Once upon a time West Deptford Township was born. West Deptford Township is a township in Gloucester County. It sits in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Are you ready to explore its story?
West Deptford Township formed on March 1, 1871. It was created by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. The land came from portions of Deptford Township. Later, parts of West Deptford were used to create other boroughs. National Park became a borough on April 15, 1902. Westville followed on April 7, 1914. In May 1907, Woodbury annexed some of West Deptford Township too.
West Deptford Township got its name from Deptford. That is an area of London on the River Thames. The township is in the South Jersey region.
Ladd’s Castle enriches the history of West Deptford Township. It is also known as Candor Hall. This historic building stands in the Colonial Manor section. It is the oldest brick home in Gloucester County. John Ladd built it around 1688. He was a surveyor. He helped William Penn plan Philadelphia’s layout. Ladd’s Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
West Deptford Township covers 17.81 square miles. That is 46.12 square kilometers. Land makes up 15.36 square miles. Water covers 2.45 square miles or 13.77% of the area.
Several communities lie within West Deptford Township. These include Colonial Manor and Eagle Point. Also Greenfields Village and Hoffman Wharf. You can find League Island and Leonards. North Woodbury and Ogens are here too. Paradise and Parkville add to the area. Pierces Corner and Red Bank are part of it. Tatens and Thorofare are also included. Finally, Verga and Washington Park complete the list.
West Deptford Township shares borders with several municipalities. These include Deptford Township and East Greenwich Township. Also Mantua Township and National Park. Paulsboro and Westville are neighbors too. Woodbury and Woodbury Heights are nearby. Across the Delaware River lie Philadelphia and Tinicum Township in Pennsylvania.
In 2020, the population of West Deptford Township was 22,197. This was an increase of 520 people from 2010. The 2010 census counted 21,677 residents. That was up by 2,309 from the 19,368 counted in 2000.
West Deptford hosts the Senior Little League Baseball Eastern Regional Tournament. The winner goes to the Senior League World Series. That is held annually in Bangor, Maine since 2002.
Many notable people have lived in West Deptford Township. Dan Baker is a sports announcer. He works for the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Dennis Coralluzzo promoted professional wrestling. Martin A. Herman was a politician and judge. Jeremy Maclin played professional football. Anthony Scirrotto also played in the NFL. Stephen Sweeney was a New Jersey Senate president. Elaine Van Blunk is a long-distance runner. Dajuan Wagner played in the NBA.
West Deptford Township is a strategic place. It is great for new growth and opportunity. The community sits on the Delaware River. It is home to many thriving businesses. With access to I-295 and a skilled labor pool, West Deptford has a promising future.