Burlington, New Jersey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

See also: Burlington Township, New Jersey
Burlington
City of Burlington
The City of Burlington highlighted in Burlington County. Inset map: Burlington County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
The City of Burlington highlighted in Burlington County. Inset map: Burlington County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Burlington, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Burlington, New Jersey
Coordinates: 40°04′42″N 74°51′09″W / 40.07833, -74.8525
Country United States
State New Jersey
County Burlington
Formed October 24, 1693
Royal Charter May 7, 1733
Incorporated December 21, 1784
Government
 - Type Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)
 - Mayor Dr. James Fazzone (2011)
 - Administrator Eric Berry[1]
Area
 - Total 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km²)
 - Land 3.0 sq mi (7.8 km²)
 - Water 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²)
Elevation [2] 13 ft (4 m)
Population (2006)[3]
 - Total 9,715
 - Density 3,245.1/sq mi (1,252.9/km²)
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code 08016
Area code(s) 609
FIPS code 34-08920[4]
GNIS feature ID 0885174[5]
Website: http://www.burlingtonnj.us

Burlington is a city in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States and a suburb of Philadelphia. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city population was 9,736.

Burlington was first incorporated on October 24, 1693, and was reincorporated by Royal Charter on May 7, 1733. After American independence, the city was incorporated by the State of New Jersey on December 21, 1784. On March 14, 1851, the city was reincorporated and enlarged.[6]

Contents

[edit] History

The council of West Jersey Proprietors purchased roughly thirty miles of riverfront land in 1676 from the Lenape Native Americans. Burlington was founded on part of that land by settlers (primarily Quakers) in 1677, and served as the capital of the province of West Jersey until 1702.

Burlington takes its name (including the county name) from the English east-coast town of Bridlington, of which, Burlington was a district but is now amalgamated into the larger Bridlington town.

The Quakers formally established their congregation in 1678. Initially, they met in private homes and between 1683 and 1687, Francis Collings constructed a hexagonal meeting house of brick. Over the next century the membership grew substantially and a larger building was needed. The present meeting house on High Street was built in 1783 in front of the old meeting house and cemetery. The cemetery predated the first building. A tablet commemorates the fact that of the Indian leader King Ockanickon, a loyal friend of the English settlers, was buried here in 1681. The oldest gravestone is inscribed "D.B. 1726." Many notable Quakers are also buried here.[7]

One of the oldest buildings in Burlington is known as the Revell House. Originally built in 1685 for George Hutchinson, it stood on East Pearl Street. The property was soon purchased by Thomas Revell, one of the original European settlers. Local tradition associates this house with young Benjamin Franklin who received gingerbread as he was en route from Boston to Philadelphia.[8] In the early 19th century the house was purchased by the Annis Stockton Chapter of the DAR to become their clubhouse. The Colonial Burlington Foundation acquired and restored it in the 1950s.[7]

[edit] 18th Century

Many institutions established in the 18th century continue to function in the 21st century. After the Quakers, the second oldest religious congregation in Burlington were the Episcopalians. Their original church, Old St. Mary's, remains the oldest church in Burlington and New Jersey. The congregation was founded in 1702 by George Keith and John Talbot. Talbot became the first minister and laid the cornerstone for the church in 1702. He served as the church's rector until 1725. The congregation prospered, and the church became the see of the Anglican bishops of New Jersey. In 1846, under the leadership of Bishop and Rector George Washington Doane, construction was begun on New St. Mary's. This early Gothic Revival church was designed by Richard Upjohn, who also designed Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City.[9]

The Library Company of Burlington was organized in 1757 as a "free" library open to the public as well as members. There were sixty members of the original Library Company each paying ten shillings per year to support the institution. The Library received a Charter from King George II of Great Britain in 1758. The Library's books were kept in members' homes for a few years--Thomas Rodman's at 446 South High Street and after 1767--Robert Smith's at 218 High Street. In 1789 the Library moved to its own building.[7] The Library is currently in a stone building that was built on West Union Street in 1864. The Burlington Library is the oldest continuously operating library in New Jersey.

The Endeavor Fire Company was organized in 1795 and was one of the four companies in the Burlington Fire Department when it was organized almost a century later. Endeavor was the first permanent fire fighting organization in Burlington and remains one of the oldest fire companies under its original name in the state.[10] By 1882, the Company had relocated to their present building, which was erected in 1852 as a Market House.

Burlington has been the home of many notable people including John Lawrence, a politician and his son, Captain James Lawrence. The elder Lawrence served in the State Assembly, as Mayor in 1769, and as a member of the Provincial Council from 1771 to 1775. Unfortunately, he was suspected of being loyal to the British during the Revolution, which ended his career. His son was born on October 1, 1781 and became a legend during the war of 1812 with the command "Don't Give Up the Ship."[11]

[edit] 19th Century

The building at 301 High Street houses is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in New Jersey. It originally was a dwelling and was converted to commercial use around 1845 by William Allinson, a druggist, local historian, and leading Quaker abolitionist. The building was a center of anti-slavery activity. John Greenleaf Whittier denounced slavery from the doorstep and local tradition holds that fugitive slaves hid in tunnels under the building.[7]

During the 19th century, Burlington City was known for the quality and quantity of its manufacturing. The shoe industry rivaled shipbuilding and canning in prominence.[7] The 1850 Federal Census indicates that the largest number of men were employed in the shoe industry followed closely by carpentry and bricklaying. J. Frank Budd got his start in the shoe business at a Burlington shoe company just after the Civil War. In 1887, J.F. Budd broke ground for a children's "shoeworks" at the corner of Penn and Dilwyn Streets. The company employed approximately 325 people and operated six days a week for ten hours a day. The J.F. Budd Baby Shoe Company billed itself as the "largest baby shoe plant in the world."[10]

The commercial activity helped sponsor the City's cultural activity. In 1839, a Lyceum was erected as a venue for lectures, concerts, and public meetings. It served in that capacity until 1851 when it was turned over to the city to become City Hall. A new facade was built. The municipal offices' move was concurrent with the adoption of a new City charter.[10] The Oneida Boat Club was organized in 1873 by a group of 10 members. Over the next few years, the club grew rapidly and in 1876, they dedicated their newly-built clubhouse on the banks of the Delaware River at York Street. The Oneida is the oldest continuously operating boat club on the Delaware River.[7] During this century, the City of Burlington grew in a grid pattern off of the main crossroads of High and Broad Streets. Blocks of attached rowhouses built in the latest architectural style characterize the City as a 19th century town.

[edit] 20th Century

Burlington's waterfront park is the result of urban renewal and flood control projects in the late 1960s and 1970s. The shoreline improvements -- revetments, walkways, etc. -- span the entire Delaware riverfront from the Burlington-Bristol Bridge to the Assiscunk Creek. The old waterfront industries, ferry terminals and docks have all been demolished and replaced by an open, grassy park and a tree-lined waterfront esplanade.[7] The Oneida Clubhouse narrowly escaped demolition during the urban renewal campaign. Fortunately, it was saved and renovated. However, the new esplanade added land between the building and river's edge creating a landlocked Boat Clubhouse.

Burlington Coat Factory was founded in 1924 as a wholesaler of ladies coats and outerwear. The modern company was formed in 1972 when Monroe Milstein purchased a warehouse in the city of Burlington, and started selling coats and outerwear. The company started gradually adding apparel, including suits, shoes, and accessories, and has branched out to include baby items and linens, all clothing at discount prices.

[edit] Geography

Burlington is located at 40°4′23″N, 74°51′20″W (40.073110, -74.855693)[12]. It is surrounded on three sides by Burlington Township, New Jersey and on one side by the Delaware River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.7 square miles (9.6 km²), of which, 3.0 square miles (7.8 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.9 km²) of it (19.35%) is water.

Burlington borders Burlington Township and the Delaware River. The Burlington-Bristol Bridge crosses the Delaware River, connecting Burlington to Bristol, Pennsylvania.

[edit] Demographics

Historical populations
Census Pop.  %±
1930 10,844
—
1940 10,905 0.6%
1950 12,051 10.5%
1960 12,687 5.3%
1970 12,010 −5.3%
1980 10,246 −14.7%
1990 9,835 −4%
2000 9,736 −1%
Est. 2006 9,715 [3] −0.2%
Population 1930 - 1990[13]

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 9,736 people, 3,898 households, and 2,522 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,245.1 people per square mile (1,253.0/km²). There were 4,181 housing units at an average density of 1,393.6/sq mi (538.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.18% White, 26.62% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.28% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.29% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.41% of the population.

There were 3,898 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,115, and the median income for a family was $47,969. Males had a median income of $38,012 versus $28,022 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,208. About 5.4% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Government

[edit] Local government

The City of Burlington is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system of municipal government.[14] The Mayor serves a four-year term of office. The Common Council consists of seven members, each serving four-year terms of office: three at-large Councilpersons representing the entire City and one representing each of the four voting wards.

The Mayor of Burlington City is Dr. James Fazzone, whose term of office ends December 31, 2011.[15] Members of the City Council are:[16]

[edit] Federal, state and county representation

Burlington is in the Fourth Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 7th Legislative District.[17]

New Jersey's Fourth Congressional District, covering portions of Burlington County, Mercer County, Monmouth County and Ocean County, is represented by Christopher Smith (R). New Jersey is represented in the Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).

For the 2008-2009 Legislative Session, the 7th district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Diane Allen (R, Edgewater Park Township) and in the Assembly by Herb Conaway (D, Delanco Township) and Jack Conners (D, Pennsauken Township).[18] The Governor of New Jersey is Jon Corzine (D, Hoboken).[19]

Burlington County is governed by a five-member Board of Chosen Freeholders, elected at-large to three-year terms on a staggered basis. As of 2008, Burlington County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director James K. Wujcik (Cinnaminson Township, 2009), Deputy Director Joseph B. Donnelly (Cinnaminson Township, 2010), Dawn Marie Addiego (Evesham Township, 2008), Aubrey A. Fenton (Willingboro Township, 2008) and William S. Haines, Jr. (Medford Township, 2009).[20]

[edit] Education

The City of Burlington Public School District serves students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade. The district is one of 31 Abbott Districts statewide.[21] The schools in the district (with 2005-06 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[22]) are three elementary schools — Elias Boudinot Elementary School (K - 3; 121 students), Captain James Lawrence Elementary School (K - 3; 232) and Samuel Smith Elementary School (PreK - 3; 366) — Wilbur Watts Intermediate School (grades 4 - 6; 311), Burlington City Junior School (grades 7 and 8) and Burlington City High School (Grades 9 - 12; 830).

For grades 9-12, public school students from Edgewater Park attend the district's high school as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Edgewater Park School District.[23]

St. Mary's Hall-Doane Academy, a co-educational, Episcopal college-preparatory school, was founded as St. Mary's Hall, a boarding school for girls, by George Washington Doane in 1837. The name was shortened to Doane Academy in March 2008.[citation needed]

[edit] Transportation

The River Line offers service to Camden and Trenton Rail Station, with stations at Burlington South and Burlington Towne Centre, both on West Broad Street.

New Jersey Transit provides service to Philadelphia on the 409, 413 and 419 bus routes.[24]

Burlington is served by Interstate 95, Interstate 295, as well as U.S. Route 130 and Route 413.

The Burlington-Bristol Bridge crosses the Delaware River connecting Burlington to Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. Construction of the bridge started on April 1, 1930, and the bridge opened to traffic on May 1, 1931. The bridge carries NJ 413 and Pennsylvania Route 413.

[edit] Points of interest

[edit] Notable residents

[edit] References

  1. ^ BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR, City of Burlington. Accessed May 11, 2008.
  2. ^ USGS GNIS: City of Burlington, Geographic Names Information System, accessed January 4, 2008.
  3. ^ a b Census data for Burlington city, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 15, 2007.
  4. ^ a b American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  5. ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  6. ^ "The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 94.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Intensive Level Architectural Survey of Burlington City, McCabe & Associates, 2002
  8. ^ Historic Burlington Tour [1]
  9. ^ Saint Mary's Church website [2]
  10. ^ a b c Shermerhorn, William. The History of Burlington, New Jersey (Burlington, NJ: Press of Enterprise Publishing Co., 1927)
  11. ^ Burlington County Historical Society [3]
  12. ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  13. ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network. Accessed March 1, 2007.
  14. ^ 2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 38.
  15. ^ http://www.burlingtonnj.us/Mayor.html Mayor Dr. James Fazzone], City of Burlington. Accessed May 11, 2008.
  16. ^ City of Burlington Common Council, City of Burlington. Accessed April 7, 2008.
  17. ^ 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 55. Accessed August 30, 2006.
  18. ^ Legislative Roster: 2008-2009 Session, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed June 6, 2008.
  19. ^ About the Governor, New Jersey. Accessed June 6, 2008.
  20. ^ The Burlington County Board Of Chosen Freeholders, Burlington County, New Jersey. Accessed January 30, 2008.
  21. ^ Abbott Districts, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed March 31, 2008.
  22. ^ Data for the City of Burlington Public School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 7, 2008.
  23. ^ Burlington City High School 2007 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 7, 2008. "BCHS has served as the receiving district for the Edgewater Park School District, which includes students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, for many years."
  24. ^ Burlington County Bus/Rail Connections, New Jersey Transit. Accessed July 15, 2007.
  25. ^ Elias Boudinot, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 27, 2007.
  26. ^ Strauss, Robert. "Driving Through the Heart of a State", The New York Times, January 2, 2000. Accessed December 6, 2007. "James Fenimore Cooper, too, has his own eponymous service area in Mount Laurel, near where he was born in Burlington, but he spent only a few years of his childhood there before migrating to New York State, the scene of much of his writing."
  27. ^ George Middleton, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 18, 2007.
  28. ^ John Howard Pugh, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 27, 2007.
  29. ^ William Rockhill, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed September 15, 2007.

[edit] Sources

  • Shea, Martha Esposito and Mathis, Mike. "Images of America: Burlington" Arcadia Publishing (2001). ISBN:0738509167

[edit] External links

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Municipalities and communities of
Burlington County, New Jersey
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