NJ Pine Barrens Maritime-Culture-Landscape 1 1 2024

Atlantic County, the Great Bay MCL (ref Atlantic County) p1 of 2 pages
Chestnut Neck and the Little Egg Harbor River
American Revolution. Major center for Conintenteal privateers who were regularly capturing British Merchant
Ships and relieving them of their cargos. The ships were landed in Chestnut Neck and their cargos were
transported, first to warehouses at Chestnut Neck or further up the river to a larger community called "the
Forks" . Cptured made there way by wagon to Philadelphia.
The Privateers
American government issued letters (called Letters of Marquee) appointing specific ships, owners & captains
to takeover British Merchant ships and confiscate the cargos. The cargos were then sold and the proceeds
divided up by the Government's Court of Admiralty in Mount Holly on the tidal sgemnt oif the Rancocas
Creek.
At the Forks . Bastso Village, a larger settlement further up the river), and at Mays Landing (on the Great Egg
Harbor River). Large warehouses were built to hold the cargos, while they awaited sales and shipment.
The Iron Works
The iron works at Batsto on the Little Egg Harbor River was started in 1766. Cannon balls and other military
equipment was produced there and used by the Continental Army. The importance of the iron works can be
seen in the fact that the workmen were given an exemption from military service.
The Salt Works - On the north side of the Bay were numerous salt works. Salt was a highly prized commodity
at a time when vast quantities of food needed to be preserved for use by armies and aboard ships.
According to Mr. Kemps research almost 30 ships and their cargos were sold at "The Forks" and Chestnut Neck
in August of 1778. In September at least another 6 ships were sold at Chestnut Neck and "The Forks,"
including The Venus of London.
Rancocas Pathways 376