Our history formally began in 1686 when Richard Hancock built a sawmill and workman's houses near where Pine Street meets the Broad Street bypass.  Today "Potter's Tavern" and Ebenezer Miller's house still remain from Pre-Revolutionary times.

By the time of the revolution, Bridgetown (as it was then called) had about 200 inhabitants. By 1838 there were 2,387 people and 475 buildings in the town.  Among these buildings were 4 churches, 12 schools, 6 blacksmith shops, a nail & iron factory, and a woolen mill.  Bridgeton was quite self-sufficient and few things needed to be imported.  However, thirty cargo-carrying schooners and sloops were based in Bridgeton.  The prosperous business and professional men built elegant and pretentious homes.  The latest American architectural styles were used: Federal, Greek Revival, etc.

Bridgeton became an industrial center in the latter half of the 1800's, and the fine Victorian homes of this era reveal this prosperity - Atlantic Street and Commerce Street have the greatest concentration of these Victorian houses.  Today, Bridgeton is committed to restoring its heritage.   We invite you to experience our quaint Victorian downtown ambiance, satisfy your palate at one of our fine eateries, and enjoy our recreation events and activities & facilities.