If there was an adjective to describe a small, rural yet metropolitan respite from the typical, been-there, done-that suburbia—that word would be Swedesboro, and the place, Swedesboro, NJ. This town is simply a shining example of what can be done when private partnerships, public funds, business determination and community enthusiasm come together and polish a quiet gem.

Nestled among the quaint architectural dwellings is Swedesboro’s walkable downtown shopping district with its unique shops, a variety of dining experiences, historical sites and an exciting variety of events all year round. Finding a truly unique gift is a breeze as you’ll find traditional, handmade quilts blocks away from some of the country’s finest cigars. Linger for brunch, lunch and evening fine dining at one of our restaurants or casual eateries and create that perfect escape from the everyday.

In between, discover your past at one of Swedesboro’s four locations listed on The National and/or State Registers of Historic Places: The John C. Rulon House, Richardson Avenue School, Trinity Episcopal “Old Swedes” Church and the Van Leer/Mortenson Log Cabin. To learn more about Swedesboro’s rich history, click here. Be sure to plan ahead and come to town for one of our exciting events from old-fashioned family fun to elegant evenings with the finest jazz under the stars. You can see all our events at a glance by clicking here.

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This Southern New Jersey town was settled by a small group of Swedes and Finns in the mid-1600s. Mostly hunters and fishermen, the settlers began farming the area, rich with wood supply and fertile soil, and befriended the Native Leni Lenape as they expanded into New Jersey creeks.

Originally named Raccoon (from the Lenape word “narraticon”), the quiet settlement soon transformed into a town with churches, taverns and shoppes for trade. Under a Lease System, unique to New Jersey, the settlement developed south from Raccoon Creek to the present center of town at Borough Hall on King’s Highway. In 1765, the borough’s name was changed to Swedesboro; it was incorporated in 1903.

Swedesboro houses one of the country’s oldest existing log cabins, the Van Leer/Mortenson Log Cabin. Originally located at Grand Sprute Plantation along Raccoon Creek, the cabin has since been moved to New Sweden Park at the edge of Trinity “Old Swedes” Church Cemetery. The great grandson of the cabin’s original owner, John Morton, became a signer of the Declaration of Independence!

Another historic gem of the Borough, Trinity “Old Swedes” Church is the oldest church in Gloucester County. Founded in 1703, it is the first Swedish Church in the state and the third in the nation. Its cemeteries gave a final resting place to many historical figures, including Dr. Bodo Otto, Jr. (a physician to George Washington’s troops), Eric Mullica (founder of Mullica Hill), and Governor Charles Stratton (the first popularly-elected governor of New Jersey).

Since its founding in 1638, Swedesboro has grown to a community of over 2,500. This historic borough has preserved its past in landmarks and eclectic architecture (complete with four local sites listed on The National and/or State Registers of Historic Places, with two more on the way!), but is also focused on creating a climate of opportunity in the future.

A fresh downtown district is developing, offering a variety of shopping and dining experiences for visitors and residents alike. Just one visit to this Southern New Jersey town will show it is alive with history and authenticity, but also a fresh and lively family fun destination.

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Swedesboro is immediately accessible via New Jersey’s essential roadways (Interstate 95, the NJ Turnpike and Routes 295, 55, 322, and 47) and is just a twenty minute drive from Philadelphia. For easy to follow directions, click here.

We look forward to your visit! If you have any questions or interest in setting up a group tour or other special event, please call (856) 467-0202 or use the contact form below

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