The History of Burlington Island-DESTINATION ANYWHERE

On this episode of Destination Anywhere, we're going to take a deep dive into the history of Burlington Island. Located in the Delaware River, between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Burlington Island was the site of the first European settlement in New Jersey in the 1600s. By the 20th century, the island was home to an amusement park and would later become a vacation destination up until the late-1970s. With no permanent residents, Burlington Island is maintained by local volunteers striving to maintain and restore the glory of the island.

I want to give a special thanks to all of the following people who helped with this video: Jim & Dawn McCreary,
Charley Johnson, Judy Gauntt, Kelsey Moss,
Pat Mulhern,
Mandy Thackeray, Dawn Lewis, Don Reinhardt,
Dave Babula,
Dennis McDonald,
Amelia Mcilvaine
and Joseph Barbagallo.



Also, a special thanks to:
Board of Island Managers

Friends of Burlington Island
Burlington County Historical Society
Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library

For more information or to get involved check out the following links:

#mickeyshuffle

Check me out on IG: @mickey_shuffle
Charlie's IG: @cb4visuals

[bonniechampion]

I grew up on the Island. It was the best childhood ever

[jerseygirl]

Thank you for doing this. I'm from Burlington Township - born & raised. I was always curious about the island growing up. I mean, we've heard so many rumors it was hard to believe what was true. This is wonderful. Thanks for documenting my hometown's history.

[astralweeks]

Great job, Mickey. I knew about Burlington Island but didn't realize people used to live there! So sad they lost their homes, but it's nice to see the return to nature. Keep up the good work!

[haljames]

I have to say this . I was part of this with Don Reinhardt thanks Don, what we started years ago is still going strong then before.

[kurtfoulke]

Hey Mickey,
I was glad to see that you are still working on new content.
You really did your homework on this one, I thought I was familiar with the subject but came away with a whole new view.
Thanks for all of the hard work that goes into your research and the photography was excellent 👍.
I can't wait to see what your next subject will be.

[kelseymoss]

I keep watching over & over! Great job Mickey. You and Charlie were great to work with!

[dnnyboy]

Recently got into your videos and I fell down a rabbit hole until I watched pretty much every one. Love all of the local NJ history, and this might have been the best one yet! Keep it up.

It may be cool to do an episode on Raritan Landing, the lost port town right outside of New Brunswick. Or maybe Sayre & Fisher brick in Sayreville (largest brick manufacturer in the world for several decades).

[vinnyconte]

Whoa, an awesome history account again!

[tommymas]

Great story. Was not aware that the Island was the first settled European site in NJ.

[bonnielevine]

Thank you for this fascinating video! It was interesting but sad learning about the people who grew up on the island, but were forced to leave. I admired how they fought legally to stay, which delayed the island management from building it up because they ran out of money. Looking forward to helping to keep this island pristine and beautiful!

[relikpenguin]

FWIW, really like your vids. New coworker mentioned living in White City. I referenced the amusement park which he had not known about after living there for decades and stumbled across your content. The production value is great, and seeing local places with stories i have heard bits and pieces of while growing up in the area is awesome. Your playlist is like "Legends of a CNJ Childhood". Commented here since its your most recent. Hope to see more, thanks!

[brianmoore]

The Trenton "Warf", is a great place to film . Next to the Public dock.
The rigging is still there!
My grandparents had a store by US STEEL, the sold tobacco and cloth. At night they would brew moon shine in there house, and my father would sell the shine to the merchant mariners that would man the fright ships back in. the day.

[MelissaElwell-dnsj]

I was born in Burlington County New Jersey

[LyndaJones-yd]

How can someone/me be able to go to the island?

[rhondaherbert]

Need to completely fill in that unnatural looking lake.

[MilkmanC]

jfc That's why we had a Stacy school? lol smh