Three historic markers have been installed along Kings Highway in Downtown Swedesboro outlining different aspects of the town’s rich history.
A marker located at Trinity Square (Corner of Kings Highway and Church Street) outlines the history of the Trinity Parish in the town. The text reads:
As early as 1638, Swedes settled, farmed, hunted, and fished along the Raccoon Creek. In 1703, Trinity Church was founded along Kings Highway as the first Swedish Church in New Jersey and the third Swedish Church in America. The original Swedish log cabin church was replaced by the present building in 1784.
At the St. Joe School House another one is located that tells the story of arevolutionary war skirmish that took place in Swedesboro on April 4, 1778.
The text reads:
Skirmish at Swedesboro
A Revolutionary War skirmish occurred near this site on April 4, 1778. About 300 Loyalist and British troops marched from Fort Billings (near present-day Paulsboro) to Swedesboro, hoping to capture local militiamen. Finding the patriots gone, the English pillaged homes and burned the log schoolhouse that had recently been used as a jail for Tories. Patriot Militia soon returned taking a position on a wooded hill overlooking the town and began shooting. The British returned fire and bullets flew in all directions, endangering soldiers and citizens alike before the sides retired.
At Swedesboro Borough Hall (at the corner of Lake and Kings Highway), a third marker stands that outlines when the history of Swedesboro’s establishment and incorporation as well as other names the town went by.
The sign reads:
Swedesboro was established in 1638 by the early Swedish and Finnish settlers. Over the years Swedesboro was known as Raccoon, Wrangletown, Swedesborough and finally Swedesboro when it became incorporated in 1902.
Activated by the push of a button, the signs’ flashing lights will go off and allow motorists to have another visual cue that there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk and that they should stop their vehicle and let them pass.
