This history portrays the gradual development of Cape May County and the progress of its people from the earliest times, covering 1638 to 1897. The information obtained for this volume was supplemented by the collections of the historical societies of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many facts were also gathered from the articles of Francis B. Lee Esq. and from contributions by Col. J. Granville Leach and County Clerk Edward L. Rice. The diaries of Jacob Spicer, the Aarons Learning and Dr. Beesley were perused and liberally abstracted. The plethora of names in this volume makes it a must for the genealogist. The author goes into great detail with biographical sketches of the more prominent citizens of Cape May County, as well as listings of Cape May patriots from the Revolution, First New Jersey Cavalry, enlistments of 1862, men involved in the Civil War campaigns of 1864 and 1865, and distinguished visitors to the county. There are also appendices listing members of the legislature (1702-1897), the boards of chosen freeholders (1827-1897), county officials (1693-1897), postmasters, municipal officers (1851-1897), and the population of Cape May County (1726-1895). An every-name index with over 3,000 names has been added.