by Robert F. Holden (Author), The Historical Preservation Society of U (With)
Upper Township (after being known as the Upper Precinct of Cape May County since 1723) was founded in 1798 by John Townsend, but actually, the area was first inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Indians, who lived there and hunted in the rivers and woods for food for hundreds of years. The area grew as people from New York, northern New Jersey, and other outlying areas came to the region for its rich land and natural resources. Whaling, shipbuilding, and farming became the principal jobs. They brought their cultures and religions with them (Quakers, Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians), and gradually, an area of just a few villages developed into a larger township with 10 different villages. The 2010 census listed the population at 12,373 over an area of nearly 69 square miles. Residents and visitors can avail themselves of a variety of historic sites such as the Tuckahoe Train Station (1894), the Gandy Farmhouse (1815), and the restored Friendship School (1830s). In addition, there are many activities available both on land and on the Tuckahoe River, as well as the pristine beaches of Strathmere.