From Bogs To Beaches: A Brief History Of Industry In Manahawkin

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Several hundred years ago, Europeans settled in what is now Stafford Township. Named after Staffordshire in England, it was the first government to form in what is now Ocean County.

Its early years were primarily rural, but it served an interesting role in early American history through its industries, according to the township website. Here's a brief history of what those were like.

Early Settlers

As early as 1758, the first church in Ocean County was built in Manahawkin, according to 19th century historian Edwin Salter. It still stands today as the home of the Stafford Township Historical Society.

Most early settlers then were clustered by the bay or near cedar swamps, according to the Ocean County Library. They created sawmills and grist mills, developing the cedar industry, according to the Stafford website.

This industry built houses, boats and more.

"Clamming, oystering, boat building, cedar cutting and milling were the mainstays of local economy and the waterways were crucial for moving people and product," the Ocean County Library said of Stafford's history.

Into The 1800s

Charcoal and bog iron industries sprouted up in Manahawkin. This was important throughout South Jersey at the time. But in the 1830s, they fell out of favor as anthracite coal and iron ore became popular, which lead to economic hardship in Manahawkin, the Stafford website says.

Of course, fishing was always an important industry at the Jersey Shore, and glass was big too. Many residents were also farmers.

Nathaniel Holmes Bishop III was an important figure at the time. He developed several successful cranberry bogs (another major NJ industry), featured in national magazines. Oxycocus Road is even named after his plantation at Manahawkin Lake. You can find old cranberry bogs today at Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area.

Tourism To Today

Naturally, tourism is major industry today in New Jersey. But it dates back to the 1800s, too.

The train was the best way to travel back then, and the Pennsylvania Railroad connected to Long Beach Island through Manahawkin from 1886 to 1935.

The first automobile bridge to LBI was built through Stafford in 1914, and the current bridge was built in 1957.

During the 1930s, according to Stafford, a few resort homes were built, but it was the development of the Beach Haven West lagoon in 1945 that really kicked things off.

The opening of the Garden State Parkway in the 1950s also gave Stafford a boost, followed by the development of Ocean Acres.

Tourism remains a vital part of Ocean County's industries today. But as you explore Manahawkin, you are certain to find remnants of its past industries around.