History
Situated at the Southern tip of the Jersey Cape, Lower Township shares a shoreline with the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. First settled by whalers from New England and Long Island around 1635 this area is often referred to as the "Birth Place of South Jersey."  The early settlements on the bay were called New England Town, Portsmouth and later Town Bank.  One of the first people to arrive was Hannah Gorham, the granddaughter of John Howland who sailed to the New World aboard the Mayflower.  

Townbank, once the County seat, was an established thriving whaling and farming community in the 1940s when a developer saw the potential to build modest homes for returning veterans.  Many of the streets were named after families and things associated wit the early settlers, including Mayflower Circle, Gorham Avenue and Pilgrim Plaza. Today, the fishing industry continues to be a driving economic engine in Lower Township, and the Port of Cape May has become one of the top fishing ports on the East Coast.

Much has changed since the 1950s.  Lower Township is now the largest municipality in the county with a population of about 23,000 people.  The small bungalows that once lined the fishing hamlets along the Delaware Bay shoreline have been replace with large multi-story homes with spectacular views of the water and sunsets that rival Key West.

The fishing industry continues to be an important economic factor in the township and the Port of Cape May is one of the top fishing ports on the East Coast. The Cape May Canal provides boating enthusiasts with a convenient and scenic route to Cape May in Lower Township to Lewes, Delaware on a daily basis. Farming is still a way of life for some growing corn, beans, peppers, soy and tomatoes.  Some farms have been converted into vineyards and grow grapes for the local wineries. 

Campgrounds scattered along the rural roads provide a great opportunity for visitors who prefer the peaceful solitude of outdoor living.  Bike and nature trails, water sports and fishing add to the perfect vacation itinerary.
 
The quiet, peaceful way of life that first attracted people to the area has been maintained throughout the years. Many descendants of the area's founding families still live in Lower Township. The Diamond Beach section lies along the ocean and is a very popular beach resort with fine motel accommodations, luxurious condominiums, and excellent restaurants.