20.5% | |
| 1980 | 4,577 | 22.3% | |
| 1990 | 6,648 | 45.2% | |
| 2000 | 6,928 | 4.2% | |
| 2010 | 7,976 | 15.1% | |
| 2020 | 6,218 | −22.0% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 5,117 | −35.8% | |
| Population sources:1810–2010 1810–1920 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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Population Changes Over Time
The population of Maurice River Township has changed over the years. In 2010, there were 7,976 people living there. By 2020, the population had decreased to 6,218.
Who Lives in Maurice River Township?
According to the 2010 United States census, there were 7,976 people in the township. Most residents were White (58.04%) or Black or African American (36.03%). About 11.52% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of residents was 38.1 years old. About 9.5% of the population was under 18. About 7.0% of residents were 65 years or older.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
In 1993, the Maurice River and its smaller streams were named the Maurice National Scenic and Recreational River. This special title helps protect its natural beauty.
The township has many forests and waterways. This allows people to enjoy outdoor activities all year. There are state wildlife refuges nearby. Locals often visit these areas for hunting, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, and boating.
Protecting the Maurice River Ecosystem
Many residents care about protecting the unique environment of the Maurice River area. A group called Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. was formed in 1979. This group works to educate people and organize efforts to preserve the river.
Education in Maurice River Township
The Maurice River Township School District serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. These students attend Maurice River Township Elementary School. In the 2022–23 school year, the school had 402 students.
In 2007–08, Maurice River Township Elementary School was recognized as a "School to Watch." This honor came from the New Jersey Department of Education.
High School Education
Students in ninth through twelfth grade attend high school in Millville. This is part of an agreement with the Millville Public Schools. Students from Commercial Township and Lawrence Township also attend high school there.
Starting in the 2022-23 school year, all high school students attend a newly expanded Millville Senior High School. This school is a large, modern facility.
Students can also choose to attend Cumberland County Technical Education Center in Vineland. This center offers technical training programs for students from across the county. These programs are free for county residents.
Transportation in Maurice River Township
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Maurice River Township is about an hour's drive from both Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
Major Roads and Highways
Several important roads pass through the township. These include Route 47, Route 49, and Route 55. Route 55 is a limited-access highway. Route 347 also goes through the area.
Additionally, County Routes 548, 550, and 552 are found in the township.
Public Transportation Options
NJ Transit provides bus service in the area. The 313 bus route connects Cape May to Philadelphia.
Notable People from Maurice River Township
Here are some people who have lived in or are connected to Maurice River Township:
- Merritt Gant (born 1971), a former guitarist for heavy metal bands.
- Mike Lafferty (born 1975), a champion in Enduro motorcycle racing.
- Andy Lapihuska (1922–1996), a former pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.
- Thomas Lee (1780–1856), who represented New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives.
