Townsends Inlet facts for kids

Townsends Inlet is a narrow strip of water, like a natural channel, found in Cape May County, New Jersey. It connects a body of water called Townsend Sound with the big, open Atlantic Ocean.

What is Townsends Inlet?

Townsends Inlet is a natural waterway that acts as a link between different parts of the ocean and sounds. It helps water flow between the Atlantic Ocean and the calmer Townsend Sound. This inlet is located in the southern part of New Jersey.

Where is Townsends Inlet?

This important inlet sits between two islands: Seven Mile Island and Ludlam Island. Think of it as a watery path separating these land masses. The inlet also continues inland as something called Townsend Channel. This channel helps connect Townsend Sound all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Other smaller waterways also connect to Townsends Inlet. For example, Ingram Thorofare links it to Great Sound. Other channels like North Channel, South Channel, and Middle Thorofare connect to Stites Sound. These are all part of a network of water paths in the area.

In the past, around 1878, people described Townsends Inlet as being less than half a mile wide. It was also noted to be about four feet deep. This depth allowed water from Townsend's and Stite's Sounds to flow out into the ocean.

History of Townsends Inlet

Townsends Inlet has been known by different names over time. On old maps from around the year 1700, it was called Denises Inlet. However, by 1749, a map published by Lewis Evans showed it with its current name, Townsends Inlet.

Later, around 1940, a special bridge was built across Townsends Inlet. This bridge was a toll bridge, meaning you had to pay to cross it. It connected the towns of Avalon and Sea Isle City. By 2018, the bridge needed a lot of repair work. It was closed for a while and was expected to open again in July 2019 after the repairs were finished.