Mission Statement

The Gloucester City Historical Society was established for the purpose of collecting, preserving and displaying documents, photographs, artifacts, etc. that detail the long, rich history of what is now Gloucester City, N.J. Another long term goal is for the establishment of a permanent museum.

Fort Nassau was established here in 1623 by the Dutch. This fort was eventually abaondoned and English Quakers setled Gloucester Point in the 1670s. Gloucester Town achieved some prominene in 1686 was made the County Seat of Old Gloucester County. This position was maintained until 1786 when the County Seat was moved to Woodbury. Gloucester Town was at first a part of Gloucester Township and known as the Irish Tenth. Later, it was called Union Township. In 1844, Camden County was created from the northen portion of Old Gloucester County.

Within a few years, the town was changed forever by David S. Brown amd the industry he brought to the town. Gloucester City was incorporated in 1868, and in the late nineteenth century, became Philadelphia's playground under the reign of William J. Thompson, who was also known as the "Duke of Gloucester." Gloucester City thrived as an industrial center until the early 1980s.

After a decline of some fifteen years, Gloucester City is seeing some development along its waterfront. A Historic Preservation District was set up in 1985. The Gloucester City Historical Society remains devoted to its cause and invites you to join us.