About
Mannington Township
A Municipality in Salem County, New Jersey
Originally named East Fenwick, though the details of its initial establishment are unknown. The name Mannington derives from the Lenape deity, variously spelled as Maneto or Manito. Mannington Township was first mentioned as such on May 12, 1721, and the township was officially incorporated by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798 as one of New Jersey’s original 104 municipal townships.
The township is unique in New Jersey as it has worked to remain a GREENBELT with agriculture as the predominant use within our community. A GREENBELT is an approach to land use policy that strives to retain areas of largely undeveloped, wild, or agricultural land outside of adjacent centers. Mannington Township has not pursued the ratable race but rather pursued efforts to allow for the success of our farm community while fostering change and progress.
The Mannington Township of today is the result of municipal efforts over the last half century to remain agrarian. Our citizens chose to structure our community to foster and sustain the agricultural economy that makes New Jersey, the Garden State. These efforts have been centered on the preservation of high quality agricultural land, the irreplaceable infrastructure necessary for farming. The Mannington Township community has been successful to date by preserving over 50% of our municipality. The municipality has partnered with various funding sources to continually move agricultural production ground into preservation. This result is a product of farming families choosing to remain in the business of agriculture. Mannington also established agricultural friendly land use rules and practices. These rules and practices further the efforts of our farm community to successfully produce food crops.
The family and small business nature of agriculture in Mannington Township has allowed for an entrepreneurial success. These dedicated farmers, both young and old, have been quick to modify production and practices related to the wants and needs of an ever changing marketplace.
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 1,905 people residing in 477 households within the township. The population density was 56.2 per square mile. There were 543 housing units, 88% occupied at an average density of 16 per square mile. The racial makeup of the township was 71% White, 18% Black or African American, 1% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8% of the population. The 2020 population of Mannington Township of 1900 is 21% less than the 2400 in 1860, certainly unusual in New Jersey.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 38.4 square miles (99.5 km²), of which, 34.8 square miles (90.1 km²) of it is land and 3.6 square miles (9.4 km²) of it (9.47%) is water. The Salem River flows along the township’s northern and western boundaries. Mannington Township borders the Salem County communities of Carneys Point Township, Pilesgrove Township, Alloway Township, Quinton Township, Salem City, and Pennsville Township. At the heart of Delaware Bay Watershed’s agricultural region lies the Mannington Meadows of Salem County, a 6,000-acre complex of wetlands and tidal waters that provide globally significant migratory bird habitat and interface directly with the agricultural landscape. The Mannington Meadow forms a large portion of the western edge of Mannington Township. The Mannington Township community has worked diligently to protect the Mannington Meadow resource. Of note, the rural nature of our community is exemplified by the fact that Mannington Township has no stop lights within its borders.
Mannington Township Elementary School serves fewer than 200 students from pre-kindergarten through grade eight. Their website indicates the school offers a private school education in a public school setting. Class sizes are small (typically 15-18 students), and each child is valued for his/her individual gifts. Mannington offers a full range of educational services, including enrichment and remedial programs. The middle school program fosters responsibility and respect for self and others, while guiding our students toward the independence needed for a successful secondary school experience. Students transition to various high school opportunities including Salem High School, Salem County Vocational Technical High School, numerous Academy programs throughout the county high schools, and various private school opportunities in the area.
Mannington Township is proud to be the home of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fine flooring, Mannington Mills, Inc. Mannington Mills is a manufacturer of residential and commercial sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl, laminate and hardwood, as well as commercial carpet and rubber. Founded in 1915 in Salem, Mannington Mills is privately held and continues its commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and the environment. Mannington Mills, Inc. continues to be a good citizen and neighbor within the community.
The Inspira Medical Center Mannington, is dedicated to providing the community access to convenient, high-quality health care. The name – Inspira Medical Center – reflects their dual mission of providing hospital services while also providing an array of outpatient programs that meet the needs of our community. The Inspira Medical Center Mannington will be expanding primary care and specialty medical services through growth in medical staff and strategic clinical partnerships as they move ahead. Mannington Township has committed to the success of expanded medical services on the site.
AUTUMN LAKE Healthcare of Salem County, located in Mannington township, provides for the needs of local residents and the Salem County community. Their newly-renovated facility includes a cutting-edge therapy room that promotes wellness and recovery in a joyful atmosphere. In addition to sub-acute rehabilitation, they are known for excellence in long-term care, providing round-the-clock skilled nursing for a wide range of complex medical conditions.
Fresenius Kidney Care Mannington is passionately committed to helping people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) lead fuller, more active and vibrant lives. Another valuable resource found in Mannington Township serving Salem County residents.
Mannington Township is also home to the Salem County Vocational Technical High School, the Regional Day School at Mannington, the Salem County Correctional Facility, the Salem County Emergency Services Facility, the Ware Agricultural Complex, and the Salem County Fire Training Center, all of which are located on the campus of the Salem County Farm.
Due to its central location, rich history, and agrarian traditions, Mannington Township is often referred to as the “Heart of Salem County.”