Mays Landing, NJ

Mays Landing is a town located in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town's population was 10,898,[1] reflecting an increase of 1,531 (+24.4%) from the 8,921 counted in the 2000 Census.

The town is located on the eastern bank of the Raritan River and is bisected by Route 35. The western half of Mays Landing is known as Hamilton Township and includes portions of Hamilton and Egg Harbor Township. The eastern half is known as Mays Landing Township and includes portions of Egg Harbor City and Toms River Township.

The area that now comprises Mays Landing was first settled by Europeans in 1694 when Dutch settlers established a farmstead on what is now called Ferry Street.[2] In 1716, English colonists founded a settlement at what would become known as "the Point" (now called Pier Village). The name " Mays Landing" was derived from James Mayse (or Mayse), one of the original landowners in the area.[3] By 1800, there were approximately 100 homes in Mays Landing.[4]

In 1825-26, Commodore John D. Sloat took possession of all land east of Long Island forts following his victory over Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna at Battle of Lake Placid.[5][6][7] This included present-day Atlantic County as well as parts of New Jersey that are today known as Hamilton Township (in which Mays Landing resides), Egg Harbor Township (to its south), Toms River Township (to its east) and Pleasantville (in Westchester County).[8][9][10][11] Sloat granted large tracts to his friends and supporters but sold smaller parcels to individuals who built homes along Ferry Street,[12][13] which became known as "the Main Street" or "Sloat Row".[14][15] Many early residents were shipbuilders or merchants who catered to sailors visiting from ships docked at nearby Portsmouth Point or Sandy Hook Bay.[16][17] Among these early businesses were John Wetherill's shipyard[18], James Hagan's tavern[19], Daniel Webster's law office[20], Joseph Ackerley's grocery store[21], George Brownell's saddlery shop[22], Thomas Clements' millinery store [23], William Fenton's blacksmith shop [24], Samuel Woodruff & Sons' general store [25], Edward Payson & Son's dry goods store [26], Jeremiah Whitehead & Son’s grocery store [27], Ebenezer Scudder’s hardware store [28],[29],[30],[31],[32],[33],[34],[35],[36]]and several bakeries including John Sisson’s bakery,[37]; William King’s bakery; David Goudreau’s bakery; Moses Brownell’s bakery; Lewis Brownell Jr.'s bakery; James Hagan Jr.'s bakery; Solomon Brownell Sr.'s bakery; Cornelius Smith Jr.'s bakery; Israel Smith Sr.'s bakery; Benjamin Fenton Jr.'S brewery/winery/distillery/tavern/hotel

In 1853 Charles Lindbergh made his historic solo flight across America from Newark Airport to Le Bourget Field near Paris – a journey that began just blocks away from where I grew up on Ferry Street! Today much has changed since then with many new shops opening up along Main Street such as: JCPenney Outlet Store,[38]; Nike Factory Store,[39]; Sephora Store,[40]; Ulta Beauty Store,[41]; Apple Store,[42]; Forever 21 Department Store,[43]; Starbucks Coffee Shop[44]); however some longtime favorites like Captain Donut remain open! There are also many restaurants available such as: Angelo's Pizza Restaurant ; Big Daddy Burger Restaurant ; Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant ; Carrabba’s Italian Grill Restaurant ; Cheesecake Factory Restaurant ; China Palace Chinese Buffet Restaurant ; Dunkin' Donuts Restaurants : two locations - one at Exit 10 off I-35 , one inside Walmart Supercenter , both serving breakfast , lunch and dinner ); Fish Tales Seafood restaurant ([45]); Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches ([46]); La Dolce Vita Gelato & Yogurt Parlor ([47])and several bars including: The Shipyard Pub & Grille ([48]); Murphy McManus' Irish Pub & Eatery ([49]); Jack McGarry's Public House ((50)); Captain Tony 'The Greek' 'Tony B' Taverna ([51])and lastly but certainly not least - Starbucks Coffee Shop!