A Short History of Batsto Village:
Historic Batsto Village, a nationally recognized historic site,
is located in
Wharton State Forest in Southern New Jersey. The Village has changed and
survived during several different periods of American history. Archeological
investigations have also discovered evidence of Prehistoric life in the Batsto
area. Evidence shows land use dating back several thousand years.
Early Iron Years:
Charles Read is credited with building the Batsto Iron Works
along the Batsto River in 1766. Batsto had the natural resources necessary for
making iron. There was bog
ore which was "mined" from the banks of the streams and rivers, wood from
the forests became the charcoal for fuel, and water became the power for
manufacturing. John Cox, a Philadelphia business man, became part owner in 1770
and full owner by 1773. The Iron Works produced household items such as cooking
pots and kettles. During the Revolutionary War years, Batsto manufactured
supplies for the Continental Army. Manager Joseph Ball became owner of Batsto
Iron Works in 1779.
Richards Years:
In 1784, William Richards, uncle of Joseph Ball, became a major
owner of The Iron Works. This began the Richards’ era at Batsto which would last
for 92 years. William was ironmaster until he retired in 1809. Son Jesse was in
charge until his death in 1854; and he was followed by his son Thomas H. By the
mid 1800’s, iron production declined and Batsto became a glassmaking community
known for its window glass. Soon the glass business was also finished, and
Batsto was in receivership.
Wharton Years:
Joseph Wharton, a Philadelphia businessman, purchased Batsto in
1876 at a Masters Sale. Wharton continued to purchase property in the area
surrounding Batsto. He made improvements on the
mansion, and on many of
the village buildings. He was also involved in a variety of forestry and
agricultural endeavors. Joseph Wharton died in 1909. From his death until 1954,
the Wharton properties in the Pine Barrens were managed by the Girard Trust
Company in Philadelphia.
State Ownership:
New Jersey purchased the Wharton properties in the mid 1950’s.
The state began planning for the use and development of the property. The few
people still living in the Village houses remained as long as they wanted. It
was in 1989 that the last house was vacated. Today Batsto Village is a New
Jersey Historic site and is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of
Historic Places.
