History:

Early settlers were attracted to the Township chiefly because of water resources available from the North Branch of Rancocas Creek.  The Township became a legal entity on March 10, 1846 and was comprised of land which belonged to other townships.  The Township's borders went through many changes from the time of its establishment through 1967, when more land was annexed from a neighboring borough.  Within its sixty five (65) square miles today may be found numerous smaller communities, among them Birmingham, Browns Mills, Magnolia, New Lisbon and Whitesbog.  The United States Army's Fort Dix, built during the First World War and rebuilt and expanded for use during the Second World War, lies within the Township's boundaries.  The Township's current population is estimated to be approximately 28, 691.

Located adjacent to the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the Township developed as a mill town.  During the mid-19th century, the Browns Mills section of the Township served as a luxury retreat for city dwellers who were attracted to the clean water of its streams, hailed for its medicinal purposes, and its healthy forest air.  At this time, residents began growing cranberries, a crop which prospered in marshy land near the Township's creek and streams.  Nineteenth century Township residents also took part in the production of charcoal, iron and glass.  The agricultural future of the Township was changed in the early 20th century when Elizabeth C. White of Whitesbog began field experiments which led to the area's first cultivation of wild berries.