Gibbstown, New Jersey is a small town located in Gloucester County, situated in the southern part of the state. While it may not be well known, Gibbstown is rich in history and has played a significant role in many events that have shaped America’s history. Here are seven historical events that have taken place near Gibbstown.
1. American Revolution
During the American Revolution, the Battle of Red Bank was fought in the nearby town of National Park. The British attempted to capture Fort Mercer, which was a key defense of Philadelphia. However, the American colonials repelled the British attack, causing many casualties on the British side.
2. West Jersey and Pennsylvania Railroad
In 1834, construction began on the West Jersey and Pennsylvania Railroad, which was a critical transportation link between South Jersey and Philadelphia. Gibbstown was a crucial stop along the route, where passengers and freight could transfer between trains and boats.
3. Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret safe houses and routes used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom. In nearby cities like Philadelphia, there were many safe houses along the Underground Railroad, and it’s likely that some of these escaped slaves passed through Gibbstown on their way to freedom.
4. The Civil War
During the Civil War, the nearby city of Camden was a hub for shipbuilding, producing dozens of Union naval vessels. Additionally, tens of thousands of Union soldiers traveled through Camden on their way to the front lines. Some of these soldiers may have even passed through Gibbstown as they marched to battle.
5. Prohibition
During Prohibition in the 1920s, many people turned to bootlegging as a way to make money. Gibbstown was a popular location for bootleggers to smuggle alcohol into Philadelphia, as it was easily accessible via the waterways of the Delaware River.
6. World War II
During World War II, the nearby city of Camden played a critical role in the war effort, producing a variety of weapons and machinery used by the Allies. Additionally, the Philadelphia Navy Yard, located just downriver from Gibbstown, was a major shipbuilding center for the Navy during the war.
7. Racial Tensions and Civil Rights
During the Civil Rights era, many cities in the northeastern United States experienced significant racial tensions. While there were not any major events in Gibbstown specifically, the town likely experienced some of the same tensions that many other towns and cities in the region faced.
In conclusion, Gibbstown may be a small town, but it has played an important role in many significant events throughout American history. From the American Revolution to the Civil Rights movement, Gibbstown has been a witness to some of the most transformative moments in our nation’s past.
7 Pieces Of History Near Gibbstown, NJ
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