Galloway Township

Galloway Township is the largest municipality in Atlantic County by land area, spanning approximately 45 square miles of diverse terrain that includes suburban neighborhoods, preserved woodlands, cranberry bogs, and blueberry farms. Located in the heart of the Jersey Shore's mainland, the township sits just west of Absecon and Atlantic City, offering residents a blend of small-town character and convenient access to the shore's urban centers.

The township's origins trace back to 1774, when it was formally separated from Egg Harbor Township and established as its own municipality. Named after Galloway, Scotland — reflecting the Scottish and English heritage of many early settlers — the area was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape people before European colonization. Throughout the Revolutionary War, Galloway's strategic location along waterways and roads made it a point of interest for both Continental and British forces. The township's rich agricultural roots took hold in the 18th and 19th centuries, with cranberry cultivation and blueberry farming becoming defining industries that shaped the local economy and landscape for generations.

One of Galloway's most treasured landmarks is Historic Smithville, a charming village originally established in the 1700s along the banks of the Leeds Point Brook. Today, Historic Smithville has been restored as a delightful collection of over 60 unique shops and restaurants set along winding cobblestone pathways, complete with a working antique carousel and a picturesque lake. The village hosts seasonal events throughout the year and draws visitors from across the region who come to browse artisan boutiques, dine at locally beloved restaurants, and enjoy the old-world atmosphere. Adjacent to the village, the Smithville Inn — one of New Jersey's oldest operating inns — has welcomed guests since 1787 and remains a popular destination for fine dining and special occasions.

Galloway is also home to Leeds Point, a small community steeped in American folklore as the legendary birthplace of the Jersey Devil. According to tradition, in 1735 a woman known as Mother Leeds gave birth to the 13th child of the Leeds family, which allegedly transformed into a winged creature and flew up the chimney, beginning centuries of sightings across the Pine Barrens. While the tale is more legend than fact, Leeds Point and the surrounding Pine Barrens landscape remain a source of fascination for history buffs and curious visitors alike.

The township took a significant leap forward in 1969 when Stockton University — then known as Stockton State College — was established on a 1,600-acre campus within Galloway's borders. The university has since grown into a respected four-year institution enrolling over 9,000 students, and its presence has brought cultural vitality, educational resources, and economic energy to the township. The campus includes the renowned Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center, and its proximity to the Pine Barrens makes it a hub for environmental science research.

In recent decades, Galloway Township has evolved into one of Atlantic County's most populated and sought-after communities, with a population of approximately 37,000 residents. The township features a mix of established neighborhoods, new residential developments, commercial corridors along Route 30 and Route 9, and large swaths of protected Pinelands acreage. Its proximity to the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway provides easy access to Atlantic City's entertainment and employment centers, the Jersey Shore's beaches, and the broader Philadelphia and South Jersey region.