Explore NJ History in this Pine Barrens Village
Looking for a fun South Jersey day trip? Check out Batsto Village! Located in Wharton State Forest, the village is a former bog iron and glass-making community that was a pivotal part of the New Jersey economy in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the village is permanently preserved and offers visitors the opportunity to travel back to a time in history when this now sleepy village was once a bustling hub of activity during the height of the Industrial Revolution.
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Batsto was founded in 1766 by Charles Read, who recognized that the existence of bog ore, trees (for making charcoal), seashells (for flux), and a river (for power and transportation) made this an ideal location for establishing an iron production facility. Batsto Iron Works became an important supplier to the Continental Army during the American Revolution, producing cannons, munitions, camp kettles, iron fittings, and other items that were crucial to the quest for liberty. The Iron Works also produced items that were important for daily life in early America including necessities for cooking, farming, and transportation.
In the mid-1800’s, the “pig iron” industry declined and production ceased at Batsto, However, with an abundant presence of silica in the sandy soils of Batsto, the owners of Batsto recognized that the location was also well-suited for manufacturing glass and the village began producing windowpanes and street light glass.
Glass production ended in 1867 and Joseph Wharton – a self-made multimillionaire – purchased Batsto in 1876. He established a cranberry farm and saw and grist mills, which employed residents of the village and the surrounding area until his death in the early 20th century.
Batsto Village was purchased by the State of New Jersey in 1954 and the remaining structures preserved. Today visitors to the village can view the Wharton Mansion, post office, general store, gristmill, sawmill, blacksmith and wheelwright shops, worker cottages, and farm buildings. Guided tours of the Wharton Mansion are offered Wednesday through Sunday. Free self-guided tours of the village are available using your smartphone. A small museum is located within the Batsto Visitors Center.
The village hosts special events throughout the year including a Country Living Fair, a Winter Festival, a Glass & Bottle Show, special Halloween events, car show, military reenactments, and more.
Batsto is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its location within Wharton State Forest also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the many hiking trails that meander through the forest, as well as enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing and kayaking on Batsto Lake and the nearby Batsto and Mullica Rivers. A nature center – located along the banks of BaLtsto Lake – provides visitors with the opportunity to understand the delicate Pinelands ecosystem. Picnicking facilities are located on the grounds.
Batsto Village is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Vehicle entrance fees are charged on weekends and holidays ($5 – NJ residents / $7 – non-residents) between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tours of Batsto Mansion are $3 for visitors 12 & up and $1 for visitor 6-11 (free for children under 6). Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road (just off of Hammonton Road / Route 542) in Hammonton NJ.
Featured Photo Credit: Daniel D’Auria
