Mays Landing, Hamilton Township

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The community was named for Captain George May, who sailed the Great Egg Harbor River in 1740, and purchased land in the area in 1756. The location was suitable for building ships using local timber and iron from Weymouth foundries. In February 1837, Atlantic County was created, and Mays Landing was established as the county seat. The Atlantic County Courthouse was built here in 1838.  See the "widow's walk" on some of the extant houses.

The Mays Landing Historical Society Museum is a must-see for history buffs and curious visitors alike. Located in a charming, historic building, the museum offers a glimpse into the rich past of Mays Landing.

Located along the Western Banks of the scenic Great Egg Harbor River, Estell Manor Park has gone through a variety of changes over the years. During WWI the area was a munitions factory called Belcoville that had over 5000 employees. What are trails now used to be railroad beds, making for flat, easy hiking. 

These trails explore mixed woods, tidal wetlands, mixed swamp and low growing shrubs that hosts a great selection of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, plants and mammals. Many visitors to the area enjoy the park's unique "Swampwalk" - a boardwalk found only in the NJ Pines.

The town was founded in March 1918, during World War I to provide housing for the nearby Bethlehem Loading Company munitions plant. A town hall, school, bank, bowling alley, and several types of stores were created by August. The facility continued production until 1919, after the war had ended, and was subsequently torn down and scrapped.

Belcoville had a population of almost 10,000 at its peak. See a collection of still-lived-in workers houses and displays in the park highlighting the Bethlehem Loading Company. 

Mays Landing became the center of shipbuilding in Atlantic County. George May, the founder of Mays Landing, was a blacksmith and shipbuilder. In the mid-18th century, he had opened a store supplying vessels putting into Great Egg Harbor. 

It was then that Mays Landing reached the height of its shipbuilding. From 1830 to 1880, more than two hundred vessels were built along the Great Egg Harbor River with lumber from native forests and iron from Weymouth foundries. Half of them were produced at Mays Landing.

The park encompasses nearly 2,000 acres offering many opportunities for adventure and enjoyment. This property was purchased in order to protect a major portion of the “Wild and Scenic” Great Egg Harbor River while providing recreational activities and environmental interpretation along the shores of the 344-acre lake. 

At Lake Lenape visitors can enjoy a day of fishing, hiking, or birdwatching. The lake is an excellent spot to sight bald eagles in the winter! 

Located in the Atlantic County Park System - Estell Manor, the Warren Fox Nature Center is a great introduction to the area's native environs. 

Inside visitors will find displays depicting some of the area's history, plant and animal life, and ecological and environmental principles. The Greenhouse is also home to a collection of live animals, and a 50-seat auditorium. 

The origins of Hamilton Township, named after Alexander Hamilton, are directly tied to the Great Egg Harbor River and its tributaries which run through it. From 1830 to 1880, more than 200 vessels were built along the river with lumber from native forests and iron from Weymouth foundries. Half of them were produced at Mays Landing. 

By the end of the century, wood shipbuilding began to disappear due to the lack of suitable timber. Iron was then substituted for hull construction.