Welcome to Long-A-Coming, a place with a name that might sound curious today, but carries a fascinating slice of American history. This area, now part of Berlin Township in New Jersey, was once known as Long-A-Coming, a term that harkens back to its origins as a significant stagecoach stop on the route between Camden and the bustling city of Philadelphia.
Let’s turn back the clock to the early 18th century. Around the year 1700, European settlers began moving into this region, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the opportunities it offered. The exact founding date of Long-A-Coming may be lost to history, but by the mid-1700s, it had become an established stopover point for weary travelers making their way through the dense woodlands of southern New Jersey. The name ‘Long-A-Coming’ was believed to refer to the lengthy journey travelers faced before arriving at this haven.
As you imagine the dusty roads and the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, picture a vibrant stopping place where inns and taverns provided shelter and refreshment. Among these establishments was the famed Long-A-Coming Depot, a pivotal part of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad in the mid-19th century. This rail line was crucial in transforming the region, connecting it with larger markets and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
The rail brought change—not just in commerce but in the population, as more people were drawn to the area for business opportunities. This era saw Long-A-Coming evolve from a sleepy stopover into a small but thriving community.
One notable figure who graced this area was John Clement, a prominent New Jersey state senator in the mid-1800s, who lived in the vicinity. His influence in state politics was significant, and his presence here adds a touch of historical prestige to the area.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further development, as small businesses and residential areas sprouted. By the mid-20th century, Long-A-Coming had largely integrated into what we now know as Berlin Township, yet the historical roots remain essential to the town’s identity.
Today, as you pass through, you may not find the stagecoaches or the clattering trains that once defined Long-A-Coming, but the legacy of a crossroads of commerce and travel endures. The area is a testament to the evolution from a colonial outpost to a modern community, underscoring the transformative power of transportation over time.
So whether you’re walking the streets or driving past, remember that Long-A-Coming played its part in the broader tapestry of American history, a reminder of the journeys that shaped our nation’s past.
