Including an Artesian Well and ruins of the Bethlehem Loading Company
Estell Manor Park is located along the Egg Harbor River, and is part of the Atlantic County Park system. The park and surrounding area of Estell Manor has a long history and has been used for many things.
Estell Manor was originally owned by the Estell family, who bought the land in the 1820s and soon became involved in the growing glass industry. The Estells built a glassworks factory here in 1826. The Estell family’s wealth grew rapidly and they became involved in timber, shipbuilding, and farming. Estell’s glassworks closed in 1877, and remains of the buildings still remain on park p nroperty.
In 1918, a munitions factory for World War I was built in this area to supply the massive needs of the war effort. The munitions factory, called the Bethlehem Loading Company, built a massive factory complex along the river, along with housing for over 3,000 employees. This town eventually became known as Belcoville, shortened from Bethlehem Loading Company. This town included a bowling alley, town hall, school, bank, and other stores to support the workers. In addition to the 3,000 plant workers, Belcoville also supported 1,100 soldiers and military barracks to guard the plant. 24 miles of train tracks supplied the plant with raw materials and shipped out finished munitions.
The armistice was signed with Germany in November 1918, although production continued in Belcoville until 1919. No longer needed, the plant and associated town was disassembled for valuable parts, and the remainder was left to ruins, some of which can still be seen in Estell Manor park.
After more than a hundred years, the forest has reclaimed the land, and very little evidence of this once bustling town can be seen.
However, an artesian well that was used to supply the Belcoville munitions factory with fresh water is still flowing. This well was drilled in the early 1900s for the factory and is located next to the ruins of a shell magazine. The well can be accessed via Artesian Well Road off of Route 50, or via the beautiful boardwalk trail which starts at the Warren E. Fox nature center at the main entrance of the park, also off Route 50. This fully accessible boardwalk travels through a variety of ecosystems throughout the park, including Atlantic white cedar swamps and coastal forest. Side trails provide access to the South River.
