Cumberland County’s history is rooted in coastal waterways, agricultural production, maritime trade, and a centuries-long tradition of glassmaking that helped define South Jersey’s economic identity.
Located along the Delaware Bay in southern New Jersey, Cumberland County developed through fishing ports, riverside towns, and rural farmland. Its industries formed around natural resources such as tidal marshes, clay deposits, sand, and woodlands.
The county retains a balance of small towns, preserved natural habitats, and working agricultural landscapes that have changed gradually rather than rapidly.
Table of Contents
Indigenous Communities and Early Settlement
Prior to European settlement, Lenape communities lived along the Maurice River, Cohansey River, and coastal marshlands, relying on fishing, shellfish harvesting, and seasonal land use patterns.
These waterways supported food gathering, travel, and cultural exchange.
European Arrival
European settlement accelerated in the late 1600s and early 1700s, particularly among English and Quaker settlers who established farms and small mills near Bridgeton, Greenwich, and Fairfield.
Early Town Development
Settlements grew where:
- River crossings were stable
- Tidal flow supported milling or shipping
- Coastal access allowed trade with Philadelphia and Delaware ports
Water dictated settlement more than roads did in the early county history.
Maritime Commerce and Bay Culture
Cumberland County’s position along the Delaware Bay created a longstanding maritime economy linked to fishing, oystering, boatbuilding, and coastal transport.
Maurice River and Cohansey River
These rivers supported:
- Shipbuilding
- Oyster harvesting and packing
- Salt marsh hay farming
- River wharf trade
Oystering Tradition
Oysters were a major regional product from the 18th century onward.
Ports such as Port Norris, Bivalve, and Shell Pile became known for their oyster fleets and packing houses.
Bay Community Identity
Working waterfront towns developed strong cultural identities tied to:
- Tides and river cycles
- Fishing seasons
- Boat design and maintenance
- Family-based maritime trades
This maritime heritage still shapes coastal communities today.
Glassmaking and Industrial Growth
Cumberland County became a center of American glassmaking, thanks to abundant deposits of high-quality sand, wood fuel, and river access for shipping.
The Birth of South Jersey Glass
In 1739, the Wistarburgh Glass Works opened in what is now Alloway Township. This was one of the first successful glass factories in the American colonies.
Expansion in Millville and Bridgeton
During the 19th century:
- Millville emerged as a major manufacturing hub for window glass and bottles
- Bridgeton supported mills, canneries, and industrial workshops
- Railroads connected local factories to regional markets
WheatonArts and Cultural Legacy
The Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in Millville preserves the glassmaking tradition through demonstrations, galleries, and historical exhibition spaces.
Agriculture and Rural Landscapes
Cumberland County maintains one of the strongest agricultural sectors in New Jersey.
Flat, fertile land and long growing seasons support extensive farm operations.
Agricultural Output
Farm products include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Corn, soybeans, and grains
- Poultry and egg production
- Nursery and greenhouse crops
Food Processing and Distribution
Local produce historically moved through:
- Packing houses
- Rail depots
- Canning and freezing operations
Agriculture remains not only an economic sector but also a major part of daily culture and seasonal rhythms.
Towns and Municipal Character
Cumberland County’s communities reflect distinctive historical and economic roots.
Bridgeton
County seat with:
- Historic commercial center
- Victorian-era neighborhoods
- Bridgeton City Park and Cohanzick Zoo
Millville
Glassmaking heritage, arts district, and aviation history linked to Millville Army Air Field in WWII.
Vineland
Planned agricultural and manufacturing city founded in the 1860s, later known for food science and community experimentation in urban farming.
Rural and Bay Shore Towns
Port Norris, Dividing Creek, Fortescue, and Newport reflect strong maritime identity and bayfront life.
Natural Areas, Wildlife, and Protected Lands
Cumberland County contains extensive marshlands, forests, rivers, and wildlife areas preserved for ecological and recreational purposes.
Key destinations:
- Maurice River Bluffs Preserve, with trails above the tidal river
- Cohansey River wildlife corridors
- Bayshore Heritage Byway, a scenic driving route along the coastline
- Turkey Point and salt marsh viewing areas for bird migration
- Carlisle and Menantico preserves offering quiet forest access
The region is part of the Atlantic Flyway, making it a prime location for birdwatching and ecological research.
Things to Do for Visitors and Residents
Cumberland County offers a slower, nature-based style of exploration, focused on rivers, marshes, small towns, and working heritage sites.
Recommended activities:
- Visit WheatonArts to watch live glassblowing
- Explore the Bayshore Center at Bivalve and its oyster schooner museum
- Walk the Bridgeton Historic District and City Park trails
- Birdwatch along Turkey Point at sunset
- Drive the Bayshore Heritage Byway for rural and coastal scenery
- Attend seasonal farm markets and waterfront community events
The county rewards time spent outdoors and at water level.
Final Thought
Cumberland County’s story is defined by its connection to the land and water—its rivers, marshes, and bay shaping work, settlement, and daily rhythm for generations.
From glassmaking to oystering to agriculture, the county maintains traditions that are not re-created for tourism but continue as active, lived cultures. Cumberland remains one of New Jersey’s clearest expressions of working rural and coastal heritage.
