Burlington, New Jersey
Encyclopedia
Burlington is a city
in Burlington County
, New Jersey
, United States and a suburb of Philadelphia. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 9,920.
Burlington was first incorporated on October 24, 1693, and was reincorporated by Royal Charter
on May 7, 1733. After American independence, the city was incorporated by the State of New Jersey on December 21, 1784. On March 14, 1851, the city was reincorporated and enlarged.
Burlington was originally the county seat of Burlington County, but in 1796 as the population moved away from the Delaware River
the county seat was moved to Mount Holly Township
, which was a more central location.
Proprietors purchased roughly 30 miles (48.3 km) of riverfront land in 1676 from the Lenape
Native Americans
. Burlington was founded on part of that land by settlers (primarily Quakers
) in 1677, and served as the capital of the province until 1702, when West Jersey and East Jersey
were combined into a singe Crown Colony
.
Burlington takes its name (including the county name) from the English
east-coast town of Bridlington
, of which, Burlington was a district but is now amalgamated into the larger Bridlington town.
The Quakers formally established their congregation in 1678. Initially, they met in private homes and between 1683 and 1687, Francis Collings constructed a hexagonal meeting house of brick. Over the next century the membership grew substantially and a larger building was needed. The present meeting house on High Street was built in 1783 in front of the old meeting house and cemetery. The cemetery predated the first building. A tablet commemorates the fact that of the Native American leader King Ockanickon, a loyal friend of the English settlers, was buried here in 1681. The oldest gravestone is inscribed "D.B. 1726." Many notable Quakers are also buried here.
One of the oldest buildings in Burlington is known as the Revell House. Originally built in 1685 for George Hutchinson, it stood on East Pearl Street. The property was soon purchased by Thomas Revell, one of the original European settlers. Local tradition associates this house with young Benjamin Franklin
who received gingerbread as he was en route from Boston to Philadelphia. In the early 19th century the house was purchased by the Annis Stockton Chapter of the DAR to become their clubhouse. The Colonial Burlington Foundation acquired and restored it in the 1950s.
church was designed by Richard Upjohn
, who also designed Trinity Church at the foot of Wall Street
in Lower Manhattan
.
The Library Company of Burlington was organized in 1757 as a "free" library open to the public as well as members. There were 60 members of the original Library Company each paying ten shillings per year to support the institution. The Library received a Charter from King George II of Great Britain in 1758. The Library's books were kept in members' homes for a few years—Thomas Rodman's at 446 South High Street and after 1767—Robert Smith's at 218 High Street. In 1789 the Library moved to its own building. The Library is currently in a stone building that was built on West Union Street in 1864. The Burlington Library is the oldest continuously operating library in New Jersey and the nation's seventh oldest.
The Endeavor Fire Company was organized in 1795 and was one of the four companies in the Burlington Fire Department when it was organized almost a century later. Endeavor was the first permanent fire fighting organization in Burlington and remains one of the oldest fire companies under its original name in the state. Lawyer and writer, James Fenimore Cooper
, was also from Burlington, New Jersey who wrote The Last of the Mohicans.
denounced slavery from the doorstep and local tradition holds that fugitive slaves hid in tunnels under the building.
During the 19th century, Burlington City was known for the quality and quantity of its manufacturing. The shoe industry rivaled shipbuilding and canning in prominence. The 1850 Federal Census indicates that the largest number of men were employed in the shoe industry followed closely by carpentry and bricklaying. J. Frank Budd got his start in the shoe business at a Burlington shoe company just after the Civil War. In 1887, J.F. Budd broke ground for a children's "shoeworks" at the corner of Penn and Dilwyn Streets. The company employed approximately 325 people and operated six days a week for ten hours a day. The J.F. Budd Baby Shoe Company billed itself as the "largest baby shoe plant in the world."
The commercial activity helped sponsor the City's cultural activity. In 1839, a Lyceum was erected as a venue for lectures, concerts, and public meetings. It served in that capacity until 1851 when it was turned over to the city to become City Hall. A new facade was built. The municipal offices' move was concurrent with the adoption of a new City charter. The Oneida Boat Club was organized in 1873 by a group of 10 members. Over the next few years, the club grew rapidly and in 1876, they dedicated their newly-built clubhouse on the banks of the Delaware River at York Street. The Oneida is the oldest continuously operating boat club on the Delaware River. During this century, the City of Burlington grew in a grid pattern off of the main crossroads of High and Broad Streets. Blocks of attached rowhouses built in the latest architectural style characterize the City as a 19th century town.
to the Assiscunk Creek
. The old waterfront industries, ferry terminals and docks have all been demolished and replaced by an open, grassy park and a tree-lined waterfront esplanade. The Oneida Clubhouse narrowly escaped demolition during the urban renewal campaign. Fortunately, it was saved and renovated. However, the new esplanade added land between the building and river's edge creating a landlocked Boat Clubhouse.
Burlington Coat Factory
was founded in 1924 as a wholesaler of ladies coats and outerwear. The modern company was formed in 1972 when Monroe Milstein purchased a warehouse in the outskirts of the city of Burlington, and started selling coats and outerwear. The company started gradually adding apparel, including suits, shoes, and accessories, and has branched out to include baby items and linens, all clothing at discount prices. The original Burlington Coat Factory relocated to a new store in the fall of 2008.
and on one side by the Delaware River
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 3.72 square miles (9.6 km²), of which, 3 square miles (7.8 km²) of it is land and 0.72 square miles (1.9 km²) of it (19.35%) is water.
Burlington borders Burlington Township
and the Delaware River
. The Burlington-Bristol Bridge
crosses the Delaware River
, connecting Burlington to Bristol, Pennsylvania
.
, and 3.6% (353) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.5% (645).
As of the census
of 2000, there were 9,736 people, 3,898 households, and 2,522 families residing in the city. The population density
was 3,245.1 people per square mile (1,253.0/km2). There were 4,181 housing units at an average density of 1,393.6 per square mile (538.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 68.18% White, 26.62% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.28% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.29% from other races
, and 2.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.41% of the population.
There were 3,898 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples
living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,115, and the median income for a family was $47,969. Males had a median income of $38,012 versus $28,022 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $20,208. About 5.4% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
system of municipal government. The Mayor serves a four-year term of office. The Common Council consists of seven members, each serving four-year terms of office: three at-large Councilpersons representing the entire City and one representing each of the four voting wards.
, the Mayor
of Burlington City is Dr. James Fazzone, whose term of office ends December 31, 2011. Members of the City Council are Council President Doug Ghaul (At-Large), Vice President Suzanne Woodard (At-Large), David Babula (At-Large), Barry Conaway (Ward 1), Helen F. Hatala (Ward 3), Ila Marie Lollar (Ward 4) and Jeanette Mercuri (Ward 2).
based on the results of the 2010 Census.
serves students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade. The district is one of 31 Abbott District
s statewide.
The schools in the district (with 2009-10 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
) are
Elias Boudinot Elementary School (K - 2; 91 students),
Captain James Lawrence Elementary School (K - 2; 191),
Samuel Smith Elementary School (PreK - 2; 340),
Wilbur Watts Intermediate School (grades 3 - 6; 456),
Burlington City Junior School (grades 7 and 8 within the high school) and
Burlington City High School
(Grades 9 - 12; 812 students). Burlington City High School serves as a receiving school for students in grade nine through twelve from Edgewater Park Township
, as part of a sending/receiving relationship
with the Edgewater Park School District
.
St. Mary's Hall-Doane Academy, a co-educational, Episcopal college-preparatory school, was founded as St. Mary's Hall, a boarding school for girls, by George Washington Doane
in 1837. The name was shortened to Doane Academy in March 2008. All Saints Catholic Grade School (Pre-K though 8th grade) closed in June 2006 with several other Catholic schools in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton
due to low enrollment, after 75 years of operation, based on the results of recommendations issues in 2005 that recommended the closure to help improve diocese finances.
offers service to Camden
and Trenton Rail Station
, with stations at Burlington South
and Burlington Towne Centre
, both on West Broad Street.
New Jersey Transit
provides service to Philadelphia on the 409, 413 and 419 bus routes.
Burlington is served by Interstate 95
, Interstate 295, as well as U.S. Route 130
and Route 413.
The Burlington-Bristol Bridge
crosses the Delaware River
connecting Burlington to Bristol Township
, Pennsylvania
. Construction of the bridge started on April 1, 1930, and the bridge opened to traffic on May 1, 1931. The bridge carries NJ 413 and Pennsylvania Route 413
.
City (New Jersey)
A City in the context of New Jersey local government refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government....
in Burlington County
Burlington County, New Jersey
There were 154,371 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, United States and a suburb of Philadelphia. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 9,920.
Burlington was first incorporated on October 24, 1693, and was reincorporated by Royal Charter
Royal Charter
A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch as letters patent, granting a right or power to an individual or a body corporate. They were, and are still, used to establish significant organizations such as cities or universities. Charters should be distinguished from warrants and...
on May 7, 1733. After American independence, the city was incorporated by the State of New Jersey on December 21, 1784. On March 14, 1851, the city was reincorporated and enlarged.
Burlington was originally the county seat of Burlington County, but in 1796 as the population moved away from the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
the county seat was moved to Mount Holly Township
Mount Holly Township, New Jersey
Mount Holly Township is a township in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States as well as an eastern suburb of Philadelphia. As of the 2000 United States Census, the township population was 10,728. It is the county seat of Burlington County....
, which was a more central location.
History
The council of West JerseyWest Jersey
West Jersey and East Jersey were two distinct parts of the Province of New Jersey. The political division existed for 28 years, between 1674 and 1702...
Proprietors purchased roughly 30 miles (48.3 km) of riverfront land in 1676 from the Lenape
Lenape
The Lenape are an Algonquian group of Native Americans of the Northeastern Woodlands. They are also called Delaware Indians. As a result of the American Revolutionary War and later Indian removals from the eastern United States, today the main groups live in Canada, where they are enrolled in the...
Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
. Burlington was founded on part of that land by settlers (primarily Quakers
Religious Society of Friends
The Religious Society of Friends, or Friends Church, is a Christian movement which stresses the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Members are known as Friends, or popularly as Quakers. It is made of independent organisations, which have split from one another due to doctrinal differences...
) in 1677, and served as the capital of the province until 1702, when West Jersey and East Jersey
East Jersey
The Province of East Jersey and the Province of West Jersey were two distinct, separately governed parts of the Province of New Jersey that existed as separate provinces for 28 years, between 1674 and 1702. East Jersey's capital was located at Perth Amboy...
were combined into a singe Crown Colony
Crown colony
A Crown colony, also known in the 17th century as royal colony, was a type of colonial administration of the English and later British Empire....
.
Burlington takes its name (including the county name) from the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
east-coast town of Bridlington
Bridlington
Bridlington is a seaside resort, minor sea fishing port and civil parish on the Holderness Coast of the North Sea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It has a static population of over 33,000, which rises considerably during the tourist season...
, of which, Burlington was a district but is now amalgamated into the larger Bridlington town.
The Quakers formally established their congregation in 1678. Initially, they met in private homes and between 1683 and 1687, Francis Collings constructed a hexagonal meeting house of brick. Over the next century the membership grew substantially and a larger building was needed. The present meeting house on High Street was built in 1783 in front of the old meeting house and cemetery. The cemetery predated the first building. A tablet commemorates the fact that of the Native American leader King Ockanickon, a loyal friend of the English settlers, was buried here in 1681. The oldest gravestone is inscribed "D.B. 1726." Many notable Quakers are also buried here.
One of the oldest buildings in Burlington is known as the Revell House. Originally built in 1685 for George Hutchinson, it stood on East Pearl Street. The property was soon purchased by Thomas Revell, one of the original European settlers. Local tradition associates this house with young Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
who received gingerbread as he was en route from Boston to Philadelphia. In the early 19th century the house was purchased by the Annis Stockton Chapter of the DAR to become their clubhouse. The Colonial Burlington Foundation acquired and restored it in the 1950s.
18th Century
Many institutions established in the 18th century continue to function in the 21st century. After the Quakers, the second oldest religious congregation in Burlington were the Episcopalians. Their original church, Old St. Mary's, remains the oldest church in Burlington and New Jersey. The congregation was founded in 1702 by George Keith and John Talbot. Talbot became the first minister and laid the cornerstone for the church in 1702. He served as the church's rector until 1725. The congregation prospered, and the church became the see of the Anglican bishops of New Jersey. In 1846, under the leadership of Bishop and Rector George Washington Doane, construction was begun on New St. Mary's. This early Gothic Revival architectureGothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
church was designed by Richard Upjohn
Richard Upjohn
Richard Upjohn was an English-born architect who emigrated to the United States and became most famous for his Gothic Revival churches. He was partially responsible for launching the movement to such popularity in the United States. Upjohn also did extensive work in and helped to popularize the...
, who also designed Trinity Church at the foot of Wall Street
Wall Street
Wall Street refers to the financial district of New York City, named after and centered on the eight-block-long street running from Broadway to South Street on the East River in Lower Manhattan. Over time, the term has become a metonym for the financial markets of the United States as a whole, or...
in Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan is the southernmost part of the island of Manhattan, the main island and center of business and government of the City of New York...
.
The Library Company of Burlington was organized in 1757 as a "free" library open to the public as well as members. There were 60 members of the original Library Company each paying ten shillings per year to support the institution. The Library received a Charter from King George II of Great Britain in 1758. The Library's books were kept in members' homes for a few years—Thomas Rodman's at 446 South High Street and after 1767—Robert Smith's at 218 High Street. In 1789 the Library moved to its own building. The Library is currently in a stone building that was built on West Union Street in 1864. The Burlington Library is the oldest continuously operating library in New Jersey and the nation's seventh oldest.
The Endeavor Fire Company was organized in 1795 and was one of the four companies in the Burlington Fire Department when it was organized almost a century later. Endeavor was the first permanent fire fighting organization in Burlington and remains one of the oldest fire companies under its original name in the state. Lawyer and writer, James Fenimore Cooper
James Fenimore Cooper
James Fenimore Cooper was a prolific and popular American writer of the early 19th century. He is best remembered as a novelist who wrote numerous sea-stories and the historical novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales, featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo...
, was also from Burlington, New Jersey who wrote The Last of the Mohicans.
19th Century
The building at 301 High Street houses is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in New Jersey. It originally was a dwelling and was converted to commercial use around 1845 by William Allinson, a druggist, local historian, and leading Quaker abolitionist. The building was a center of anti-slavery activity. John Greenleaf WhittierJohn Greenleaf Whittier
John Greenleaf Whittier was an influential American Quaker poet and ardent advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. He is usually listed as one of the Fireside Poets...
denounced slavery from the doorstep and local tradition holds that fugitive slaves hid in tunnels under the building.
During the 19th century, Burlington City was known for the quality and quantity of its manufacturing. The shoe industry rivaled shipbuilding and canning in prominence. The 1850 Federal Census indicates that the largest number of men were employed in the shoe industry followed closely by carpentry and bricklaying. J. Frank Budd got his start in the shoe business at a Burlington shoe company just after the Civil War. In 1887, J.F. Budd broke ground for a children's "shoeworks" at the corner of Penn and Dilwyn Streets. The company employed approximately 325 people and operated six days a week for ten hours a day. The J.F. Budd Baby Shoe Company billed itself as the "largest baby shoe plant in the world."
The commercial activity helped sponsor the City's cultural activity. In 1839, a Lyceum was erected as a venue for lectures, concerts, and public meetings. It served in that capacity until 1851 when it was turned over to the city to become City Hall. A new facade was built. The municipal offices' move was concurrent with the adoption of a new City charter. The Oneida Boat Club was organized in 1873 by a group of 10 members. Over the next few years, the club grew rapidly and in 1876, they dedicated their newly-built clubhouse on the banks of the Delaware River at York Street. The Oneida is the oldest continuously operating boat club on the Delaware River. During this century, the City of Burlington grew in a grid pattern off of the main crossroads of High and Broad Streets. Blocks of attached rowhouses built in the latest architectural style characterize the City as a 19th century town.
20th Century
Burlington's waterfront park is the result of urban renewal and flood control projects in the late 1960s and 1970s. The shoreline improvements—revetments, walkways, etc. -- span the entire Delaware riverfront from the Burlington-Bristol BridgeBurlington-Bristol Bridge
The Burlington–Bristol Bridge is a truss bridge with a lift span crossing the Delaware River from Burlington, New Jersey to Bristol Township, Pennsylvania in the United States. Construction of the bridge started on April 1, 1930, and the bridge opened to traffic on May 2, 1931...
to the Assiscunk Creek
Assiscunk Creek
Assiscunk Creek is a tributary of the Delaware River in southwestern New Jersey in the United States.The name Assiscunk came from the Lenape language meaning "muddy creek"...
. The old waterfront industries, ferry terminals and docks have all been demolished and replaced by an open, grassy park and a tree-lined waterfront esplanade. The Oneida Clubhouse narrowly escaped demolition during the urban renewal campaign. Fortunately, it was saved and renovated. However, the new esplanade added land between the building and river's edge creating a landlocked Boat Clubhouse.
Burlington Coat Factory
Burlington Coat Factory
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation is a national department store retailer focusing on clothing and shoes, with over 450 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico.. In 2006, it was acquired by Bain Capital, LLC in a take-private transaction...
was founded in 1924 as a wholesaler of ladies coats and outerwear. The modern company was formed in 1972 when Monroe Milstein purchased a warehouse in the outskirts of the city of Burlington, and started selling coats and outerwear. The company started gradually adding apparel, including suits, shoes, and accessories, and has branched out to include baby items and linens, all clothing at discount prices. The original Burlington Coat Factory relocated to a new store in the fall of 2008.
Geography
Burlington is located at 40.073110°N 74.855693°W (40.073110, -74.855693). It is surrounded on three sides by Burlington Township, New JerseyBurlington Township, New Jersey
- Local government :Burlington Township is governed under the Faulkner Act Plan E form of municipal government and consists of a mayor and a seven-member Township Council. The council is elected at-large in partisan elections to four-year terms in office on a staggered basis., the Mayor of...
and on one side by the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 3.72 square miles (9.6 km²), of which, 3 square miles (7.8 km²) of it is land and 0.72 square miles (1.9 km²) of it (19.35%) is water.
Burlington borders Burlington Township
Burlington Township, New Jersey
- Local government :Burlington Township is governed under the Faulkner Act Plan E form of municipal government and consists of a mayor and a seven-member Township Council. The council is elected at-large in partisan elections to four-year terms in office on a staggered basis., the Mayor of...
and the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
. The Burlington-Bristol Bridge
Burlington-Bristol Bridge
The Burlington–Bristol Bridge is a truss bridge with a lift span crossing the Delaware River from Burlington, New Jersey to Bristol Township, Pennsylvania in the United States. Construction of the bridge started on April 1, 1930, and the bridge opened to traffic on May 2, 1931...
crosses the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
, connecting Burlington to Bristol, Pennsylvania
Bristol, Pennsylvania
Bristol is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, northeast of Philadelphia opposite Burlington, N.J. on the Delaware River. Bristol was first incorporated in 1720. Although its charter was revised in 1905, the original charter remains in effect, making Bristol one of the older boroughs in...
.
Demographics
The 2010 United States Census reported that there were 9,920 people, 2,437 households and 1,052 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of Bridgeton was 58.9% (5,845) White, 33.0% (3,272) African American, 0.2% (18) Native American, 2.0% (201) Asian, 0.0% (4) Pacific Islander, 2.3% (227) from other racesRace (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.6% (353) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.5% (645).
As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 9,736 people, 3,898 households, and 2,522 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,245.1 people per square mile (1,253.0/km2). There were 4,181 housing units at an average density of 1,393.6 per square mile (538.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 68.18% White, 26.62% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.28% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.29% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.41% of the population.
There were 3,898 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,115, and the median income for a family was $47,969. Males had a median income of $38,012 versus $28,022 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $20,208. About 5.4% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
Local government
The City of Burlington is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)
The Faulkner Act, or Optional Municipal Charter Law, provides for New Jersey municipalities to adopt a Mayor-Council government.This form of government provides for election of a mayor and five, seven, or nine council members...
system of municipal government. The Mayor serves a four-year term of office. The Common Council consists of seven members, each serving four-year terms of office: three at-large Councilpersons representing the entire City and one representing each of the four voting wards.
, the Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Burlington City is Dr. James Fazzone, whose term of office ends December 31, 2011. Members of the City Council are Council President Doug Ghaul (At-Large), Vice President Suzanne Woodard (At-Large), David Babula (At-Large), Barry Conaway (Ward 1), Helen F. Hatala (Ward 3), Ila Marie Lollar (Ward 4) and Jeanette Mercuri (Ward 2).
Federal, state and county representation
Burlington is in the 4th Congressional district and is part of New Jersey's 7th state legislative district. The legislative district was kept unchanged by the New Jersey Apportionment CommissionNew Jersey Apportionment Commission
The New Jersey Apportionment Commission is a constitutionally-created ten-member commission responsible for apportioning the forty districts of the New Jersey Legislature. The commission is convened after each decennial U.S. Census, and the districts are to be in use for the legislative elections...
based on the results of the 2010 Census.
Education
The City of Burlington Public School DistrictCity of Burlington Public School District
The City of Burlington Public School District is a comprehensive community public school district that serves students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade in Burlington, in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States...
serves students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade. The district is one of 31 Abbott District
Abbott District
Abbott districts are school districts in New Jersey that are provided remedies to ensure that their students receive public education in accordance with New Jersey’s state constitution. They were created in 1985 as a result of the first ruling of Abbott v. Burke, a case filed by the Education Law...
s statewide.
The schools in the district (with 2009-10 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...
) are
Elias Boudinot Elementary School (K - 2; 91 students),
Captain James Lawrence Elementary School (K - 2; 191),
Samuel Smith Elementary School (PreK - 2; 340),
Wilbur Watts Intermediate School (grades 3 - 6; 456),
Burlington City Junior School (grades 7 and 8 within the high school) and
Burlington City High School
Burlington City High School
Burlington City High School is a comprehensive community six-year public high school that serves students in seventh through twelfth grade in Burlington, in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States, as part of the City of Burlington Public School District....
(Grades 9 - 12; 812 students). Burlington City High School serves as a receiving school for students in grade nine through twelve from Edgewater Park Township
Edgewater Park Township, New Jersey
Edgewater Park Township is a Township in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States and a northeastern Delaware Valley suburb of Philadelphia...
, as part of a sending/receiving relationship
Sending/receiving relationship
A sending/receiving relationship is one in which a public school district sends some or all of its students to attend the schools of another district. This is often done to achieve costs savings in smaller districts or continues after districts have grown as part of a historical relationship...
with the Edgewater Park School District
Edgewater Park School District
The Edgewater Park School District is a community public school district that serves students in grades from prekindergarten through eighth grade from Edgewater Park Township, in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States....
.
St. Mary's Hall-Doane Academy, a co-educational, Episcopal college-preparatory school, was founded as St. Mary's Hall, a boarding school for girls, by George Washington Doane
George Washington Doane
George Washington Doane was a United States churchman, educator, and bishop in the Episcopal Church for the Diocese of New Jersey.-Biography:Doane was born in Trenton, New Jersey...
in 1837. The name was shortened to Doane Academy in March 2008. All Saints Catholic Grade School (Pre-K though 8th grade) closed in June 2006 with several other Catholic schools in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton
Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton is a diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in southern New Jersey, United States. Its ecclesiastic territory includes the counties of Burlington, Monmouth, Ocean, and Mercer ....
due to low enrollment, after 75 years of operation, based on the results of recommendations issues in 2005 that recommended the closure to help improve diocese finances.
Transportation
The River LineRiver Line (New Jersey Transit)
The River Line is a diesel light rail system in New Jersey, United States, that connects the cities of Camden and Trenton, New Jersey's capital. It is operated for New Jersey Transit by the Southern New Jersey Rail Group , which originally included Bechtel Group and Bombardier...
offers service to Camden
Camden, New Jersey
The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...
and Trenton Rail Station
Trenton Rail Station (New Jersey)
Trenton Transit Center, formerly known as Trenton Rail Station, is the main passenger train station in Trenton, New Jersey. It is the southernmost stop in New Jersey on the Northeast Corridor...
, with stations at Burlington South
Burlington South (River LINE station)
Burlington South is a station on the River Line light rail system, located on West Broad Street in Burlington, New Jersey.The station opened on March 15, 2004. Southbound service from the station is available to Camden, New Jersey...
and Burlington Towne Centre
Burlington Towne Centre (River LINE station)
Burlington Towne Centre is a station on the River Line light rail system, located on West Broad Street in Burlington, New Jersey. The tracks run in the middle of the street in a thin trench, so while it does run in the middle of the street, it is not considered "street running." Like many other...
, both on West Broad Street.
New Jersey Transit
New Jersey Transit
The New Jersey Transit Corporation is a statewide public transportation system serving the United States state of New Jersey, and New York, Orange, and Rockland counties in New York State...
provides service to Philadelphia on the 409, 413 and 419 bus routes.
Burlington is served by Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in New Jersey
Interstate 95 is a major Interstate Highway that traverses the full extent of the East Coast of the United States, from Florida to Maine...
, Interstate 295, as well as U.S. Route 130
U.S. Route 130
U.S. Route 130 is a north–south U.S. Highway completely within the state of New Jersey. It runs from Interstate 295 and US 40 at Deepwater in Pennsville Township, Salem County, where the road continues east as Route 49, north to US 1 in North Brunswick Township, Middlesex County, where...
and Route 413.
The Burlington-Bristol Bridge
Burlington-Bristol Bridge
The Burlington–Bristol Bridge is a truss bridge with a lift span crossing the Delaware River from Burlington, New Jersey to Bristol Township, Pennsylvania in the United States. Construction of the bridge started on April 1, 1930, and the bridge opened to traffic on May 2, 1931...
crosses the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
connecting Burlington to Bristol Township
Bristol Township, Pennsylvania
Bristol Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 54,582 at the 2010 census, making it the 13th largest municipality in the state. Bristol Township, along with Bristol Borough, is a cultural hub for Lower Bucks County, hosting celebrations of African...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. Construction of the bridge started on April 1, 1930, and the bridge opened to traffic on May 1, 1931. The bridge carries NJ 413 and Pennsylvania Route 413
Pennsylvania Route 413
Pennsylvania Route 413 is a long, north–south state highway running from the PA/NJ state line on the Burlington-Bristol Bridge to PA 611 in Bedminster Township in Bucks County...
.
Points of interest
- St. Mary's Episcopal Church
- Burlington IslandBurlington IslandBurlington Island is a island located in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the United States. Burlington Island is officially part of the city of Burlington, New Jersey. It is an uninhabited scenic landmark in the Delaware River...
- James LawrenceJames LawrenceJames Lawrence was an American naval officer. During the War of 1812, he commanded the USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon...
House - Elias BoudinotElias BoudinotElias Boudinot was a lawyer and statesman from Elizabeth, New Jersey who was a delegate to the Continental Congress and a U.S. Congressman for New Jersey...
House - Waterfront Park and Oneida Boat Clubhouse
- Library Company of Burlington
- Revell House
- James Fenimore CooperJames Fenimore CooperJames Fenimore Cooper was a prolific and popular American writer of the early 19th century. He is best remembered as a novelist who wrote numerous sea-stories and the historical novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales, featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo...
House - Old City Hall
- Quaker Meeting House
- Doane Academy
Notable residents
Notable current and former residents of Burlington include:- Joseph BloomfieldJoseph BloomfieldJoseph Bloomfield was a Governor of New Jersey. The township of Bloomfield, New Jersey is named for him.-Birth:Joseph Bloomfield was born in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey to Moses Bloomfield, a physician, and Sarah Ogden...
(1753–1823), Captain in Revolutionary War, New Jersey Attorney GeneralNew Jersey Attorney GeneralThe Attorney General of New Jersey is a member of the executive cabinet of the state. The office is appointed by the Governor of New Jersey and term limited...
, Chief Justice of the New Jersey Vice-Admiralty Court, president of the first Society for the Abolition of Slavery, MayorMayor of Burlington, New JerseyMayor of Burlington, New Jersey* James Fazzone 2011* James Walter Wall 1850 to ?* William Griffith 1824 to 1826* Joseph Bloomfield 1795 to 1800* James Lawrence 1769 to ?...
from 1795 to 1800, Governor of New Jersey (1801–1802 and 1803–1812), a Brigadier General in the War of 1812 and U.S. Representative from 1817 to 1821. - Elias BoudinotElias BoudinotElias Boudinot was a lawyer and statesman from Elizabeth, New Jersey who was a delegate to the Continental Congress and a U.S. Congressman for New Jersey...
(1740–1821), President of the Continental CongressPresident of the Continental CongressThe President of the Continental Congress was the presiding officer of the Continental Congress, the convention of delegates that emerged as the first national government of the United States during the American Revolution...
from 1782 to 1783. - William Bradford (1755–1795), fought in the American Revolution and became attorney general and justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
- D'Lo BrownD'Lo BrownAccie Julius Connor better known by his ring name D'Lo Brown , is an American professional wrestler. Well known for his appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment, he is currently working as an agent for Impact Wrestling.Connor has held forty-eight championships in various promotions during...
(born 1970), WWE Wrestler. - Isaac Collins (1746–1817), King's Printer. Printed colonial currency, almanacs and a quarto Bible far more error-free than most of its contemporary editions.
- James Fenimore CooperJames Fenimore CooperJames Fenimore Cooper was a prolific and popular American writer of the early 19th century. He is best remembered as a novelist who wrote numerous sea-stories and the historical novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales, featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo...
, novelist. - Franklin D'OlierFranklin D'OlierFranklin D'Olier was the first national commander of the American Legion and served in that capacity from 1919 to 1921. Like all of the original American Legion membership, D'Olier was a veteran of The Great War. D'Olier was also a prominent businessman and the great-grandfather of actor...
(1877–1953), first national commander of the American LegionAmerican LegionThe American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
. - George Washington DoaneGeorge Washington DoaneGeorge Washington Doane was a United States churchman, educator, and bishop in the Episcopal Church for the Diocese of New Jersey.-Biography:Doane was born in Trenton, New Jersey...
(1799–1859) established St. Mary's Hall and Burlington College. - William FranklinWilliam FranklinWilliam Franklin was an American soldier and colonial administrator. He served as the last Colonial Governor of New Jersey. Franklin was a steadfast Loyalist throughout the American War of Independence, despite his father Benjamin Franklin's role as one of the most prominent Patriots during the...
(1731–1813), estranged son of Benjamin Franklin and last colonial governor of New Jersey. - Ulysses S. GrantUlysses S. GrantUlysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States as well as military commander during the Civil War and post-war Reconstruction periods. Under Grant's command, the Union Army defeated the Confederate military and ended the Confederate States of America...
(1822–1885), Union Army general and the eighteenth President of the United States (1869–1877). - William GriffithWilliam Griffith (New Jersey attorney)-Biography:Born in Bound Brook, New Jersey, Griffith read law to enter the bar in 1788. He was in private practice in Burlington, New Jersey from 1789 to 1801, and was also a Surrogate, Burlington County, New Jersey from 1790 to 1799, and a member of the Common Council of the City of Burlington...
(1766–1826), judge who served on the United States circuit courtUnited States circuit courtThe United States circuit courts were the original intermediate level courts of the United States federal court system. They were established by the Judiciary Act of 1789. They had trial court jurisdiction over civil suits of diversity jurisdiction and major federal crimes. They also had appellate...
and was MayorMayor of Burlington, New JerseyMayor of Burlington, New Jersey* James Fazzone 2011* James Walter Wall 1850 to ?* William Griffith 1824 to 1826* Joseph Bloomfield 1795 to 1800* James Lawrence 1769 to ?...
from 1824-1826. - Edward Burd Grubb, Sr.Edward Burd Grubb, Sr.Edward Burd Grubb, Sr. was a prominent fourth-generation member of the Grubb Family Iron Dynasty in Lancaster, Pennsylvania who in 1833, with his brother Clement Brooke Grubb, assumed control of the family business after the death of their father Henry Bates Grubb...
(1810–67), ironmasterIronmasterAn ironmaster is the manager – and usually owner – of a forge or blast furnace for the processing of iron. It is a term mainly associated with the period of the Industrial Revolution, especially in Great Britain.... - Edward Burd Grubb, Jr. (1841–1913), Civil War General and later US Ambassador to Spain.
- Ann Wood HenryAnn Wood HenryAnn Wood Henry was the wife of William Henry of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a gunsmith, inventor, and patriot in the American Revolution....
(1734–99), wife of William HenryWilliam Henry (delegate)William Henry was an American gunsmith from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1784, 1785, and 1786.-Biography:...
, a gunsmith, inventor, and patriot in the American Revolution. - Miner Knowlton (1804–70), graduated from West Point in 1829, He served with the French Army as aid to Marshall Beaugand in Algeria in 1845 and with the U.S. Army in the Mexican War, an instructor of mathematics, French, artillery and cavalry tactics at West Point for 14 years, instructing many of the noted Civil War generals, including U.S. Grant.
- James LawrenceJames LawrenceJames Lawrence was an American naval officer. During the War of 1812, he commanded the USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon...
(1781–1813), War of 1812War of 1812The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
naval officer. - Bill Loguidice (born 1972), writer and producer.
- George MiddletonGeorge Middleton (New Jersey)George Middleton was an American Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district from 1863 to 1865....
(1800–1888), represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional districtNew Jersey's 2nd congressional districtNew Jersey's Second Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Frank LoBiondo.-Counties and municipalities in the district:...
from 1863 to 1865. - John H. PughJohn H. PughJohn Howard Pugh , was a Republican Party politician who represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1877-1879....
(1827–1905), represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional districtNew Jersey's 2nd congressional districtNew Jersey's Second Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Frank LoBiondo.-Counties and municipalities in the district:...
in the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
from 1877-1879. - William RockhillWilliam RockhillWilliam Rockhill was a U.S. Representative from Indiana.Born in Burlington, New Jersey, Rockhill attended the public schools.He moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1822.He engaged in agricultural pursuits....
(1793–1865), represented in the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
from 1847-1849. - John Skene (d. 1690), Deputy Governor of West Jersey who was the first Freemason in North America.
Sources
- Shea, Martha Esposito and Mathis, Mike. "Images of America: Burlington" Arcadia Publishing (2001). ISBN 0738509167
External links
- Burlington City web site
- Burlington Tourist Bureau
- The City of Burlington Public School District
- Data for the City of Burlington Public School District, National Center for Education StatisticsNational Center for Education StatisticsThe National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...
- Historic Burlington City
- Burlington County Historical Society