Hezekiah Bradley Smith, the town's founder, held over 30 patents for woodworking machinery.
The village was a 'model company town' designed to provide amenities like schools and a library for workers.
The Smithville Mansion served as a private residence for H.B. Smith and his wife, Agnes Gilkerson.
The park preserves the original wood-burning steam engine that once powered the factory.
A series of high-wheel bicycles, known as 'Star Bicycles', were manufactured here in the 1880s.
The park features a dedicated 'Butterfly Garden' specifically managed for native species.
The Rancocas Creek, which runs through the park, provides habitat for diverse waterfowl and bald eagles.
Historic Smithville Park is a 312-acre park in Eastampton Township, New Jersey, centered around the industrial legacy of the Smithville village. It features the restored 1840s Smithville Mansion and various industrial buildings formerly used for manufacturing bicycle wheels and organs. The park contains a diverse landscape, including woodland trails, a floating walkway over the Rancocas Creek, and open meadows. Visitors can explore the preserved workers' houses and mechanical structures that illustrate 19th-century industrial life. The park serves as a hub for local environmental and historical preservation efforts. Its trails connect to a larger network managed by the Burlington County Parks system.
The floating walkway over the Rancocas Creek offers a unique perspective of the water and surrounding wetlands.
Bring binoculars to spot bald eagles often found near the Rancocas Creek.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as many paths are natural dirt or gravel.
Check the county's event calendar for mansion tours, as they require advance scheduling.
Do not attempt to enter restored industrial structures unless participating in a guided tour.
Mansion interiors are typically open for guided tours on specific days and are closed for certain holidays; park grounds remain open year-round.
Stay on marked trails to protect local flora; pets must be leashed at all times.
