Maurice River Township (Berkery, Sheri. "Do you know how to pronounce these S.J. town names?", Courier-Post, September 5, 2019. Accessed January 26, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "Maurice River/Maurice River Township: MAW-ris, instead of More-eece. So basically, pronounce it like a mans name, but not the one it looks like.") is the easternmost township in Cumberland County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The township, and all of Cumberland County, is part of the Vineland-Bridgeton metropolitan statistical area for statistical purposes, and the Philadelphia metropolitan area.New Jersey: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 22, 2022. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 6,218, a decrease of 1,758 (−22.0%) from the 2010 census count of 7,976, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,048 (+15.1%) from the 6,928 counted in the 2000 census.Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.

Maurice River Township was first formed as a precinct on January 19, 1748, and was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships. Portions of the township were taken to form Millville on March 1, 1866.Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 121. Accessed May 30, 2024. The township derives its name from Maurice, Prince of Orange.Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed September 5, 2015.Gannett, Henry. The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States, p. 20. United States Government Printing Office, 1905. Accessed September 5, 2015.

It had long been a dry town where alcohol could not legally be sold.New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. New Jersey ABC list of dry towns (May 1, 2013)Giordano, Rita. "More towns catching liquor-license buzz; Moorestown considers ending its dry spell", The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 24, 2007. Accessed February 16, 2014. The Township Committee began consideration in 2012 of asking residents to approve the creation of two liquor licenses.Tomlinson, Philip. "Maurice River discussing alcohol sales; diner owner in dry town pursuing issue", South Jersey Times, March 18, 2012. Accessed August 29, 2023. "Township residents may soon be voting on whether to allow alcohol sales in this dry community, an idea that drew public scrutiny at this week’s committee meeting..... Currently there are no liquor licenses operating in Maurice River, one of more than 30 dry towns in New Jersey, and a license can only be issued with the consent of the voters." In 2018, the committee created an ordinance allowing the sale of alcohol, after voters approved a ballot question the previous November.Township Committee Meeting Minutes for April 19, 2018, Maurice River Township. Accessed August 29, 2023. "Whereas, during the general election conducted on November 7, 2017, the voters of Maurice River Township approved the retail sale of all kinds of alcoholic beverages, for consumption on the licensed premises by the glass or other open receptacle pursuant to Chapter one of the Title Intoxicating Liquors of the Revised Statutes of New Jersey"

History

Originally called Wahatquenak by the local Lenni Lenape Native Americans, the Maurice River is said to be named for a local legend, in which a Dutch ship on the river, the Prince Maurice, was sunk by the local Native Americans in 1657. The land was surveyed by John Worledge and Thomas Budd in 1691, and the community of Dorchester was laid out.History, Maurice River Township. Accessed October 31, 2019. "Today Maurice River Township encompasses 94.7 square miles and includes the villages of Delmont, Heislerville, Leesburg, Dorchester, Bricksboro, Port Elizabeth, Cumberland and a portion of Milmay." It was not until 1798 on that the township itself was established.

Port Elizabeth was established as a port of delivery by an Act of Congress in 1789, and trade was done directly with the West Indies until the 1830s, when trading was done more with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York City. Dorchester and Leesburg were known for shipbuilding industry, and the A.J. Meerwald (the State Ship of New Jersey) was built in the shipyards of Dorchester. The settlement of Heislerville and its surroundings were known for their oystering industry until around 1957, when a parasitic disease called MSX crippled the oyster population of the river. The oystering industry has not recovered since.Historic Themes and Resources within the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route: Maritime Activities, National Park Service. Accessed April 6, 2007.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Maurice River township had a total area of 95.90 square miles (248.38 km2), including 93.17 square miles (241.30 km2) of land and 2.73 square miles (7.08 km2) of water (2.85%).

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Bennetts Mill, Bricksboro, Cannon Range, Cumberland, Delmont, Dorchester, East Point, Fries Mill, Halberton, Hands Mill, Heislerville, Hesstown, Hoffmans Mill, Hunters Mill, Jones Mill, Leesburg, Manantico, Manumuskin, Menhaden, Moores Beach, Ormond, Port Elizabeth, Thompsons Beach, Wall Pond, and some portions of Belleplain and Milmay.Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 21, 2015. The township government is based in the community of Leesburg in the municipal complex. Maurice River Township is mostly rural in character and some of the land is covered by extensive forests of the Pine Barrens.

Maurice River Township borders the municipalities of Commercial Township, Millville and Vineland in Cumberland County; Buena Vista Township, Estell Manor and Weymouth Township in Atlantic County; and Dennis Township and Upper Township in Cape May County.Map of Cumberland County, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed October 28, 2019.New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.

Demographics

2010 census The 2010 United States census counted 7,976 people, 1,364 households, and 970 families in the township. The population density was 85.7 per square mile (33.1/km2). There were 1,506 housing units at an average density of 16.2 per square mile (6.3/km2). The racial makeup was 58.04% (4,629) White, 36.03% (2,874) Black or African American, 0.44% (35) Native American, 0.35% (28) Asian, 0.03% (2) Pacific Islander, 3.44% (274) from other races, and 1.68% (134) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.52% (919) of the population.

Of the 1,364 households, 26.2% had children under the age of 18; 55.4% were married couples living together; 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.9% were non-families. Of all households, 22.7% were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.05.

9.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 52.2% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 343.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 415.1 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $69,419 (with a margin of error of +/− $9,253) and the median family income was $78,713 (+/− $7,665). Males had a median income of $54,893 (+/− $8,742) versus $33,712 (+/− $6,439) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $15,705 (+/− $1,946). About 9.5% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Maurice River township, Cumberland County, New Jersey , United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 23, 2012.

2000 census As of the 2000 United States census there were 6,928 people, 1,332 households, and 1,012 families residing in the township. The population density was . There were 1,461 housing units at an average density of 15.6 per square mile (6.0/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 98.63% White, 3.98% African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 11.1% Pacific Islander, 9.43% from other races, and 2.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.15% of the population.Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Maurice River township, Cumberland County, New Jersey , United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 23, 2012.DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Maurice River township, Cumberland County, New Jersey , United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 23, 2012.

There were 1,332 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the township the population was spread out, with 12.9% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 55.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 277.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 343.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $43,182, and the median income for a family was $46,987. Males had a median income of $37,901 versus $27,928 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,141. About 6.4% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation In 1993, the Maurice River and its tributaries were designated as the Maurice National Scenic and Recreational River by the Congress.National Wild & Scenic Rivers System: Maurice River, National Park Service. Accessed October 31, 2109. "In 1993, the Maurice River and several tributaries—including Menantico and Muskee Creeks and the Manumuskin River—were added to the National Wild and Scenic River System."

Acres of unspoiled forest and waterways allow residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. With an abundance of forests and marshlands, numerous state wildlife refuges in the area are frequented by locals for hunting, fishing, bird-watching, hiking and boating.About Us, Maurice River Township. Accessed October 31, 2019.

The preservation of the unique ecosystem of the Maurice River watershed has become an important issue for some residents. One group, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. was formed in 1979 to provide education and organize preservation efforts.About, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. Accessed October 31, 2019. "CU Maurice River was founded in 1979 and incorporated as a non-profit in 1986. A pivotal force in the designation of the Maurice River as part of the National Wild & Scenic River System, we are dedicated to protecting the Maurice River Watershed’s natural integrity and cultural heritage. "

Government

Local government