South Jersey: What are its boundaries?

[Jerseyman]

Folks:

The locational phenomenon known today as "South Jersey" has only existed in the state's collective consciousness since the days of the Civil War. The first public use of the term "South Jersey" appears in the Hammonton newspaper, the South Jersey Republican. We could debate ad nuseum whether any significance could be assigned to the term entering the vox populi during the War of the Rebellion, although I do think some could be discerned. Nonetheless, prior to that period of national unrest over states' rights, the distinction existed between East Jersey and West Jersey and not on a north-south axis. The changeover to the latter designators has now completely overwhelmed the former. The last company to carry the term "West Jersey" in its title formed in 1911. Since that time, "South Jersey" has vanquished the ancient term "West Jersey" except among those steeped in state history.

Best regards,
Jerseyman
A proud holdover resident of West New Jersey

 

[Badfish740]

Hmmm...well technically I'm also in West Jersey, so am I South Jersey, West Jersey, or Southwest Jersey?

 

[pinelandpaddler]

Jerseyman,

Great post. I never knew about the East/West distinction of yesteryear. Thanks for the info.

 

[BEHR655]

Folks:

The last company to carry the term "West Jersey" in its title formed in 1911. Since that time, "South Jersey" has vanquished the ancient term "West Jersey" except among those steeped in state history.

Best regards,
Jerseyman
A proud holdover resident of West New Jersey

I was born at West Jersey Hospital (now Virtua) in Camden.

Steve

 

[ecampbell]

Ed,

Wheretown? That's a bit extreme, isn't it?

No, I don't think so. Once you cross over the bridge at Oyster Creek, at the Forked River power plant, the whoe culture changes. Lights, heavy traffic, strip malls everywhere. Very dense, permanent residences. Everyones in a rush, they forget how to drive, no courtesy. Just drive Rt 9, the change is obvious.
The whole pace of life is different. For me South Jersey is about agriculture, open spaces, a laid back was of life. It is not just geographical area.

 

[Jerseyman]

I was born at West Jersey Hospital (now Virtua) in Camden.

Steve

Steve:

The formation of the West Jersey Homeopathic Dispensary and Hospital Association dates to 5 June 1891. I should correct my previous post to indicate that some more recently formed companies operate today with the words "West Jersey" in their title, but I really think few of their incorporators understand the true and ancient relationship of West Jersey to our area.

Best regards,
Jerseyman

 

[bobpbx]

No, I don't think so. Once you cross over the bridge at Oyster Creek, at the Forked River power plant, the whoe culture changes. Lights, heavy traffic, strip malls everywhere. Very dense, permanent residences. Everyones in a rush, they forget how to drive, no courtesy. Just drive Rt 9, the change is obvious.
The whole pace of life is different. For me South Jersey is about agriculture, open spaces, a laid back was of life. It is not just geographical area.

I have to disagree with your reasoning. Route 9 in Bayville is not what it used to be, true, but it is still a hell of a lot better then route 9 in the altantic city area. Also, by your standards Ed, you live in North Jersey (Tabernacle). Its certainly north of Waretown. Also, by your reckoning Chatsworth is now in North Jersey. You have been smoking something-off your feet too long.

 

[BEHR655]

No, I don't think so. Once you cross over the bridge at Oyster Creek, at the Forked River power plant, the whoe culture changes. Lights, heavy traffic, strip malls everywhere. Very dense, permanent residences. Everyones in a rush, they forget how to drive, no courtesy. Just drive Rt 9, the change is obvious.
The whole pace of life is different. For me South Jersey is about agriculture, open spaces, a laid back was of life. It is not just geographical area.

You've never been to my area have you?

 

[james ungehajer]

south jersey boundaries

to me,bamber,forked river,has and always will be south jersey,besides 195,how about using 40 degrees north latitude as the dividing line at the shore,normandy beach.

 

[Frolickin]

I grew up in Cape May. We didn't include much outside of Cape May County as South Jersey. Some people included Atlantic City.

I now use I-195. If one "extends" the road to the coast, that seems to be an acceptable dividing line. Perfect? No.