Spotswood in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Spotswood’s 1832 Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 6, 2016
1. Spotswood’s 1832 Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial Marker
The Camden & Amboy Railroad reached Spotswood in 1832 being built from Bordentown to South Amboy.
Based on British practice, stone “sleepers” were used to act as the foundation for the rails; quarries near New York’s Sing Sing prison were contracted to supply the stone blocks. Iron spikes, secured into holes drilled into the stone secured the tracks. The heaving of the stone in the spring thaw prompted a decision to use wooden ties as a base for the tracks and the “sleepers” were gradually replaced.
Spotswood’s role in the region’s growth can easily be traced to the presence of the rail line. Materials in and products outbound encouraged growth and passenger service enabled residents to travel in either direction whether to nearby stations or long-distance to nearby metropolitan areas.
Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant provided by New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Dept. of State.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 40° 24.18′ N, 74° 22.729′ W. Marker is in Spotswood, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker is on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. General George Washington (approx. half a mile away); St. Peter's Episcopal Church (approx. one mile away); Spotswood Mills (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Appleby Devoe Memorial Library (approx. 1.1 miles away); Borough of Helmetta (approx. 2.7 miles away); L.J. Smith Farmhouse (approx. 2.9 miles away); Old School Baptist Church (approx. 3.3 miles away); South River World War II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam Conflict Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotswood.
Also see . . . Spotswood’s 1832 Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial. Spotswood Heritage and Cultural Commission website entry (Submitted on July 8, 2016, by Stephen Kokoska of North Brunswick, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 6, 2016
2. Spotswood’s 1832 Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 6, 2016
3. Spotswood’s 1832 Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 695 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
