New Jersey is home to many mining and milling towns that died along with the prevalence of their industries in the Garden State. Most faded away, leaving behind hidden ruins or no trace at all. Some lived on however, preserved by historic, non-profit and government organizations. Perhaps one of the most famous is Batsto Village; this is its story.
Batsto Village is a historic community centered around the Batsto Iron Works.
Wikipedia/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The site along the Batsto River was ideal for an iron works for several reasons: there was water for mills, abundant wood for charcoal, and naturally occurring bog iron.
Wikipedia/Jeff Cushner
The well-preserved and lovingly restored village dates back to 1766.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
As the operation grew, so did the village. There were mills, cottages for workers and plenty more.
Flickr/Chris M. Morris
Over three dozen structures and buildings still remain, many from the early 1800s.
Wikipedia/Kevin Jarrett
In addition to the cottages for workers, sawmill and gristmill, you’ll find a general store, iron furnace, glass works, ice house, post office and mansion.
Wikipedia/Kevin Jarrett
Established in 1852, the post office is one of the oldest operating post offices in the United States. Closed for a time, it reopened in 1966. It was never assigned a zip code and all stamps are hand canceled.
Flickr/Paul.Comstock
The Batsto-Pleasant Mills Methodist Episcopal Church (built in 1808) is still active as a place of worship.
Image/Google Maps
Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the village…
Yelp/Jake E.
…And guided tours of the mansion. Currently, tours are being given Wednesday through Sunday at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. It is recommended that you call 609-561-0024 to confirm.
Wikipedia/Daniel D’Auria
The 32-room mansion dates back to the late 1700s but was renovated and restored by businessman Joseph Wharton a century later.
Wikipedia/Andrea T.
In fact, Wharton restored many of the buildings on the property. Prior to his purchasing the land in 1876, the community had gone bankrupt.
Flickr/Daniel D’Auria
By the mid 1800s, iron production declined and Batsto became a glassmaking community known for its window glass. Soon the glass business was also finished.
Wikipedia/Susan Spitz
When Joseph Wharton purchased the property, he primarily focused on forestry and agricultural endeavors.
Wikipedia/Mullica
After Joseph Wharton passed in 1909, the property was managed by a trust. The state of New Jersey began buying the land in the 1950s.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
The last residents of Batsto vacated the village in 1989. It is now open for the public to enjoy as part of Wharton State Forest.
Wikipedia/Dan Jeffrey
A very affordable day trip destination, surrounded by natural beauty, you can find Batsto Village at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton. It offers a small museum and gift shop along with a library and nature center. For the fascinating story behind another almost ghost town in New Jersey, click here.
Wikipedia/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Wikipedia/Jeff Cushner
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Flickr/Chris M. Morris
Wikipedia/Kevin Jarrett
Flickr/Paul.Comstock
Image/Google Maps
Yelp/Jake E.
Wikipedia/Daniel D’Auria
Wikipedia/Andrea T.
Flickr/Daniel D’Auria
Wikipedia/Susan Spitz
Wikipedia/Mullica
Wikipedia/Dan Jeffrey
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