Everyone knows that New Jersey and Delaware are neighbors. However, did you know that the two states share a physical border and that there’s a part of Delaware in New Jersey? While this might seem hard to believe, it’s a fun fact worthy of knowing more about. Therefore, read on to learn about the secluded and uninhabited land in Delaware that’s tucked away in southern New Jersey.

Finn's Point National Cemetery is located in Pennsville - along the Delaware / New Jersey border. If you've been to this military cemetery, did you know that you've only been a few steps away from the state of Delaware?
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Due to tidal flow and the way borders were originally drawn, a small promontory (raised mass of land, peninsula) actually falls within Delaware's borders. This part of Delaware in New Jersey is mostly marshland and includes portions of the Killcohook National Wildlife Refuge. (Though its official refuge status was revoked by the federal government in 1998.)
Google Maps
So, how exactly did this part of Delaware in New Jersey end up happening? In the 1600s, the land around New Castle, Delaware was deeded to William Penn. He was given all land along the riverbed within a 12-mile radius of the town. At the time, New Jersey's physical borders fell outside the radius. However, dredging by the Army Corps of Engineers has expanded the land mass of New Jersey over the years. Still, the Supreme Court maintained the details of the original deed in 1934, determining the low water line to be the official boundary between the Delaware / New Jersey border and designating the land to Delaware.
Google Maps
Since this area along the Delaware/New Jersey border is secluded and generally abandoned, it has garnered a reputation for criminal activity. New Jersey state and local police do not have jurisdiction in the area, lending to lawlessness. According to a 1990 article in the Baltimore Sun, an occasional body will be found, drug users have been known to frequent the area and it's a popular place to strip and dump stolen cars. Teens also sneak into this area to drink and party, too. There's also an arson incident almost yearly. Be aware that this promontory is mostly located on private property and trespassing is illegal.
Flickr/Mike Mahaffie
Who knew that part of Delaware could be found within New Jersey's physical borders? In fact, there's a second spot that falls within the 12-mile radius - Artificial Island north of the Hope Creek Generating Station. The above snap from Google Maps highlights the 12-mile radius (in black) and landmasses attached to New Jersey that belong to Delaware (circled in red).
Image/Google Maps

So, do you find learning these fun facts about part of Delaware in New Jersey interesting? Feel free to comment if you’d had a chance to check out this area in the state too. For more unique tidbits of information about New Jersey, take a look at this piece that highlights fascinating facts about the Jersey Shore.

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Part of Delaware in New Jersey

Marla S. | August 03, 2022

What are the most unique places to visit in Delaware?

Aside from Delmarva Peninsula and Finn's Point National Cemetery, there are many other unique points of interest to check out when you're planning to spend some time in Delaware. For starters, take a peek at these unusual places to visit when you're looking for something different to do in the state. This includes wandering through one-of-a-kind museums focused on science and enjoying festivals with quirky themes. In addition to visiting these unique places, you can also take a day trip to Willingham, Delaware for an up-close history lesson, combined with time in nature.

Does Delaware have any natural wonders?

There are plenty of natural wonders scattered along the Delaware/New Jersey border to beyond. To help you figure out what to do and where to go, take a look at this natural wonders road trip. As you’ll see, you have the option of doing everything from spending the day at a scenic beach to enjoying a unique hiking experience. In addition to following this mapped-out day trip, you can plan to spend the day with your family checking out some natural wonders in nearby New Jersey too.

Where is the creepiest destination in Delaware?

Like Finn’s Point National Cemetery, there are other spooky sights to visit in Delaware too. To begin, head to Woodburn Mansion to discover why it’s considered the most haunted house in Delaware. Feel free to also reference this Only In Your State’s Guide to learn about the scariest hikes, towns, and cemeteries in the state too. 

 

 

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Finns Point National Cemetery, 454 Fort Mott Rd, Pennsville, NJ 08070, USA