Woodbury

What secrets lie hidden beneath the surface of a city as seemingly quiet as Woodbury? Don’t let the tranquil facade fool you. Woodbury, New Jersey, is a town steeped in history, a place where the echoes of the past whisper through the streets. This unassuming city, you see, is one of the oldest “small cities” in the United States, with roots stretching back to 1683. In that year, a determined Quaker named Henry Wood arrived on these shores, seeking refuge from religious persecution in England. He named his newfound home Woodbury after his birthplace of Bury, England. The spirit of resilience that Henry Wood embodied continued to shape Woodbury’s destiny. During the tumultuous days of the American Revolution, Woodbury played a pivotal role. It was here that the infamous British General Lord Cornwallis, who would later surrender at Yorktown, established his headquarters during the fight for Philadelphia. But perhaps the most extraordinary chapter in Woodbury’s story unfolded not on a battlefield but in the realm of civic innovation. This small city earned the distinction of being the first in the United States to mandate recycling. Woodbury’s commitment to sustainability began humbly in the 1970s, spearheaded by a visionary councilman named Donald P. Sanderson. His seemingly simple idea of attaching a recycling trailer to trash collection vehicles sparked a nationwide movement, forever changing how we approach waste management. Today, as you stroll through Woodbury’s charming streets, take a moment to appreciate the weight of history beneath your feet. It’s a legacy etched in the heart of a city that dared to be different.