Mays Landing, Hamilton Township
Boats, Bombs, Glass and More
Early in the 1760’s Captain George May moved into this area as a representative and surveyor for the West Jersey Society. Caption May was also a blacksmith and a known shipbuilder who built ships for the West Indies trade. It was his popular ship loading site he called May’s Landing that gave the name to the towns of Mays Landing in 1780. Thousands of two and four mast ships sailed up the Great Egg Harbor River carrying their cargo of household goods and other merchandise to be sold.
In 1837 the County of Atlantic formed and established Mays Landing as its county seat. When this occurred many buildings were built and businesses were established. The court house at Mays Landing brought lawyers, judges, and jurors into the town. The Samuel Richards Hotel, across the street from the court house housed and fed customers going to court, jurors, merchants, and visitors.
The Mays Landing area grew with sawmills, ship building, blacksmiths, and a stage coach stop. It became a seafaring and textile center with later additions of glass factories, cotton mill, brick yard, and a train station. Many historic buildings remain today. Some of these include; the Court House – 1838, the Samuel Richards Hotel ( now Atlantic County Library), the Presbyterian Church – 1841, the Methodist Church – 1848, the Catholic Church – 1907, the Inn at Sugar Hill, and many more.
Historic Mays Landing
Historic Mays Landing
Historic Mays Landing
So much in Mays Landing - Underwood Park
Atlantic County Parks
Historic Mays Landing
Historic Mays Landing
Atlantic County Park System
Belcoville
Historic Mays Landing
George May's Shipbuilding
Bethlehem Loading Company
George May's Shipbuilding
George May's Shipbuilding
George May's Shipbuilding
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.
Lake Lenape
George May's Shipbuilding
Lake Lenape
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!
coming soon
George May's Shipbuilding
Lake Lenape
Coming soon