Marl: Past and Present
Marl is a product in the ground of historic natural forces, typically found where coastlines or shallow bodies of water once existed. It is found in various colors, often greenish, with a number of key mineral ingredients and other characteristics that were valuable to farmers, and later, to chemists. It often contains fossils of ancient creatures, and can tell significant historic stories about the evolution of life on earth.
While it occurs in locations around the world, the massive marl belt of central and south New Jersey is the focus of this examination. It’s a story of science, farmers, railroads, and historical importance. Our examination to date has resulted in several products:
The Buried Wealth of South Jersey: The Great Marl Region. New article!
Published by Stockton University’s Center for South Jersey Culture and History in early 2026, Jim’s heavily documented article provides detailed information and historic photos. What marl is, how it was used by farmers and industry, and its current status.
Read it here.
Presentation Video.
This program has been presented to a number of local organizations, and is updated for such use as appropriate. It provides a broad overview as well as details on several important marl mining operations in South Jersey. See it here.
A Ride through the Past.
During the course of our research of the former Pemberton (Birmingham) marl operation, we were impressed by the unusual nature of Birmingham Road, which runs through the area. The result was this side piece. Read it here.
Dr Ely’s Legacy.
This article, which discusses how the former Mt. Holly, Lumberton and Medford Railroad hauled marl, illustrates how this purpose benefitted local communities in other ways. Read it here.
