Springtown, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Springtown, New Jersey
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The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Springtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
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 Springtown, New Jersey
Location in Cumberland County, New Jersey
Springtown, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Springtown, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Cumberland |
| Township | Greenwich |
| Elevation | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 880822 |
Springtown is a small, historic community in Greenwich Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey. It is not a separate town with its own government, but rather a part of the larger township.
Springtown is located about 6 kilometers (or 4 miles) west of a city called Bridgeton, New Jersey.
Both Springtown and a nearby community named Othello were started by African Americans shortly after the American Revolution.
Contents
Springtown's History
A New Home for Freedom
In 1786, a special law was passed. This law allowed a group called the Quakers in Greenwich Township to sell land. They sold this land to "free negroes," which meant African Americans who were not enslaved. Many African Americans moved to Springtown because of this.
A Center for Change
Springtown quickly became an important place for the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery. Springtown was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North.
The Underground Railroad Connection
From 1849 to 1853, a famous conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, often visited Springtown. Five out of the seven "station masters" in Cumberland County lived in Springtown. These station masters were people who helped hide and guide freedom seekers.
A Safe Haven Church
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Springtown played a big role. It offered a safe place for enslaved people who were traveling north. These travelers were often coming from Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The church gave them shelter and support on their journey to freedom.
